Spanish Conversation · Level 28
89 words
Spanish word
lástima
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈlastima/
Meaning
- feminine nouna shame
Example
Es una lástima.
It's a shame.
More examples
Ella sintió lástima por el anciano.
She felt pity for the old man.
Core concept
Sympathetic regret at an unfortunate situation.
Common phrases
sentir lástima
feel pity
dar lástima
arouse pity
Similar words
pena: Poignant sorrow that causes a sharp emotional ache.
tristeza: Melancholy sadness that lowers spirits and energy.
compasión: Tender sympathy that motivates offering help or comfort.
Definition in Spanish
Sentimiento de pena o compasión ante algo desafortunado o lamentable.
Word origin
From Late Latin by way of the Romance languages into medieval Spanish, where it came to mean sympathy and sorrow.
Usage tips
- English 'a shame' can express mild disappointment, but Spanish lástima emphasizes pity or compassion rather than moral disgrace, for which Spanish uses vergüenza.