pity
word
/ˈpɪti/
PI-dee
/pˈɪti/
PI-tee
Definition
A feeling of sadness or sympathy for someone who is suffering or having trouble. It can also mean that something is unfortunate, as in 'It's a pity'.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in the pattern 'feel pity for' someone, but in everyday English, 'feel sorry for' is more common. 'It's a pity' is a very common fixed expression meaning 'that's unfortunate.' Be careful: 'pity' can sometimes suggest a slightly negative, superior attitude, unlike warmer words like 'compassion'.
Spanish: lástima - pena - compasiónPortuguese (BR): pena - dó - compaixãoPortuguese (PT): pena - dó - compaixãoChinese (Simplified): 遗憾 - 怜悯Chinese (Traditional): 遺憾 - 憐憫Hindi: दया - अफ़सोसArabic: شفقة - أسفBengali: দয়া - করুণা - আফসোস (দুর্ভাগ্যজনক পরিস্থিতি)Russian: жалость - сожалениеJapanese: 哀れみ - 気の毒（残念・不運な意味）Vietnamese: lòng thương hại - điều đáng tiếcKorean: 연민 - 동정 - 유감(안타까운 상황)Turkish: acıma - merhamet - yazık (talihsiz durum)Urdu: ہمدردی - ترس - افسوس (بدقسمتی کے موقع پر)Indonesian: belas kasihan - rasa iba - sayang (situasi yang disayangkan)
Example Sentences
It's a pity that you can't come.
basic
What a pity we missed the last train.
natural
She hated being treated like an object of pity.
natural
I felt pity for the lost dog.
basic
Don't look at me with pity.
basic
I don't want your pity—I just need some time.
natural