Spanish Conversation · Level 135
45 words
Spanish word
calvario
Pronunciation
IPA/kalˈβaɾjo/
Meaning
- masculine nounordeal
Example
He pasado por un calvario este año.
I have been through an ordeal this year.
More examples
Buscar piso fue un calvario.
Looking for an apartment was an ordeal.
Core concept
A prolonged, wearing ordeal that drains energy.
Common phrases
pasar por un calvario
go through an ordeal
vivir un calvario
live through an ordeal
Similar words
sufrimiento: Involves intense physical or emotional pain and ongoing distress.
pena: Involves sadness or sorrow, a painful emotional feeling.
prueba: Tests ability, character, or endurance in a challenging situation.
problema: Creates a difficulty or obstacle that requires a practical solution.
Definition in Spanish
Estado o periodo de sufrimiento intenso y prolongado que una persona debe soportar.
Word origin
From Latin calvarium 'skull' linked to the hill-name Calvaria (Calvary), the word shifted from the biblical scene to denote extended, severe suffering.
Usage tips
- Common collocations are 'pasar por un calvario' and 'vivir un calvario', so the word is used with verbs that express enduring hardship rather than brief annoyances.