Spanish Conversation · Level 26
90 words
Spanish word
pena
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈpena/
Meaning
- feminine nouna shame
Example
¡Qué pena que no puedas venir al concierto!
What a shame that you can't come to the concert!
More examples
Siento pena por los vecinos que han perdido sus casas.
I feel sorry for the neighbors who have lost their homes.
Core concept
Embarrassment that often softens into sympathetic pity.
Common phrases
qué pena
what a shame
me da pena
makes me feel sorry
dar pena
cause pity
Similar words
lástima: Compassionate pity felt for someone who is unlucky or suffering.
vergüenza: Acute embarrassment that often causes blushing and self-conscious shame.
tristeza: Quiet sorrow or melancholy that lowers energy and mood.
Definition in Spanish
Sentimiento de vergüenza o incomodidad por algo propio o ajeno; también se usa para expresar compasión o lástima.
Word origin
From Latin poena 'punishment, pain', whose sense of suffering broadened in Spanish into feelings of shame, awkwardness, and compassion.
Usage tips
- 'Me da pena' can mean either pity or embarrassment depending on context and tone, so the situation usually shows which sense is meant.