miserable
Lemma Details
Translation: miserable; wretched; pitiful; unhappy; mean; stingy
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'miserabilis' meaning 'pitiable', derived from 'miserari' (to pity) and ultimately from 'miser' (wretched). The English word 'miserable' shares the same Latin root, making them perfect cognates. While both languages use this word to describe unhappiness or wretchedness, Spanish 'miserable' can also carry the meaning of 'stingy' or 'mean with money', which is not as common in English usage.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Lleva una vida miserable desde que perdió su trabajo.
He has been living a miserable life since he lost his job.
Es tan miserable que no invita ni a un café.
He is so stingy that he won't even buy someone a coffee.
Las condiciones de trabajo eran miserables.
The working conditions were miserable.
Se siente miserable por haber mentido a sus padres.
He feels miserable for having lied to his parents.
Mnemonics
- Think of the English 'miserable' but remember it can also mean 'stingy' in Spanish.
- Imagine a 'miserable' person counting pennies - connecting the unhappiness with stinginess.
- The 'mis-' prefix in both languages suggests something negative or wrong.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'miserable' can refer both to someone who is unhappy or suffering, but also commonly to someone who is stingy or mean with money. This dual meaning is important to understand as the context will determine which sense is being used.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'miserable' and 'mísero' both refer to wretchedness or poverty, 'mísero' tends to emphasize poverty and destitution more specifically, while 'miserable' has broader applications including unhappiness and stinginess.
This word:
Es un hombre miserable que nunca ayuda a nadie.
He is a miserable man who never helps anyone.
Confused word:
Vive en míseras condiciones en un barrio pobre.
He lives in wretched conditions in a poor neighborhood.
Notes: 'Miserable' is more commonly used in everyday speech, while 'mísero' can sound somewhat literary or formal.
Mnemonic: 'Mísero' focuses more on material poverty (think 'meager'), while 'miserable' covers both emotional state and stinginess.
Explanation: 'Miserable' can mean wretched or stingy, while 'pobre' primarily means 'poor' either financially or in a sympathetic sense ('poor thing').
This word:
Es miserable con su dinero aunque tiene mucho.
He is stingy with his money even though he has a lot.
Confused word:
Es pobre pero generoso con lo poco que tiene.
He is poor but generous with the little he has.
Notes: 'Pobre' can be used sympathetically, while 'miserable' is usually more critical.
Mnemonic: 'Pobre' relates to lack of resources (like 'poverty'), while 'miserable' often implies a negative character trait.