/dɛsɡɾaˈθjaðo/ (Castilian Spanish)
/dɛsɡɹəˈsiːɑˌðoʊ/ (American Spanish)
The term desgraciado literally translates to "unfortunate" or "wretched" in English and often refers to a person who is deemed to be in misfortune or in a pitiful situation. However, it can also have a pejorative connotation, referring to someone as a "scoundrel" or "despicable" due to their behavior or actions.
In Spanish, its usage is relatively common in everyday conversation as well as in written texts, although it can lean more towards oral speech in informal contexts. The frequency of use can also depend on the regional variations within the Spanish-speaking world, with some areas using it more frequently in colloquial expressions.
Eres un desgraciado por dejar a tu familia.
"You are a scoundrel for leaving your family."
Aquel desgraciado perdió todo en el accidente.
"That unfortunate person lost everything in the accident."
No seas desgraciado y ayúdame con esto.
"Don't be despicable and help me with this."
The term desgraciado appears in various idiomatic expressions within the Spanish language. Here are a few idiomatic uses:
Desgraciado de mí.
"Unfortunate me."
This expression is used to express self-pity or lament about one's situation.
No seas desgraciado.
"Don't be a scoundrel."
This phrase is often used to admonish someone for behaving unkindly or unfairly.
Estar como un desgraciado.
"To be like a wretched person."
This means to be in a state of despair or hopelessness.
Desgraciado por naturaleza.
"Wretched by nature."
This is used to describe someone who seems to always end up in unfortunate situations.
Un desgraciado en el amor.
"A wretched one in love."
Refers to someone who has terrible luck in romantic relationships.
Desgraciados son los que no conocen la verdad.
"Those who do not know the truth are wretched."
Indicates that ignorance is a misfortune.
Pobre desgraciado, no conoce su propio valor.
"Poor unfortunate, he doesn't know his own worth."
Expresses sympathy for someone who undervalues themselves.
The word desgraciado originates from the Spanish prefix "des-" meaning "not" or "without" combined with "gracia," which means "grace" or "favor." Therefore, desgraciado literally translates to "without grace," implying a lack of fortune or blessings.