Tale of woe Meaning in English
expression
TAYL-uhv-WOH
TAYL-ov-WOH
Definition
A story that describes many problems, misfortunes, or a series of sad events, often told to get sympathy.
Usage & Nuances
Used informally and sometimes humorously when someone shares their troubles. Often refers to exaggerated or repeated complaints. Not typically used for truly serious tragedies.
Spanish: historia triste - relato de desgraciasPortuguese (BR): história triste - relato de desgraçaPortuguese (PT): história triste - relato de infortúnioChinese (Simplified): 悲惨的故事 - 悲伤的叙述Chinese (Traditional): 悲慘的故事 - 悲傷的敘述Hindi: दुख भरी कहानीArabic: قصة حزن - حكاية مأساويةBengali: দুঃখগাথা - দুর্ভাগ্যের গল্পRussian: печальная история - рассказ о несчастьяхJapanese: 不幸話 - 嘆き話Vietnamese: câu chuyện bất hạnh - câu chuyện buồnKorean: 불행담 - 신세 한탄Turkish: dert hikayesi - acıklı hikayeUrdu: افسوسناک کہانی - دکھ بھری داستانIndonesian: cerita kesedihan - kisah duka
Example Sentences
He told me a long tale of woe about his lost job.
basic
Every time we meet, she shares another tale of woe.
basic
His tale of woe made everyone feel sorry for him.
basic
She’s always got a new tale of woe to tell at lunch.
natural
After listening to his tale of woe, I offered to help.
natural
Don’t bother me with another tale of woe unless you want solutions, not sympathy.
natural