Pena (en. Grief)

/ˈpe.na/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish

noun

State of emotional suffering due to loss or frustration.

I feel great sorrow for the death of my friend.

Siento una gran pena por la muerte de mi amigo.

Punishment imposed for a crime or offense.

The penalty for theft can be several years in prison.

La pena por robo puede ser de varios años de prisión.

Situation that causes compassion or pity.

It's a shame that you didn't come to the party.

Es una pena que no vinieras a la fiesta.

From Latin 'poena', which means punishment or penalty.

to cause pity

To feel shame or discomfort.

dar pena

secondhand embarrassment

Feeling of shame for someone else's actions.

pena ajena

to suffer in sorrow

To experience great pain or suffering.

sufrir en pena

penal

Related to penalty or punishment.

penal

pitiful

That causes sorrow or sadness.

penoso

compassion

Feeling of sadness for the suffering of others.

compasión

In some contexts, it may refer to a ridiculous or awkward situation.

It was a shame what happened at the meeting; everyone went silent.

Fue una pena lo que pasó en la reunión; todos se quedaron callados.

Used to express that something is unfortunate.

It's a shame that the concert was canceled.

Es una pena que se cancelara el concierto.