sentimiento de culpa
Lemma Details
Translation: guilt; guilty feeling; sense of guilt; feeling of guilt
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: Compound phrase from 'sentimiento' (feeling) and 'culpa' (guilt/fault). 'Sentimiento' derives from Latin 'sentire' (to feel), sharing roots with English 'sentiment' and 'sense'. 'Culpa' comes from Latin 'culpa' (blame, fault), which gives us English words like 'culpable' and 'culprit'. The phrase captures the emotional experience of feeling responsible for a wrongdoing.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El sentimiento de culpa por haber mentido no lo dejaba dormir.
The feeling of guilt for having lied wouldn't let him sleep.
Muchas madres experimentan un sentimiento de culpa cuando regresan al trabajo después de tener un bebé.
Many mothers experience guilt when they return to work after having a baby.
La terapia le ayudó a superar su sentimiento de culpa.
Therapy helped him overcome his guilt.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'sentiment' (feeling) + 'culpable' (guilty) = feeling guilty
- Imagine a person with their hand on their heart (sentimiento) and head bowed down (culpa)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, particularly those with strong Catholic influences, 'sentimiento de culpa' is often discussed in religious contexts related to sin and confession. It's also commonly referenced in psychological discussions about emotional health and interpersonal relationships.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'sentimiento de culpa' refers to the general feeling of guilt, 'remordimiento' specifically emphasizes the gnawing, persistent regret that comes after doing something wrong.
Confused word:
El remordimiento por sus acciones lo atormentaba día y noche.
The remorse for his actions tormented him day and night.
Notes: 'Sentimiento de culpa' is more general, while 'remordimiento' implies deeper, more painful regret.
Mnemonic: 'Remordimiento' contains 'morder' (to bite) - think of remorse as guilt that 'bites' at your conscience repeatedly.
Explanation: 'Sentimiento de culpa' is about feeling responsible for wrongdoing, while 'vergüenza' (shame) is about feeling embarrassed or humiliated, often in relation to how others perceive you.
Confused word:
Sintió vergüenza cuando todos se rieron de su error.
He felt shame when everyone laughed at his mistake.
Notes: Guilt focuses on an action, while shame often focuses on the self as a whole.
Mnemonic: Guilt ('sentimiento de culpa') is internal and about what you did; shame ('vergüenza') is external and about how others see you.