The verb "sufrir" means to experience pain, distress, or hardship. It can be used in both physical and emotional contexts. In the Spanish language, it is quite common, and its usage is frequent in both oral and written contexts.
"Sufrir" is often used in everyday conversations when discussing health, emotional states, or adverse situations. The word may appear more in discussions surrounding personal experiences and feelings rather than in formal legal or technical contexts.
English: She has to suffer in silence.
Spanish: No quiero que mis hijos sufran por mis decisiones.
English: I don't want my children to suffer because of my decisions.
Spanish: Durante la tormenta, los animales sufrieron mucho.
The word "sufrir" is part of several idiomatic expressions in Spanish, reflecting various aspects of human experience and emotions. Here are some examples:
English: She always suffers from love when she falls in love.
Sufrir en carne propia
English: One only understands the pain of losing a loved one if they suffer firsthand.
Sufrir como un perro
English: I had to suffer like a dog in that competition.
Sufrir las consecuencias
English: If you don’t study, you will suffer the consequences on the exam.
Sufrir el martirio
The word "sufrir" comes from the Latin "sufferīre," which means "to bear" or "to undergo." It is composed of the prefix "sub-" (under) and "ferre" (to carry or to bear), meaning to undergo something that is beneath a burden.
The word "sufrir" encapsulates a significant aspect of the human experience, reflecting various hardships and challenges that individuals may face.