At the A1 level, you usually learn basic emotions like 'happy' (feliz) and 'sad' (triste). You might not use the word 'infelicidad' yet because it is a complex noun. However, you can understand it as the opposite of 'felicidad'. If 'felicidad' is a big smile, 'infelicidad' is a long period of feeling very sad and not having a smile. It is the name for the feeling of being 'infeliz' (unhappy). You can think of it as 'very long sadness'. Even at this level, knowing that 'in-' often means 'not' can help you understand many Spanish words. So, 'in-' + 'felicidad' = 'not happiness'.
At the A2 level, you start to move beyond simple adjectives and use more nouns to describe feelings. 'Infelicidad' is a feminine noun (la infelicidad). You might use it in simple sentences like 'La infelicidad es mala' (Unhappiness is bad) or 'Él siente mucha infelicidad' (He feels a lot of unhappiness). You are beginning to see that emotions aren't just things you 'are' (using ser/estar), but things you can 'have' or 'feel'. You might notice this word in simple stories or songs where characters are going through a difficult time.
At the B1 level, you are expected to describe experiences, events, and abstract feelings in more detail. 'Infelicidad' is a perfect word for this level. You can use it to talk about why someone is unhappy in their job or why a situation in a book is tragic. You should be able to distinguish between 'tristeza' (a temporary feeling) and 'infelicidad' (a more permanent state). You can also start using it with more verbs like 'causar' (to cause) or 'evitar' (to avoid). For example: 'El dinero no siempre evita la infelicidad' (Money doesn't always avoid unhappiness).
At the B2 level, you can use 'infelicidad' to discuss social issues and more complex personal narratives. You might talk about the 'infelicidad' of a society or the psychological causes of unhappiness. You should be comfortable using the word in debates or writing essays. You can use it with more advanced adjectives like 'crónica' (chronic) or 'existencial' (existential). At this level, you understand the nuance that 'infelicidad' isn't just about feeling bad; it's about a lack of fulfillment and peace in one's life.
At the C1 level, you use 'infelicidad' with precision in academic, professional, and literary contexts. You can discuss the philosophical implications of unhappiness and how it is portrayed in different historical periods of Spanish literature. You might use it to analyze the 'infelicidad' of characters in a complex novel like 'Nada' by Carmen Laforet. You understand that the word can also imply 'misfortune' in a more formal sense and can use synonyms like 'desdicha' or 'infortunio' to vary your vocabulary and match the register of your speech or writing.
At the C2 level, 'infelicidad' is just one of many words in your emotional vocabulary. You can use it to explore the deepest nuances of the human condition. You might discuss the 'estética de la infelicidad' (aesthetics of unhappiness) in art or the 'paradoja de la infelicidad' in modern wealthy societies. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, and you can use the word in complex rhetorical structures, wordplay, and highly formal academic writing. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its etymological roots in Latin.

infelicidad em 30 segundos

  • Infelicidad is the Spanish noun for 'unhappiness,' representing a sustained state of emotional distress or lack of fulfillment in one's life or circumstances.
  • It is a feminine noun (la infelicidad) and is the direct opposite of 'felicidad' (happiness), often carrying a more serious tone than simple sadness.
  • Commonly used in literature, psychology, and serious conversations, it helps describe deep-seated dissatisfaction rather than temporary moods or fleeting negative emotions.
  • Mastering this word allows learners to express complex emotional states and participate in deeper discussions about well-being, mental health, and the human condition.

The Spanish word infelicidad is a powerful noun that encapsulates the state of being unhappy, miserable, or dissatisfied with one's life or circumstances. While it is the direct equivalent of the English word 'unhappiness,' its usage in Spanish often carries a slightly more profound or existential weight, depending on the context. At its core, it is the negation of felicidad (happiness), formed by the prefix in- which denotes lack or reversal. Understanding this word requires looking beyond a simple 'bad mood'; it describes a sustained state of emotional distress or a lack of fulfillment.

Emotional Depth
In Spanish literature and philosophy, infelicidad is often treated as a condition of the human soul. It isn't just about losing your keys; it's about the deep sense of longing or the absence of joy in one's existence. It is frequently used to describe a life that feels incomplete or a heart that feels heavy over a long period.
Situational Misfortune
Beyond the internal feeling, the word can also refer to external circumstances that lead to misery. For example, a 'marriage of unhappiness' (un matrimonio de infelicidad) implies that the structure of the relationship itself generates the negative state. In this sense, it describes the quality of a situation rather than just the emotion of the person within it.
Abstract Concept
In academic or psychological discussions, infelicidad is used as a technical term to categorize states of depression, dissatisfaction, or social malaise. It is often contrasted with socioeconomic indicators of well-being to show that material wealth does not always prevent this state.

La infelicidad no es siempre el resultado de la pobreza, sino a veces de la soledad profunda.

Translation: Unhappiness is not always the result of poverty, but sometimes of deep loneliness.

A pesar de su riqueza, se podía ver la infelicidad en sus ojos cansados.

Translation: Despite his wealth, one could see the unhappiness in his tired eyes.

Muchos poetas han escrito sobre la infelicidad como un motor para la creación artística.

Translation: Many poets have written about unhappiness as a motor for artistic creation.

La infelicidad laboral es una de las causas principales del agotamiento crónico.

Translation: Workplace unhappiness is one of the main causes of chronic burnout.

Es difícil escapar de la infelicidad cuando no se tiene un propósito claro en la vida.

Translation: It is difficult to escape unhappiness when one does not have a clear purpose in life.

When you use infelicidad, you are often making a statement about the quality of a person's life. It is a word that invites empathy and deeper exploration. In modern Spanish, you might hear it in podcasts about mental health or read it in novels that explore the complexities of human relationships. It is not a word used lightly in casual conversation (where estar triste or pasarlo mal might be more common), but it is essential for expressing serious emotional states.

Using infelicidad correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and how it interacts with verbs like causar (to cause), sentir (to feel), or evitar (to avoid). Because it represents an abstract concept, it is frequently the subject or the direct object of a sentence. It can also follow prepositions like con (with) or por (because of).

As a Subject
When infelicidad is the subject, it often performs an action that affects someone's life. For example: 'La infelicidad puede destruir una familia' (Unhappiness can destroy a family). Here, the concept itself is the active force.
With Verbs of Perception
We often use verbs like notar (to notice) or percibir (to perceive) to describe seeing unhappiness in others. 'Noté una profunda infelicidad en su voz' (I noticed a deep unhappiness in her voice).
Describing Causes
To describe what leads to this state, we use causa de or motivo de. 'El aislamiento es una causa común de infelicidad' (Isolation is a common cause of unhappiness).

Ella luchó contra su propia infelicidad durante muchos años antes de buscar ayuda profesional.

Translation: She fought against her own unhappiness for many years before seeking professional help.

No quiero que mi infelicidad afecte el bienestar de mis hijos.

Translation: I don't want my unhappiness to affect my children's well-being.

La infelicidad reinaba en la casa después de la partida de su abuelo.

Translation: Unhappiness reigned in the house after their grandfather's departure.

In more complex sentences, infelicidad can be modified by adjectives like crónica (chronic), pasajera (fleeting), or insoportable (unbearable). These modifiers help define the duration and intensity of the state. For example, 'Sufre de una infelicidad crónica que requiere terapia' (He suffers from chronic unhappiness that requires therapy). This level of detail is common in psychological or literary contexts.

While infelicidad might seem like a heavy word, it appears in several specific contexts in the Spanish-speaking world. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize when it's appropriate to use it versus a simpler word like tristeza.

  • Literature and Poetry: Spanish literature, from the Golden Age to modern Latin American boom authors, frequently explores the theme of infelicidad. It's used to describe the tragic lives of characters or the state of a nation.
  • Mental Health Discussions: In therapy, self-help books, and mental health awareness campaigns, infelicidad is a key term used to discuss well-being and life satisfaction.
  • News and Social Analysis: You will often see headlines discussing the 'index of unhappiness' (índice de infelicidad) in certain regions or demographics, often linked to economic or social crises.
  • Song Lyrics: Boleros, tangos, and even modern ballads often use infelicidad to describe the pain of lost love or a life without a partner.

El estudio revela un aumento en la infelicidad juvenil debido al uso excesivo de redes sociales.

Translation: The study reveals an increase in youth unhappiness due to excessive social media use.

In daily life, if you are talking to a friend about a bad day, you probably won't use infelicidad. You'd say 'estoy triste' or 'estoy de bajón'. However, if you are having a serious heart-to-heart about your life's direction, infelicidad becomes the appropriate, more weighty term. It signals that the issue is not just a passing cloud, but something more fundamental.

Learners of Spanish often encounter a few specific hurdles when using infelicidad. Avoiding these will make your Spanish sound more natural and precise.

Confusion with 'Tristeza'
The most common mistake is using infelicidad when you just mean 'sadness'. If you cry during a movie, that's tristeza. If you feel that your entire life lacks meaning, that's infelicidad. Don't use the 'heavy' word for a 'light' emotion.
Incorrect Gender
Because it ends in -dad, it is always feminine. Beginners sometimes mistakenly use masculine articles: el infelicidad. It must always be la infelicidad.
Mixing up Adjective and Noun
Remember that infeliz is the adjective (unhappy) and infelicidad is the noun (unhappiness). You cannot say 'estoy infelicidad'. You must say 'estoy infeliz' or 'siento infelicidad'.

Es un error pensar que la infelicidad se cura simplemente con dinero.

Translation: It is a mistake to think that unhappiness is cured simply with money.

Another mistake is overusing the word. Because it is so strong, using it too often can make you sound overly dramatic or pessimistic. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.

Spanish has a rich vocabulary for emotions. Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you might choose a different word than infelicidad.

Infelicidad vs. Tristeza
Tristeza is a specific emotion, often temporary. Infelicidad is a state of being. You can be triste for a moment within a generally happy life, but infelicidad implies a more systemic issue.
Infelicidad vs. Desdicha
Desdicha often refers to bad luck or misfortune. While infelicidad is internal, desdicha can feel like the universe is working against you. It is often used in more literary or old-fashioned contexts.
Infelicidad vs. Amargura
Amargura (bitterness) is a specific type of unhappiness caused by resentment or disappointment. If someone's infelicidad makes them angry and resentful, you might describe it as amargura.
Infelicidad vs. Miseria
Miseria can mean extreme unhappiness, but it also literally means extreme poverty. Be careful with this one, as context determines whether you are talking about someone's bank account or their soul.

A veces la infelicidad se disfraza de aburrimiento constante.

Translation: Sometimes unhappiness disguises itself as constant boredom.

Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the duration (infelicidad), the cause (desdicha), the flavor (amargura), or the intensity (miseria) of the feeling.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The root 'felix' originally meant 'fruitful' or 'productive'. So, etymologically, 'infelicidad' is like being 'unfruitful' or 'unproductive' in spirit.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /in.fe.li.θi.ˈðað/
US /in.fe.li.si.ˈðað/
The stress is on the last syllable: in-fe-li-ci-DAD.
Rima com
verdad ciudad libertad amistad bondad soledad realidad humildad
Erros comuns
  • Stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., in-fe-LI-ci-dad).
  • Pronouncing the 'in-' like the English word 'in' instead of the Spanish 'een'.
  • Making the final 'd' too hard, like a 't'.
  • Confusing the 'c' sound with a 'k' sound.
  • Missing the 'i' sound in the third syllable.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'felicidad', but appears in complex texts.

Escrita 4/5

Requires understanding of noun-adjective agreement and abstract usage.

Expressão oral 4/5

The pronunciation of 'ci-dad' can be tricky for English speakers.

Audição 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually, but can be confused with 'infeliz'.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

feliz felicidad triste tristeza sentir

Aprenda a seguir

desdicha amargura bienestar plenitud angustia

Avançado

nihilismo melancolía pesadumbre acedía desasosiego

Gramática essencial

Nouns ending in -dad are always feminine.

La infelicidad (correct), El infelicidad (incorrect).

The prefix 'in-' acts as a negation.

Feliz -> Infeliz; Felicidad -> Infelicidad.

Abstract nouns like 'infelicidad' usually take the definite article 'la' when used in a general sense.

La infelicidad es parte de la vida.

Adjectives modifying 'infelicidad' must be feminine.

Una infelicidad profunda.

Verbs like 'sentir' take the noun as a direct object.

Siento infelicidad.

Exemplos por nível

1

La infelicidad es lo opuesto a la felicidad.

Unhappiness is the opposite of happiness.

Noun 'infelicidad' used as a subject.

2

No me gusta la infelicidad.

I don't like unhappiness.

Direct object of the verb 'gustar' (technically the subject in Spanish structure).

3

Ella tiene mucha infelicidad.

She has a lot of unhappiness.

Used with the quantifier 'mucha' (feminine).

4

La infelicidad es triste.

Unhappiness is sad.

Simple subject-predicate structure.

5

Vemos la infelicidad en el mundo.

We see unhappiness in the world.

Direct object of 'ver'.

6

La infelicidad no es buena.

Unhappiness is not good.

Negative sentence with the verb 'ser'.

7

¿Qué es la infelicidad?

What is unhappiness?

Interrogative sentence.

8

Siento su infelicidad.

I feel his/her unhappiness.

Possessive adjective 'su' with the noun.

1

La infelicidad de Pedro es muy grande.

Pedro's unhappiness is very great.

Using 'de' to show possession.

2

Ellos viven en la infelicidad.

They live in unhappiness.

Prepositional phrase 'en la infelicidad'.

3

La infelicidad puede venir de muchas cosas.

Unhappiness can come from many things.

Modal verb 'puede' followed by 'venir'.

4

Quiero ayudar a las personas con infelicidad.

I want to help people with unhappiness.

Preposition 'con' describing the state of the people.

5

Su infelicidad empezó el año pasado.

His/her unhappiness started last year.

Past tense verb 'empezó'.

6

No entiendo la infelicidad de este libro.

I don't understand the unhappiness of this book.

Demonstrative adjective 'este'.

7

La infelicidad es un sentimiento fuerte.

Unhappiness is a strong feeling.

Noun-adjective agreement (sentimiento fuerte).

8

Hay mucha infelicidad en esa película.

There is a lot of unhappiness in that movie.

Use of 'hay' (there is/are).

1

La infelicidad laboral afecta a muchos trabajadores hoy en día.

Workplace unhappiness affects many workers nowadays.

Adjective 'laboral' modifying the noun.

2

Es importante identificar la causa de tu infelicidad.

It is important to identify the cause of your unhappiness.

Infinitive 'identificar' as the subject of 'es importante'.

3

A veces, la infelicidad es solo una falta de propósito.

Sometimes, unhappiness is just a lack of purpose.

Adverb 'solo' modifying the noun phrase.

4

La infelicidad se puede superar con el tiempo y apoyo.

Unhappiness can be overcome with time and support.

Passive 'se' structure (se puede superar).

5

Su infelicidad era evidente para todos sus amigos.

His/her unhappiness was evident to all their friends.

Imperfect tense 'era' for description.

6

No dejes que la infelicidad controle tu vida.

Don't let unhappiness control your life.

Negative imperative 'no dejes' with subjunctive 'controle'.

7

La infelicidad no es un estado permanente.

Unhappiness is not a permanent state.

Adjective 'permanente' modifying the noun 'estado'.

8

Ella escribió un diario sobre su infelicidad.

She wrote a diary about her unhappiness.

Preposition 'sobre' (about).

1

La infelicidad crónica puede derivar en problemas de salud física.

Chronic unhappiness can lead to physical health problems.

Verb 'derivar en' (to lead to/result in).

2

Muchos filósofos han debatido sobre la naturaleza de la infelicidad.

Many philosophers have debated the nature of unhappiness.

Present perfect 'han debatido'.

3

La infelicidad colectiva suele ser el preludio de cambios sociales.

Collective unhappiness is usually the prelude to social changes.

Adjective 'colectiva' and noun 'preludio'.

4

A pesar de su éxito, la infelicidad lo perseguía constantemente.

Despite his success, unhappiness pursued him constantly.

Concession phrase 'A pesar de'.

5

La sociedad moderna a menudo ignora las raíces de la infelicidad.

Modern society often ignores the roots of unhappiness.

Adverb 'a menudo' (often).

6

Es una paradoja que la riqueza a veces traiga más infelicidad.

It is a paradox that wealth sometimes brings more unhappiness.

Subjunctive 'traiga' after 'es una paradoja que'.

7

La infelicidad no se resuelve simplemente con distracciones.

Unhappiness is not resolved simply with distractions.

Passive 'se' with 'se resuelve'.

8

Debemos analizar qué factores contribuyen a la infelicidad urbana.

We must analyze what factors contribute to urban unhappiness.

Relative pronoun 'qué' in an indirect question.

1

La infelicidad se manifiesta de formas sutiles en la vida cotidiana.

Unhappiness manifests itself in subtle ways in daily life.

Reflexive verb 'manifestarse'.

2

Su obra literaria es un estudio profundo sobre la infelicidad humana.

His/her literary work is a profound study of human unhappiness.

Adjective 'profundo' modifying 'estudio'.

3

La infelicidad puede ser el resultado de una disonancia cognitiva prolongada.

Unhappiness can be the result of prolonged cognitive dissonance.

Technical term 'disonancia cognitiva'.

4

Existe una correlación entre la infelicidad y la falta de redes de apoyo.

There is a correlation between unhappiness and the lack of support networks.

Verb 'existir' at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis.

5

La infelicidad no es un destino, sino un síntoma de algo más profundo.

Unhappiness is not a destiny, but a symptom of something deeper.

Contrastive structure 'no... sino...'.

6

El autor retrata la infelicidad como una sombra que nunca se desvanece.

The author portrays unhappiness as a shadow that never fades.

Simile 'como una sombra'.

7

La infelicidad existencial surge cuando cuestionamos el sentido de todo.

Existential unhappiness arises when we question the meaning of everything.

Adjective 'existencial' and verb 'surgir'.

8

Tratar la infelicidad requiere un enfoque holístico de la persona.

Treating unhappiness requires a holistic approach to the person.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive 'tratar' as a subject.

1

La infelicidad, en su acepción más trágica, es la pérdida total de la esperanza.

Unhappiness, in its most tragic sense, is the total loss of hope.

Appositive phrase 'en su acepción más trágica'.

2

La dialéctica entre felicidad e infelicidad es central en el pensamiento moderno.

The dialectic between happiness and unhappiness is central to modern thought.

Noun 'dialéctica' followed by 'entre... e...'.

3

Se percibe una cierta infelicidad subyacente en el discurso del político.

A certain underlying unhappiness is perceived in the politician's speech.

Adjective 'subyacente' (underlying).

4

La infelicidad no se debe mitigar con soluciones superficiales y efímeras.

Unhappiness should not be mitigated with superficial and ephemeral solutions.

Passive 'se' with modal 'debe' and infinitive 'mitigar'.

5

La fenomenología de la infelicidad explora cómo se vive esta emoción internamente.

The phenomenology of unhappiness explores how this emotion is lived internally.

Academic term 'fenomenología'.

6

A menudo, la infelicidad es el subproducto de una ambición desmedida.

Often, unhappiness is the byproduct of excessive ambition.

Noun 'subproducto' and adjective 'desmedida'.

7

La infelicidad puede ser tan contagiosa como cualquier virus biológico.

Unhappiness can be as contagious as any biological virus.

Comparative structure 'tan... como...'.

8

El nihilismo a menudo desemboca en una infelicidad que paraliza la voluntad.

Nihilism often leads to an unhappiness that paralyzes the will.

Verb 'desembocar en' and relative clause 'que paraliza...'.

Colocações comuns

causar infelicidad
profunda infelicidad
infelicidad crónica
evitar la infelicidad
fuente de infelicidad
superar la infelicidad
infelicidad conyugal
sentir infelicidad
esconder la infelicidad
índice de infelicidad

Frases Comuns

La infelicidad no tiene cura.

— A pessimistic phrase suggesting that certain types of misery cannot be fixed.

Él cree que su infelicidad no tiene cura, pero necesita terapia.

Vivir en la infelicidad.

— To exist in a constant state of being unhappy.

No puedes seguir viviendo en la infelicidad solo por miedo al cambio.

Una vida de infelicidad.

— Describing a person's entire existence as marked by misery.

Muchos personajes de Dickens tienen una vida de infelicidad.

La raíz de la infelicidad.

— The fundamental cause of someone's misery.

Debemos encontrar la raíz de tu infelicidad para poder sanar.

En medio de la infelicidad.

— Being surrounded by or in the middle of a miserable situation.

En medio de la infelicidad, encontró un pequeño rayo de esperanza.

El secreto de la infelicidad.

— Often used ironically to describe habits that lead to misery.

El secreto de la infelicidad es intentar complacer a todo el mundo.

Luchar contra la infelicidad.

— To make an effort to overcome or resist being unhappy.

Ella está luchando contra la infelicidad con mucho coraje.

Aceptar la infelicidad.

— Coming to terms with a state of misery instead of fighting it.

A veces, aceptar la infelicidad es el primer paso para cambiarla.

Causar infelicidad ajena.

— To make other people unhappy through one's actions.

No deberías buscar tu éxito causando infelicidad ajena.

Reflejar infelicidad.

— When someone's appearance or behavior shows they are unhappy.

Su rostro reflejaba una infelicidad que nadie podía ignorar.

Frequentemente confundido com

infelicidad vs infeliz

Infeliz is the adjective (unhappy), while infelicidad is the noun (unhappiness).

infelicidad vs tristeza

Tristeza is an emotion; infelicidad is a more permanent state of being.

infelicidad vs miseria

Miseria often refers to poverty in Spanish, though it can mean extreme unhappiness.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Ser un mar de infelicidad"

— To be extremely unhappy, as if drowned in it.

Desde que perdió su trabajo, es un mar de infelicidad.

Informal/Poetic
"Ahogarse en la infelicidad"

— To be overwhelmed by one's own misery.

No dejes que te ahogues en la infelicidad; busca ayuda.

Emotional
"La infelicidad no paga renta"

— A way of saying that being unhappy doesn't provide any benefit.

Anímate, que la infelicidad no paga renta y la vida sigue.

Colloquial
"Cargar con la infelicidad"

— To carry unhappiness like a heavy burden.

Carga con la infelicidad de un amor no correspondido.

Literary
"Sembrar infelicidad"

— To act in a way that causes misery for others.

Ese hombre solo sabe sembrar infelicidad por donde pasa.

Neutral
"Beber la copa de la infelicidad"

— To experience a very bitter or miserable situation.

Le tocó beber la copa de la infelicidad tras el fracaso de su negocio.

Poetic/Old-fashioned
"Tener la cara de la infelicidad"

— To look visibly and extremely miserable.

Míralo, tiene la cara de la infelicidad personificada.

Informal
"Hacer de la infelicidad un arte"

— To focus so much on being unhappy that it becomes a defining trait.

Algunos escritores parecen hacer de la infelicidad un arte.

Metaphorical
"Vender infelicidad"

— To promote a pessimistic or miserable worldview.

Los medios a veces solo se dedican a vender infelicidad.

Social Critique
"Ponerle nombre a la infelicidad"

— To identify exactly why one is unhappy.

Finalmente pudo ponerle nombre a su infelicidad: era falta de libertad.

Psychological

Fácil de confundir

infelicidad vs Desdicha

Both mean unhappiness.

Desdicha often implies bad luck or a tragic fate, whereas infelicidad is more about the internal state.

Su desdicha fue perder a toda su familia en el naufragio.

infelicidad vs Amargura

Both are negative emotional states.

Amargura specifically involves resentment, while infelicidad is more general.

Su amargura no le permite disfrutar de nada.

infelicidad vs Pesar

Both relate to feeling bad.

Pesar is usually connected to a specific cause or regret, like grief.

Siento un gran pesar por tu pérdida.

infelicidad vs Angustia

Both are painful feelings.

Angustia is more about anxiety and intense distress, often physical.

Sintió una angustia terrible antes del examen.

infelicidad vs Infortunio

Both relate to lack of happiness.

Infortunio is more formal and refers to a series of unlucky events.

El infortunio lo persiguió durante todo el viaje.

Padrões de frases

A1

La infelicidad es [adjetivo].

La infelicidad es mala.

A2

Él/Ella tiene [mucho/mucha] [sustantivo].

Ella tiene mucha infelicidad.

B1

No dejes que la infelicidad [subjuntivo].

No dejes que la infelicidad te gane.

B2

A pesar de [algo], la infelicidad [verbo].

A pesar de su fama, la infelicidad lo seguía.

C1

La infelicidad se manifiesta a través de [algo].

La infelicidad se manifiesta a través del silencio.

C2

La dialéctica entre [sustantivo] e infelicidad...

La dialéctica entre éxito e infelicidad es compleja.

B1

Es difícil vivir con tanta [sustantivo].

Es difícil vivir con tanta infelicidad.

B2

La infelicidad es el resultado de [causa].

La infelicidad es el resultado de sus errores.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

felicidad (happiness)
infeliz (unhappy person - can be used as a noun)
infelicidad (unhappiness)

Verbos

felicitar (to congratulate)
hacer feliz (to make happy)
infelicitar (rarely used - to make unhappy)

Adjetivos

feliz (happy)
infeliz (unhappy)
felicitado (congratulated)

Relacionado

felicitación
felicidades
infelices
felicísimo
infelicísimo

Como usar

frequency

Common in literature, media, and psychological contexts; less common in casual daily chat.

Erros comuns
  • El infelicidad La infelicidad

    Nouns ending in -dad are feminine. Using the masculine article is a very common beginner mistake.

  • Estoy infelicidad Siento infelicidad / Soy infeliz

    You cannot 'be' a noun. You must either 'feel' the noun or 'be' the adjective.

  • Mucha tristeza por años (instead of infelicidad) Infelicidad

    While not grammatically wrong, using 'tristeza' for a long-term life state is less precise than 'infelicidad'.

  • Su infelicidad es por el dinero (instead of falta de dinero) Su infelicidad se debe a la falta de dinero

    Using 'es por' is okay, but 'se debe a' is more advanced and sounds more natural for this register.

  • Infelicidad de vida Infelicidad vital / Una vida de infelicidad

    Literal translations from English often sound clunky. 'Infelicidad vital' is a much more natural way to describe it.

Dicas

Gender Rule

Always remember that words ending in -dad are feminine. This will help you with 'felicidad', 'libertad', 'amistad', and of course, 'infelicidad'.

Root Recognition

Recognizing the 'in-' prefix as 'not' is a superpower in Spanish. It works for 'infeliz', 'invisible', 'increíble', and many more.

Stress the End

Make sure to emphasize the last syllable: 'dad'. In Spanish, words ending in 'd' that aren't verbs usually have the stress on the final syllable.

Use Sparingly

Because 'infelicidad' is such a strong word, use it for big topics. For small things, stick to 'estoy un poco triste' or 'no me siento bien'.

Pair with Adjectives

To sound more like a native, pair 'infelicidad' with adjectives like 'profunda', 'crónica', or 'pasajera'.

Literature

If you are reading Spanish literature, look for this word. It's a key theme in many famous works and helps you understand character motivations.

Suffix Listening

Train your ear to hear the '-dad' ending. It's a very common suffix and will help you identify nouns quickly in a sentence.

Opposites Game

Practice by taking a sentence with 'felicidad' and turning it into one with 'infelicidad'. It's a great way to see how the meaning changes.

Synonym Variety

In a long essay, don't use 'infelicidad' five times. Switch to 'desdicha' or 'pesar' to show off your vocabulary range.

Mental Health

If you're learning Spanish for medical or social work, this is an essential term for discussing patient well-being.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'In-Felicidad' as 'Inside-Feel-Sad-Dad'. Imagine a 'Dad' who 'Feels Sad' 'Inside'. In-Feli-Ci-Dad.

Associação visual

Imagine a bright sun (felicidad) being covered by a thick, dark cloud (the 'in-' prefix) to create 'infelicidad'.

Word Web

tristeza dolor soledad vacío desdicha amargura depresión insatisfacción

Desafio

Try to write three sentences describing a character in a movie who is experiencing 'infelicidad' without using the word 'triste'.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Latin 'infelicitas', which is composed of the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'felicitas' (happiness/luck).

Significado original: In Roman times, it referred not just to an emotional state, but also to 'ill luck' or 'unfruitfulness'.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using this word to describe someone else's life, as it can sound very judgmental or overly tragic.

In English, we often use 'misery' for extreme unhappiness, but in Spanish, 'miseria' often implies poverty. 'Infelicidad' is the safer and more common choice for the emotional state.

The poem 'Infelicidad' by various minor poets. Psychological studies on 'El índice de felicidad' in Spain vs. Latin America. The theme of 'infelicidad' in 'La casa de Bernarda Alba' by Lorca.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Psychology and Therapy

  • tratar la infelicidad
  • síntomas de infelicidad
  • superar la infelicidad
  • raíces de la infelicidad

Workplace

  • infelicidad laboral
  • causas de infelicidad en el trabajo
  • combatir la infelicidad
  • estrés e infelicidad

Relationships

  • infelicidad en la pareja
  • matrimonio de infelicidad
  • compartir la infelicidad
  • causar infelicidad al otro

Literature

  • el tema de la infelicidad
  • personajes marcados por la infelicidad
  • la estética de la infelicidad
  • representar la infelicidad

Social Analysis

  • índice de infelicidad
  • infelicidad colectiva
  • factores de infelicidad social
  • pobreza e infelicidad

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Crees que el dinero puede comprar la felicidad o solo evitar la infelicidad?"

"¿Cuál es, en tu opinión, la mayor causa de infelicidad en el mundo moderno?"

"¿Has leído algún libro donde la infelicidad del protagonista sea el tema principal?"

"¿Cómo crees que podemos ayudar a alguien que vive sumido en la infelicidad?"

"¿Crees que la infelicidad es necesaria para valorar los momentos felices?"

Temas para diário

Describe un momento en el que sentiste una profunda infelicidad y cómo lograste salir de ese estado.

Reflexiona sobre la diferencia entre estar triste un día y vivir en la infelicidad.

¿Qué cambios harías en tu vida diaria para alejar cualquier rastro de infelicidad?

Escribe sobre una película o libro que retrate la infelicidad de una manera que te haya impactado.

Analiza si la sociedad actual fomenta la felicidad o, por el contrario, genera más infelicidad.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Sí, es una palabra común pero se usa principalmente en contextos serios o literarios. En una charla casual con amigos, es más probable que escuches 'estar triste' o 'pasarlo mal'. Sin embargo, para hablar de estados profundos, 'infelicidad' es la palabra correcta.

La 'tristeza' es una emoción puntual y a menudo pasajera, como cuando pierdes un objeto. La 'infelicidad' es un estado más duradero y profundo que afecta la percepción general de la vida de una persona. Puedes estar triste hoy, pero ser feliz en general; la infelicidad es lo opuesto a esa felicidad general.

No, eso es incorrecto. 'Infelicidad' es un sustantivo. Debes usar el adjetivo 'infeliz' con el verbo 'ser' o 'estar' (aunque 'ser infeliz' es más común para estados permanentes), o usar el verbo 'sentir' con el sustantivo. Ejemplo: 'Soy infeliz' o 'Siento infelicidad'.

Es femenina. Todas las palabras que terminan en '-dad' en español son femeninas. Por lo tanto, siempre debes decir 'la infelicidad' y usar adjetivos femeninos como 'mucha infelicidad' o 'profunda infelicidad'.

El plural es 'infelicidades', pero rara vez se usa porque es un concepto abstracto. Podrías usarlo en un contexto poético o muy específico, pero en el 99% de los casos, se usa en singular.

Los verbos más comunes son 'causar' (causar infelicidad), 'sentir' (sentir infelicidad), 'evitar' (evitar la infelicidad), 'superar' (superar la infelicidad) y 'reflejar' (reflejar infelicidad).

No exactamente. En español, 'miseria' se refiere muy a menudo a la pobreza extrema. Aunque también puede significar una gran infelicidad, si dices 'vive en la miseria', la mayoría de la gente pensará que no tiene dinero. 'Infelicidad' se refiere puramente al estado emocional.

Generalmente no. Se usa para personas o, a veces, para describir situaciones humanas como 'la infelicidad de un matrimonio'. No dirías 'la infelicidad de un coche', a menos que estés siendo muy poético o metafórico.

El antónimo directo es 'felicidad'. Otros antónimos relacionados son 'alegría', 'dicha' y 'bienestar'.

Depende de dónde estés. En España (excepto partes del sur y Canarias), suena como la 'th' de 'thin'. En América Latina, suena como una 's' normal.

Teste-se 180 perguntas

writing

Escribe una oración simple con 'infelicidad'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Escribe una oración usando 'mucha infelicidad'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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¿Qué cosas pueden causar infelicidad en una persona?

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Compara la felicidad con la infelicidad en tres frases.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Escribe un pequeño párrafo sobre la infelicidad laboral.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Traduce: 'Unhappiness is bad.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Traduce: 'I see his unhappiness.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Escribe una oración con 'evitar la infelicidad'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Escribe una oración con 'infelicidad crónica'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Usa la palabra 'infelicidad' en un contexto literario.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Escribe el opuesto de: 'La felicidad es bonita'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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¿Cómo te sientes cuando hay infelicidad?

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Usa 'infelicidad' y 'familia' en una oración.

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¿Por qué el éxito no siempre quita la infelicidad?

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Escribe sobre el 'índice de infelicidad'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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¿De qué color te imaginas la infelicidad?

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Escribe una pregunta para un amigo sobre la infelicidad.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Usa el verbo 'causar' con 'infelicidad'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Escribe una frase inspiradora sobre superar la infelicidad.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Analiza la relación entre 'infelicidad' y 'soledad'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Pronuncia la palabra: 'infelicidad'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di: 'La infelicidad es mala'.

Read this aloud:

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Di: 'Siento mucha infelicidad'.

Read this aloud:

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¿Qué te hace sentir infelicidad?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explica por qué alguien puede sentir infelicidad.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe una película triste usando 'infelicidad'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

¿Cómo se puede combatir la infelicidad en la sociedad?

Read this aloud:

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¿Crees que la infelicidad es parte necesaria de la vida?

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Habla sobre la diferencia entre infelicidad y tristeza.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Analiza el impacto de las redes sociales en la infelicidad juvenil.

Read this aloud:

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Di: 'No quiero infelicidad'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Di: 'La infelicidad es gris'.

Read this aloud:

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Di: 'Es importante superar la infelicidad'.

Read this aloud:

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Di: 'La infelicidad laboral es un problema real'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Analiza la dialéctica entre felicidad e infelicidad.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Di: 'Felicidad e infelicidad'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Di: 'Su infelicidad es grande'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Di: 'La soledad causa infelicidad'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Di: 'Debemos buscar la raíz de la infelicidad'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Di: 'La infelicidad existencial es un reto'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

¿Escuchas 'felicidad' o 'infelicidad'?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

¿Quién siente infelicidad en la historia?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

¿Cuál es el motivo de la infelicidad según el hablante?

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listening

¿Qué soluciones propone el hablante para la infelicidad?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

¿Qué tono tiene el hablante al usar la palabra 'infelicidad'?

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listening

¿Cuántas veces escuchas la palabra 'infelicidad'?

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listening

¿La persona está feliz o siente infelicidad?

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¿Es la infelicidad un estado largo o corto según el audio?

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listening

¿A qué ámbito se refiere la infelicidad mencionada?

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listening

¿Qué palabra usa el hablante como sinónimo?

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listening

¿La palabra termina en 'dad'?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

¿El hablante dice 'mucha' o 'poca' infelicidad?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

¿La infelicidad es por un perro o por una persona?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

¿Qué verbo acompaña a infelicidad en el audio?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

¿Se menciona la etimología de la palabra?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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