Spanish word

consolar

Pronunciation

IPA/konsoˈlaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbcomfort

Example

Él consuela a su hija cuando está triste.

He comforts his daughter when she is sad.

Illustration for consolar (comfort)

More examples

Después de la mala noticia, sus amigos lo consolaron por teléfono.

After the bad news, his friends comforted him by phone.

Core concept

A small act like offering tissues, a hug, or kind words to ease someone's sadness.

Common phrases

  • consolar a alguien

    comfort someone

  • consolar por teléfono

    comfort by phone

Similar words

escuchar: Listens attentively and accepts another's feelings while they speak.
animar: Encourages someone with supportive words or actions to lift their spirits.
reconfortar: Provides gentle reassurance that relieves worry and soothes the heart.
calmar: Soothes intense emotions or agitation to help a person become calm.

Definition in Spanish

Ofrecer consuelo a otra persona para reducir su tristeza o angustia emocional.

Word origin

The verb comes from Latin consolārī, based on solacium 'solace', and reaches modern Spanish with the sense of soothing emotional pain.

Usage tips

  • When naming who receives the comfort, include the personal a as in consolar a María, and use consolarse when the person comforts themself.

Opposites

Related words

  • consolaciónconsolationnoun
  • consoladorconsolingadjective

Word lists with this word