Spanish word

doloroso

Pronunciation

IPA/doloˈɾoso/

Meaning

  • adjectivepainful

Example

Fue un proceso doloroso para todos.

It was a painful process for everyone.

Illustration for doloroso (painful)

More examples

Tuve un sentimiento doloroso al despedirme.

I had a painful feeling when I said goodbye.

Core concept

An unbearable, aching sensation.

Common phrases

  • sentimiento doloroso

    painful feeling

  • decisión dolorosa

    painful decision

Similar words

dolorido: Localized muscle or body soreness that causes tenderness and discomfort on movement.
angustioso: Overwhelming anxiety or crushing inner tension that makes the mind feel suffocated.
penoso: Heavy, distressing emotional state or situation that weighs on the heart and is difficult to endure.

Definition in Spanish

Que provoca dolor físico o emocional y hace que una situación sea difícil de soportar.

Word origin

From Latin dolor 'pain' combined with -oso 'full of', historically 'full of pain' and now used to mean 'painful' or 'causing suffering'.

Usage tips

  • Often collocates with abstract events (for example 'proceso doloroso' or 'pérdida dolorosa'), whereas momentary bodily pain is usually described with 'me duele' or 'estar dolorido'.

Other meanings

  • heartbreakingadjective

Opposites

  • indoloropainlessadjective
  • placenteropleasantadjective

Related words

  • dolorpainnoun
  • dolorosamentepainfullyadverb

Word lists with this word