What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patético
Example
The movie's ending was so patético that I couldn't help but cry. [patético: adjective]
Example
He made a patético attempt to win her back by singing outside her window. [patético: noun]
pitiful
Example
The homeless man's pitiful state broke my heart. [pitiful: adjective]
Example
She made a pitiful attempt to lift the heavy box. [pitiful: adjective]
Example
The old car was in a pitiful condition and needed extensive repairs. [pitiful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pitiful is a more common English word than patético. While patético is used in Spanish, it is less commonly used in English and is often replaced by other synonyms such as pathetic or moving.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between patético and pitiful?
Patético is often used in more formal contexts, such as literature or art criticism, while pitiful is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
