dar pena (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The phrase "dar pena" functions as a verb phrase in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/dar 'pe.na/

Translation Options into English

• To feel embarrassed
• To feel pity
• To cause distress

Meaning and Usage

"Dar pena" is an idiomatic expression in Spanish that conveys the emotions of embarrassment, pity, or discomfort caused by a situation or person. It is often used to describe scenarios where someone feels shame or sympathy for another, highlighting a sense of vulnerability or regret. The phrase is commonly employed in both oral and written contexts, though slightly more frequent in conversational speech.

Example Sentences

1. Dar pena hablar en público por primera vez.

2. To feel embarrassed to speak in public for the first time.

3. Me da pena ver a alguien triste.

4. It makes me feel pity to see someone sad.

5. Me da pena que no puedas venir a la fiesta.

6. It makes me feel regret that you can't come to the party.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Dar pena" is integral to various idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Dar pena ajena: Refers to feeling embarrassed on behalf of someone else.
2. Al escuchar su chiste, me dio pena ajena.

3. Hearing his joke made me feel secondhand embarrassment.

4. Dar pena de muerte: A term used to express sympathy for someone facing dire consequences, especially in a judicial context.

5. El caso del prisionero me da pena de muerte.

6. The case of the prisoner causes me great sympathy.

7. Dar pena lo que pasó: Meaning to express regret about past events.

8. Me da pena lo que pasó en la reunión.

9. I regret what happened in the meeting.

10. No dar pena: This phrase is used to imply not being embarrassed or ashamed of something.

11. Ella no da pena al hablar de sus fracasos.
12. She isn't ashamed to talk about her failures.

Etymology

The verb "dar" originates from Latin "dare," which means "to give." The noun "pena" comes from the Latin "poena," meaning "punishment" or "penalty," which evolved to denote feelings of pity or regret in modern Spanish.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Lamentar (to lament) - Sentir (to feel) - Apenar (to grieve)

Antonyms: - Alegrar (to make happy) - Complacerse (to please oneself) - Satisfacer (to satisfy)

This comprehensive breakdown examines the expression "dar pena," touching on its meanings, usage, idiomatic contexts, origin, and related terms.