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B1 noun 11 min read

lástima

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips lástima in 30 Seconds

Explanation lástima in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'lástima' as a fixed expression. You will mostly hear it as 'Que lástima!', which simply means 'What a pity!' or 'That's too bad!'. It is a polite way to react when someone tells you something slightly negative, like they lost their keys or it's raining on their day off. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just use it as a standalone exclamation to show you are listening and sympathetic. It's a great 'survival' phrase to make you sound more natural in basic conversations. Think of it as a slightly more formal version of 'Que pena!'. At this stage, just focus on the sound and the general feeling of 'oh, that's sad'. You might also see it in very simple sentences like 'É uma lástima', meaning 'It's a pity'. Don't worry about using it for 'poor quality' yet; keep it simple and use it for empathy.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'lástima' in simple sentences with the verb 'ser'. You should be able to say things like 'É uma lástima que...' followed by a simple fact. Although the subjunctive mood is usually taught later, at A2 you might start to memorize 'É uma lástima que...' as a set phrase. You can also use it to describe things that are in a bad state, like 'O carro está uma lástima' (The car is in a terrible state). This expands your vocabulary for describing the world around you. You should also recognize the difference between 'lástima' (the pity) and 'lastimar' (to regret/hurt), even if you don't use the verb much. You are moving beyond just exclamations and starting to use the word to provide basic descriptions and opinions about unfortunate events or messy situations in your daily life.

At the B1 level, you should master the grammar associated with 'lástima'. Specifically, you must use the subjunctive mood after the construction 'É uma lástima que...'. This is a key marker of an intermediate speaker. For example, instead of saying 'É uma lástima que ele não vem' (which sounds slightly uneducated), you should say 'É uma lástima que ele não venha'. You should also understand the nuance between 'lástima' and 'pena'. You can use 'lástima' to express a deeper level of regret or to criticize the quality of something more severely. You might use it in writing to describe a social problem or a disappointing result. You should also be familiar with the phrase 'ter lástima de', meaning to feel pity for someone, and know that it takes the preposition 'de'. This level requires you to be more precise with your emotional vocabulary and grammatical accuracy.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'lástima' with nuance and in more varied contexts, such as professional or academic settings. You should be able to discuss complex topics—like the 'lástima' of environmental degradation or political corruption—using the word to convey a sense of serious lamentation. You will encounter 'lástima' in literature and news media, and you should be able to interpret whether the author is using it to evoke sympathy or to deliver a sharp critique. You should also be comfortable with related words like 'lastimável' (lamentable) or 'lastimoso' (plaintive/pitiful). At this stage, your use of the word should feel natural and integrated into your broader ability to express complex opinions and feelings about abstract concepts. You understand that 'lástima' carries a certain weight and you use it deliberately to strike the right tone in your speech and writing.

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of 'lástima' and its stylistic uses. You can use it ironically, sarcastically, or with great poetic depth. You understand its historical and etymological roots and how it relates to other high-level terms like 'piedade', 'comiseração', or 'descalabro'. In your writing, you might use 'lástima' to create a specific atmosphere or to characterize a person's outlook on life (e.g., 'uma vida marcada pela lástima'). You are aware of regional variations in how the word is used across different Portuguese-speaking countries. You can handle the word in complex grammatical structures, including past and future subjunctive, and you can use it to build persuasive arguments. Your vocabulary is rich enough that 'lástima' is just one of many tools you use to describe the spectrum of human regret and social failure with precision and elegance.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'lástima' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You appreciate the subtle differences between 'sentir lástima', 'dar lástima', and 'ser uma lástima' in every possible context. You can use the word in high-level literary analysis, legal discussions, or philosophical debates. You might use it to discuss the 'finitude humana' or the 'lástima da condição mortal'. You are familiar with the word's appearance in classical Portuguese literature and can discuss its role in the works of authors like Camões or Machado de Assis. You can use the word and its derivatives (like 'lastimar-se') to express the finest shades of meaning, from a quiet, internal lament to a grand, public denunciation. For you, 'lástima' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a cultural and emotional concept that you can manipulate to achieve any rhetorical effect you desire.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

lástima in 30 Seconds

Lástima is a versatile Portuguese noun meaning 'pity', 'shame', or 'disgrace', used to express regret or criticize poor quality.
It is more formal and intense than 'pena' and often triggers the subjunctive mood in complex sentences.
The phrase 'dar lástima' describes someone or something in a sorry, pathetic, or neglected state.
It is essential for B1+ learners to master its use in the construction 'É uma lástima que...'.

The Portuguese word lástima is a deeply expressive noun that translates most directly to 'pity', 'shame', or 'regret' in English. However, its semantic range is broader and often carries a heavier emotional or judgmental weight than its English counterparts. At its core, it refers to a situation, person, or object that evokes a sense of deep disappointment, sadness, or even a touch of contempt due to its poor state or unfortunate circumstances. When you use the word lástima, you are not just noting that something is 'too bad'; you are often highlighting a profound lack of quality or a truly regrettable turn of events that deserves a sigh of despair.

The Compassionate Usage: In its most empathetic form, lástima is used to express genuine sorrow for someone else's misfortune. If a friend loses their job or a beautiful historic building is destroyed in a fire, a Portuguese speaker might say, 'É uma lástima' (It is a pity). Here, it functions as a synonym for pena, though it often sounds slightly more formal or intense. It suggests that the situation is truly lamentable and that the speaker feels a sincere emotional resonance with the tragedy at hand.

Sentir uma profunda lástima pelas vítimas do desastre é uma reação humana natural.

The Judgmental Usage: Conversely, lástima is frequently employed to criticize the quality or condition of something. If you watch a movie that is poorly directed, or if you see a room that is incredibly messy and neglected, you might describe it as 'uma lástima'. In this context, it translates closer to 'a disgrace' or 'a pathetic state'. It implies that the object of the description has fallen so far below expectations that it is actually painful or regrettable to witness. This usage is common in political commentary or social critiques, where a failing infrastructure or a corrupt system is described as a lástima nacional.

Furthermore, the word is often found in the phrase dar lástima, which means 'to look pitiful' or 'to be in a sorry state'. If someone is walking in the rain without an umbrella, looking cold and miserable, you might say 'Ele dá lástima' (He looks pitiful). This nuanced application allows the word to bridge the gap between active sympathy and passive observation of a poor condition. It is a versatile tool for any speaker looking to add emotional depth or critical bite to their descriptions of the world around them. Understanding the balance between the 'sadness' aspect and the 'low quality' aspect is key to mastering its use in social contexts across the Lusophone world.

Using lástima effectively requires an understanding of Portuguese sentence structure, particularly the use of the subjunctive mood and specific prepositional phrases. Because lástima expresses an emotion or a subjective judgment about a situation, it frequently triggers the subjunctive mood when followed by a subordinate clause. This is a crucial grammatical point for B1 learners and above. When you say 'It is a pity that...', the following verb must be in the subjunctive to reflect the subjective nature of the statement.

The Subjunctive Trigger: The most common construction is 'É uma lástima que...' followed by a verb in the present or imperfect subjunctive. For example: 'É uma lástima que você não possa vir à festa' (It is a pity that you cannot come to the party). Here, 'possa' is the present subjunctive of 'poder'. This structure is used to lament a fact or a possibility. It elevates the conversation from a simple statement of fact to a sophisticated expression of regret.

É uma lástima que o projeto tenha sido cancelado por falta de verba.

As a Direct Object: Lástima also functions as the object of verbs like 'sentir' (to feel) or 'ter' (to have). When you 'ter lástima de alguém', you feel sorry for someone. Note the use of the preposition 'de'. For example: 'Tenho lástima dele porque ele trabalha demais e ganha pouco' (I feel sorry for him because he works too much and earns little). This suggests a sense of superiority or distance—you are looking down at a situation with pity.

Não sinto lástima por quem não se esforça para melhorar sua própria vida.

In more informal or descriptive contexts, lástima can be used as a predicate nominative to describe a noun directly. 'O estado daquela estrada é uma lástima' (The state of that road is a disgrace/pitiful). Here, the word acts almost like an adjective, painting a vivid picture of neglect. It is also common in exclamations. When hearing bad news, a simple 'Que lástima!' serves as a polite and empathetic response. By varying these structures, you can use lástima to navigate everything from formal political discourse to casual coffee-shop gossip with ease and accuracy.

In the daily life of a Portuguese speaker, lástima appears in a variety of settings, ranging from the high-brow language of literature and news to the visceral complaints of the street. It is a word that carries 'gravitas', making it a favorite for journalists and commentators. You will frequently encounter it in news headlines discussing social issues, economic crises, or environmental disasters. For example, a reporter might describe the 'lástima' of a drought-stricken region, emphasizing the human suffering and the desolate landscape. In these contexts, the word serves to evoke public sympathy and highlight the urgency of the situation.

In Literature and Telenovelas: Portuguese literature, known for its focus on saudade and existential reflection, often utilizes lástima to describe the tragic condition of characters. In a Brazilian or Portuguese soap opera (telenovela), a villain might look at a fallen rival and mockingly say, 'Você é uma lástima' (You are a pathetic sight). Conversely, a protagonist might weep over a lost love, describing their life as a lástima without the other person. The word's inherent drama makes it perfect for these heightened emotional narratives.

Nas novelas, é comum ouvirmos personagens exclamando: 'Que lástima ver uma família tão nobre reduzida a nada!'

In Professional Critiques: In the workplace or academic settings, lástima is used to express severe disappointment in performance or results. A supervisor might say that the quality of a report is 'uma lástima', signaling that it requires immediate and significant improvement. It is a much stronger word than 'ruim' (bad). While 'ruim' is a simple evaluation, 'lástima' implies that the failure is so great it is actually regrettable. It is the language of high standards and deep frustration.

Finally, you will hear it in religious or philosophical discussions. The concept of lástima is often tied to 'piedade' (piety/mercy). In older texts or sermons, one might hear about the 'lástima de Deus' (God's pity) for sinful humanity. While this usage is becoming less common in modern secular speech, it still informs the word's underlying sense of a higher power or observer looking down with sorrow at a lesser state. Whether it is a grandmother clucking her tongue at a broken toy or a politician decrying the state of the nation, lástima remains a cornerstone of Portuguese emotional vocabulary.

For English speakers learning Portuguese, the word lástima presents several pitfalls that can lead to confusion or unintended meanings. The most frequent mistake is overusing it in situations where the word pena would be more appropriate. While both can mean 'pity', pena is the standard, everyday choice for small misfortunes. If you say 'É uma lástima' because someone dropped their ice cream, it might sound overly dramatic or even slightly sarcastic, as if you are mocking the triviality of the event.

Confusion with Physical Pain: Another common error is confusing the noun lástima with the verb lastimar (to hurt or to regret). While they are related, they are used differently. A learner might try to say 'Eu lástima meu pé' (a nonsensical phrase) instead of 'Eu machuquei meu pé' (I hurt my foot). Remember that lástima is a thing you feel or a state something is in, not an action you perform on a body part. However, you can say 'Eu me lastimo' to mean 'I lament' or 'I complain', but this is quite formal and literary.

Erro comum: 'Sinto lástima na perna' (Errado). Correto: 'Sinto dor na perna' ou 'É uma lástima que minha perna doa'.

The 'False Friend' Trap: English speakers often confuse lástima with 'shame' in the sense of 'embarrassment'. In English, you might say 'I feel shame' when you have done something wrong. In Portuguese, this is vergonha. If you say 'Sinto lástima' after making a mistake, you are saying you feel pity for yourself or the situation, not that you are embarrassed. Lástima is about regret and external pity; vergonha is about internal embarrassment or social disgrace. Mixing these up can lead to very different social signals.

Não confunda: 'Que lástima!' (What a pity!) com 'Que vergonha!' (How embarrassing/shameful!).

Lastly, be careful with the preposition that follows the word. To feel pity *for* someone is 'ter lástima de alguém'. Using 'por' is sometimes heard but 'de' is the standard grammatical choice. Misusing prepositions is a hallmark of intermediate learners, and mastering 'lástima de' will make your Portuguese sound much more natural. Avoid translating directly from English 'pity for' to 'lástima para'. Stick to the established patterns to ensure your meaning is clear and your tone is appropriate for the gravity of the word.

Portuguese is a language rich in emotional nuance, and lástima is part of a cluster of words that deal with sadness, pity, and regret. Choosing the right one depends on the intensity of the feeling and the context of the situation. Understanding these alternatives will help you avoid repetition and express yourself with greater precision. The most immediate alternative is pena, which is the 'workhorse' of the group. It is used in almost all casual settings. 'Que pena!' is the universal response to any minor bad news.

Lástima vs. Pena: While pena is light and common, lástima is heavy and formal. You have pena of a stray cat; you feel lástima for the victims of a civil war. Pena is often fleeting, while lástima suggests a more enduring or fundamental regret. If a student fails a test, it's a pena; if the entire education system is failing, it's a lástima.

Comparação: 'É uma pena que o café esfriou' vs. 'É uma lástima que o café no Brasil seja tão caro para os produtores'.

Dó and Compaixão: Another word, dó, is very common in Brazil and expresses a more visceral, almost physical sense of pity. It is often used for vulnerable beings like children or animals. 'Tenho dó desse cachorrinho'. Compaixão (compassion), on the other hand, is a more noble, elevated term. It implies not just feeling sorry (pity), but a desire to help and a shared sense of suffering. Lástima can sometimes feel cold or observational, whereas compaixão is always warm and active.

Diferença: A lástima observa o problema; a compaixão tenta resolvê-lo.

In terms of describing poor quality, you might use descalabro (a total breakdown/mess) or vergonha (shame/disgrace). If you want to say something is 'pathetic', you could use patético, though this is quite strong and often insulting. Lástima remains the most versatile word for describing something that is both sad and of poor quality. By mastering these synonyms, you can tailor your emotional response to the exact requirements of the moment, showing a deep command of the Portuguese language's expressive potential.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'lástima' is a 'proparoxítona' (stressed on the third-to-last syllable). In Portuguese, every single proparoxítona word must have a written accent. This makes it easy to spot and pronounce once you know the rule!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈlaʃ.ti.mɐ/

US /ˈlas.tʃi.mɐ/

The stress is on the first syllable: LÁS-ti-ma. It is a proparoxytone word (palavra proparoxítona), which is why it always has a written accent on the 'á'.

Rhymes With

vítima legítima íntima última marítima pessimista (slant) estima (slant) clima (slant)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as las-TI-ma (stressing the second syllable).
Ignoring the written accent and pronouncing the 'a' as a closed vowel.
In European Portuguese, forgetting to 'sh' the 's' sound before the 't'.
Confusing the 'ti' sound with 'tee' in regions where it should be 'tchee'.
Pronouncing the final 'a' too clearly; it should be a reduced, neutral 'uh' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, but requires understanding of tone.

Writing 6/5

Requires mastery of the subjunctive mood for correct usage.

Speaking 4/5

Simple as an exclamation, harder to integrate into complex sentences.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, though the accent is important.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Pena Triste Ruim Que Ter

Learn Next

Lastimar Lamentável Piedade Substantivo Subjuntivo

Advanced

Comiseração Descalabro Infortúnio Misericórdia Oprobrio

Grammar to Know

Subjunctive after emotional expressions

É uma lástima que ele *esteja* (subjunctive) triste.

Accentuation of proparoxytones

Lás-ti-ma (all words stressed on the 3rd to last syllable need an accent).

Preposition 'de' with 'lástima'

Ter lástima *de* alguém.

Gender agreement

Uma lástima *profunda* (feminine adjective).

Noun to Verb transition

Lástima (noun) -> Lastimar (verb).

Examples by Level

Que lástima!

What a pity!

Fixed exclamation.

É uma lástima.

It's a pity.

Simple subject-verb-noun structure.

Sinto lástima.

I feel pity.

Verb 'sentir' + noun.

Que lástima, o bolo queimou!

What a pity, the cake burned!

Exclamation used to react to a minor accident.

É uma lástima você não vir.

It's a pity you aren't coming.

Informal use of indicative instead of subjunctive.

Muita lástima.

Much pity / Very sad.

Adjective 'muita' modifying the noun.

Que lástima, perdi meu ônibus.

What a pity, I missed my bus.

Common everyday reaction.

É uma lástima, o jogo acabou.

It's a pity, the game is over.

Simple statement of fact.

O meu quarto está uma lástima.

My room is in a terrible state.

Using 'lástima' to describe poor quality/condition.

Tenho lástima desse gato abandonado.

I feel pity for this abandoned cat.

Phrase 'tenho lástima de' (I have pity for).

É uma lástima que o tempo esteja ruim.

It's a pity that the weather is bad.

Introduction to 'que' + subjunctive (esteja).

As ruas da cidade são uma lástima.

The city streets are a disgrace.

Descriptive use of the noun.

Sinto uma grande lástima por ele.

I feel a great pity for him.

Noun modified by an adjective (grande).

O serviço deste restaurante é uma lástima.

The service in this restaurant is pathetic.

Critique of quality.

É uma lástima, mas não podemos ajudar.

It's a pity, but we can't help.

Concessive use.

A notícia foi uma lástima para todos.

The news was a pity for everyone.

Subject-verb-complement.

É uma lástima que eles não tenham aceitado a proposta.

It is a pity that they didn't accept the proposal.

Subjunctive mood (tenham aceitado) after 'é uma lástima que'.

Dava lástima ver o estado daquela casa antiga.

It was pitiful to see the state of that old house.

Expression 'dar lástima' (to look pitiful).

Não sinto lástima de quem não quer trabalhar.

I don't feel pity for those who don't want to work.

Use of 'lástima de' + relative clause.

É uma lástima que o cinema nacional receba tão pouco apoio.

It is a pity that national cinema receives so little support.

Subjunctive mood (receba) in a social critique.

O resultado do exame foi uma lástima total.

The exam result was a total disgrace.

Strong descriptive use.

Sentimos uma lástima profunda pela perda do seu cão.

We feel deep pity/sorrow for the loss of your dog.

Formal expression of empathy.

É uma lástima que as pessoas joguem lixo no chão.

It's a pity that people throw trash on the ground.

Subjunctive (joguem) expressing moral judgment.

A organização do evento foi uma lástima, ninguém sabia o que fazer.

The organization of the event was a disaster, nobody knew what to do.

Critique of a process/state.

É uma lástima que o governo não tenha priorizado a educação básica.

It is a pity that the government has not prioritized basic education.

Compound past subjunctive (tenha priorizado).

A situação dos refugiados é uma lástima que clama aos céus.

The situation of the refugees is a pity that cries out to heaven.

Idiomatic expression 'clama aos céus' (cries out to heaven).

Sinto lástima por sua incapacidade de enxergar a verdade.

I feel pity for your inability to see the truth.

Abstract usage of 'lástima' in a psychological context.

O filme, apesar do grande orçamento, acabou sendo uma lástima.

The movie, despite the large budget, ended up being a disaster.

Contrastive sentence structure.

É uma lástima que a paz ainda seja um sonho distante naquela região.

It is a pity that peace is still a distant dream in that region.

Subjunctive (seja) used for abstract social states.

Ele se lastimava constantemente pela sorte que teve na vida.

He constantly lamented the luck he had in life.

Reflexive verb 'lastimar-se' (to lament/complain).

A corrupção endêmica é a maior lástima deste país.

Endemic corruption is the greatest shame of this country.

Superlative 'maior' modifying 'lástima'.

É uma lástima que a beleza daquela floresta esteja desaparecendo.

It is a pity that the beauty of that forest is disappearing.

Subjunctive (esteja) for environmental regret.

É uma lástima que a erudição tenha sido substituída pela superficialidade.

It is a pity that erudition has been replaced by superficiality.

High-level vocabulary and compound subjunctive.

O orador expressou sua lástima diante da decadência dos valores morais.

The speaker expressed his regret in the face of the decay of moral values.

Formal register.

Sua conduta foi de uma lástima tal que ninguém ousou defendê-lo.

His conduct was of such a pity/disgrace that no one dared to defend him.

Intensive construction 'de uma lástima tal que'.

É uma lástima que o talento dele tenha se perdido no vício.

It is a pity that his talent has been lost to addiction.

Reflexive verb in a compound subjunctive clause.

A escrita do autor é uma lástima, desprovida de qualquer ritmo ou clareza.

The author's writing is a disgrace, devoid of any rhythm or clarity.

Literary critique using 'lástima'.

Lastimo imenso que não tenhamos tido a oportunidade de conversar.

I deeply regret that we have not had the opportunity to talk.

Verb 'lastimar' in first person singular.

A lástima que sinto não é por mim, mas pelo futuro das nossas crianças.

The pity I feel is not for myself, but for the future of our children.

Complex sentence with contrastive 'não... mas'.

É uma lástima que a verdade seja tão frequentemente sacrificada no altar da conveniência.

It is a pity that truth is so often sacrificed on the altar of convenience.

Metaphorical and philosophical usage.

A obra de arte, outrora magnífica, era agora uma lástima de fragmentos e pó.

The work of art, once magnificent, was now a pitiful collection of fragments and dust.

Evocative, literary description.

É uma lástima que a brevidade da vida nos impeça de alcançar a perfeição.

It is a pity that the brevity of life prevents us from reaching perfection.

Philosophical observation with subjunctive (impeça).

O declínio do império foi uma lástima histórica que ecoa até os dias de hoje.

The decline of the empire was a historical tragedy that echoes to this day.

Use of 'lástima' as a historical descriptor.

Sentia uma lástima quase metafísica pela condição humana e suas limitações.

He felt an almost metaphysical pity for the human condition and its limitations.

Highly abstract and academic register.

A gestão pública transformou-se numa lástima de incompetência e nepotismo.

Public management has turned into a disgrace of incompetence and nepotism.

Socio-political critique.

É uma lástima que a voz da razão seja abafada pelo clamor do fanatismo.

It is a pity that the voice of reason is muffled by the clamor of fanaticism.

Passive voice in a subjunctive clause.

Lastimar o passado é um exercício fútil quando o presente exige ação.

Lamenting the past is a futile exercise when the present demands action.

Infinitive verb 'lastimar' as a subject.

A lástima, neste caso, não é um sentimento passivo, mas uma denúncia da injustiça.

Pity, in this case, is not a passive feeling, but a denunciation of injustice.

Nuanced definition within a sentence.

Common Collocations

É uma lástima que

Dar lástima

Sentir lástima de

Uma lástima total

Ter lástima de

Que lástima!

Uma lástima profunda

Verdadeira lástima

Lástima nacional

Causar lástima

Common Phrases

É uma lástima, mas...

— Used to introduce a disappointing fact while acknowledging the pity of it.

É uma lástima, mas o concerto foi cancelado.

Não sinto a menor lástima.

— A harsh way to say you have zero sympathy for someone.

Ele foi preso e eu não sinto a menor lástima.

O que é uma lástima.

— Used as an appositive to comment on a previously mentioned fact.

Ele não estuda, o que é uma lástima.

Uma lástima de ver.

— Something so bad it is painful to look at.

O jardim está uma lástima de ver.

Por pura lástima.

— Doing something only because you feel sorry for someone.

Eu o ajudei por pura lástima.

Com cara de lástima.

— Having a pitiful or very sad expression on one's face.

Ela chegou em casa com cara de lástima.

De dar lástima.

— So bad that it evokes pity (adjectival phrase).

Ele está com um aspeto de dar lástima.

Uma lástima só.

— Emphasizing that something is completely and utterly pitiful.

O filme foi uma lástima só.

Lástima de vida.

— A miserable or regrettable life.

Que lástima de vida ele leva.

Sentir lástima por si mesmo.

— To feel self-pity.

Pare de sentir lástima por si mesmo e faça algo!

Often Confused With

lástima vs Pena

Pena is lighter and more common; lástima is heavier and can imply poor quality.

lástima vs Vergonha

Vergonha is shame/embarrassment; lástima is pity/regret.

lástima vs Dó

Dó is a very emotional, often Brazilian, word for pity toward the vulnerable.

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar uma lástima"

— To be in a very bad, messy, or broken condition.

Depois da festa, a sala estava uma lástima.

Informal/Neutral

"Dar lástima a alguém"

— To make someone feel sorry for you because of your appearance or state.

O mendigo dava lástima a quem passava.

Neutral

"Uma lástima que clama aos céus"

— A situation so terrible or unjust that it demands divine intervention or public outcry.

A fome no mundo é uma lástima que clama aos céus.

Formal/Literary

"Ser a lástima das lástimas"

— To be the absolute worst or most pitiful thing imaginable.

Aquele discurso foi a lástima das lástimas.

Informal/Emphatic

"Fazer lástima"

— To cause pity or to be in a sorry state (similar to dar lástima).

Aquele prédio abandonado faz lástima.

Neutral

"Viver de lástimas"

— To live a life full of complaints or to depend on others' pity.

Ele não trabalha, vive de lástimas.

Informal

"Um mar de lástimas"

— A situation or person overwhelmed by many sorrows or complaints.

A vida dela transformou-se num mar de lástimas.

Literary

"Lástima de gente"

— A group of people or a person considered pathetic or of low character.

Não se misture com aquela lástima de gente.

Informal/Insulting

"Cair na lástima"

— To fall into a state of misery or to become pitiful.

Depois de perder o emprego, ele caiu na lástima.

Neutral

"Sem lástima"

— Without pity; ruthlessly.

O inimigo atacou sem lástima.

Formal

Easily Confused

lástima vs Lastimar

It's the verb form.

Lástima is the noun (the pity); lastimar is the action (to pity/regret).

Eu lastimo (verb) a sua perda; é uma lástima (noun).

lástima vs Lastimável

Adjective form.

Lástima is the thing; lastimável describes the thing.

O estado da casa é uma lástima; a casa está em um estado lastimável.

lástima vs Piedade

Synonym.

Piedade has a religious or mercy-based connotation; lástima is more about regret or poor state.

Tenha piedade! (Mercy); É uma lástima. (Pity).

lástima vs Miséria

Overlapping meaning.

Miséria implies extreme lack; lástima implies a regrettable condition.

A miséria do povo; A lástima da organização.

lástima vs Lamento

Synonym.

Lamento is the expression of grief; lástima is the cause or feeling of pity.

Ouvi seu lamento; Sinto lástima.

Sentence Patterns

Que lástima!

É uma lástima.

É uma lástima que + [Subjunctive]

É uma lástima que você não venha.

Ter lástima de + [Noun]

Tenho lástima dele.

[Noun] + estar uma lástima

O carro está uma lástima.

Dar lástima + [Infinitive]

Dá lástima ver tanta pobreza.

Sentir lástima por + [Abstract Noun]

Sinto lástima pela sua arrogância.

Lastimar-se de + [Noun/Infinitive]

Ele lastima-se de ter perdido o tempo.

Word Family

Nouns

lástima

lastimação (rare, the act of lamenting)

Verbs

lastimar (to regret, to lament)

lastimar-se (to complain, to moan)

Adjectives

lastimável (lamentable, pitiful)

lastimoso (sorrowful, plaintive)

lamento

lamentável

lamentar

lastimado

lamentação

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both spoken and written Portuguese, especially in news and storytelling.

Common Mistakes

Using 'lástima' for physical pain. → Sinto dor no braço.
Lástima refers to pity or a bad state, not physical sensation. Using it for pain makes no sense in Portuguese.
Using the indicative after 'É uma lástima que'. → É uma lástima que ele não esteja aqui.
This phrase expresses a subjective emotion and therefore triggers the subjunctive mood.
Confusing 'lástima' with 'vergonha'. → Tenho vergonha do que fiz.
If you are embarrassed, use 'vergonha'. If you feel pity for a situation, use 'lástima'.
Pronouncing 'lástima' with stress on the second syllable. → LÁS-ti-ma
The written accent on the 'á' indicates it is a proparoxytone, meaning the stress is on the third-to-last syllable.
Using 'lástima para' instead of 'lástima de'. → Tenho lástima de você.
The preposition 'de' is the standard one used with verbs of feeling pity in this context.

Tips

Master the Subjunctive

Always pair 'É uma lástima que' with the subjunctive. This is one of the most common ways to practice this mood. Example: 'É uma lástima que ele não saiba' (not 'sabe').

Use it for Quality

Don't just use 'lástima' for sadness. Use it to describe things in bad shape. 'Esta comida está uma lástima' (This food is terrible).

The First Syllable

Put all the energy into the 'LÁS'. If you miss the stress, people might not understand the word, as proparoxytones are very distinctive in Portuguese.

Empathy vs. Pity

In Portuguese culture, showing 'lástima' is a common way to bond. It's okay to express it, but avoid sounding superior when saying you feel it for someone.

Formal Writing

In academic or professional writing, 'lástima' is preferred over 'pena' to describe regrettable social or economic conditions.

Informal Hyperbole

Younger people might use 'uma lástima' to describe a boring party or a bad haircut as a form of humorous exaggeration.

Listen for Prepositions

Pay attention to 'lástima de' vs 'lástima por'. 'De' is more traditional for feeling pity for someone.

Not for Pain

Never use 'lástima' to describe physical pain. Use 'dor'. 'Lástima' is for emotional or situational regret.

The 'Last' Trick

Remember: Lástima is the 'Last' thing you want to see. It helps you link the word to its negative/regrettable meaning.

Check the Tone

Before using 'lástima' for a person, consider if you want to sound sympathetic or insulting. The context determines the meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'LAST-ima'. It's the LAST thing you want to happen. When something is a 'lástima', it's the 'last' (worst) state a thing can be in.

Visual Association

Imagine a 'Last' place trophy in a race. It's a 'lástima' to come in last if you worked hard, but the trophy itself is also 'uma lástima' (poor quality).

Word Web

Pena Dó Regret Subjunctive Bad quality Disgrace Lament Sorrow

Challenge

Try to use 'lástima' three times today: once as an exclamation ('Que lástima!'), once to describe a messy room, and once with the subjunctive ('É uma lástima que...').

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'lastima', which is related to the verb 'lastimar'. The verb itself likely evolved from a Vulgar Latin form influenced by the Greek 'elákhistos' (smallest/least), or more directly from the concept of a 'blasphemy' or 'complaint' that evolved into 'lament'.

Original meaning: Originally referred to a cry of pain or a complaint resulting from a physical or emotional wound.

Romance (Indo-European)

Cultural Context

Calling a person 'uma lástima' is a very strong insult. It suggests they are pathetic or worthless. Use it for situations or objects rather than people unless you intend to be very harsh.

English speakers often use 'shame' (e.g., 'What a shame!') where Portuguese speakers use 'lástima'. However, 'shame' in English can also mean 'vergonha', so be careful with the translation.

Fado songs often contain the verb 'lastimar' or the noun 'lástima' to describe lost love. Machado de Assis, the famous Brazilian author, used the word to describe the pathetic social climbing of his characters. In the movie 'Central do Brasil', the protagonist's life is initially presented as a 'lástima' of loneliness.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Reacting to bad news

Que lástima!
É uma lástima ouvir isso.
Sinto muita lástima.
Que lástima que aconteceu.

Complaining about quality

Está uma lástima.
O serviço é uma lástima.
Uma lástima total.
Ficou uma lástima.

Expressing empathy

Tenho lástima dele.
Sinto lástima pela situação.
É uma lástima o que ele passa.
Dá lástima ver isso.

Political/Social critique

Uma lástima nacional.
A situação é uma lástima.
É uma lástima que nada mude.
A gestão é uma lástima.

Personal regret

É uma lástima que eu não fui.
Sinto lástima por ter perdido.
Minha vida está uma lástima.
Que lástima de escolha.

Conversation Starters

"Você não acha uma lástima que o cinema antigo tenha fechado?"

"É uma lástima que o transporte público seja tão caro, não é?"

"Que lástima que o seu time perdeu ontem! Como você se sente?"

"Você já viu o estado daquela praça? Está uma lástima, concorda?"

"É uma lástima que a gente não se veja com mais frequência."

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma situação recente que você considerou uma lástima.

O que em sua cidade você acha que está uma lástima e por quê?

Você sente lástima por personagens de livros? Dê um exemplo.

Reflita sobre a frase: 'É uma lástima que a juventude seja desperdiçada nos jovens'.

Descreva um objeto que você possui que está uma lástima, mas você não quer jogar fora.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is common in both, but 'pena' is more frequently used in casual Brazilian speech. 'Lástima' often sounds slightly more formal or emphatic in Brazil, whereas in Portugal it is a standard part of the vocabulary for both pity and poor quality.

When used in the construction 'É uma lástima que...', yes, the following verb should be in the subjunctive. In casual speech, some people might use the indicative, but it is grammatically incorrect. When used as a simple noun or exclamation, it does not involve the subjunctive.

Only in the sense of 'That's a shame' (regret). If you mean 'I feel shame' (embarrassment), you must use 'vergonha'. 'Lástima' is about pity, not social embarrassment.

'Dó' is a very common Brazilian word that expresses a deep, visceral pity, often for something helpless like a puppy or a child. 'Lástima' is broader and can also mean that something is of very poor quality, which 'dó' does not imply.

Yes, but be careful. Saying 'Ele é uma lástima' means 'He is pathetic' or 'He is in a sorry state'. It can be quite offensive depending on the context. Saying 'Tenho lástima dele' is less offensive but still implies you are looking down on him.

The 'á' with the acute accent is an open sound, like the 'a' in 'father'. Because it is a proparoxytone, you must emphasize the 'LÁS' syllable strongly.

Yes, to describe a very poor result or a disastrous project. 'O relatório foi uma lástima' (The report was a disaster). It is a strong way to express dissatisfaction.

Yes, 'lástimas'. It is often used in the phrase 'um mar de lástimas' (a sea of sorrows/complaints) or when referring to multiple regrettable events.

Words like 'alegria' (joy), 'sorte' (luck), or 'perfeição' (perfection) can be considered opposites depending on whether you are talking about a feeling or the state of an object.

Essentially, yes, but 'que lástima' is slightly more formal and can feel more intense. 'Que pena' is the everyday, casual version.