misericordia
nounCEFR B2
What does “misericordia” mean in English?
mercy, compassion — willingness to forgive or be kind towards those in distress
mercy, compassion — willingness to forgive or be kind towards those in distress (tener misericordia; pedir misericordia)
Example sentences
La misericordia no es debilidad, sino la capacidad de reconocer la humanidad en quienes han cometido errores.
Mercy is not weakness, but the capacity to recognise the humanity in those who have made mistakes.
El reo pidió misericordia al tribunal, alegando que actuó bajo extrema presión psicológica.
The defendant begged the court for mercy, arguing that he acted under extreme psychological pressure.
Las obras de misericordia corporales fueron el eje central de la actividad caritativa de la Iglesia medieval.
The corporal works of mercy were the central axis of the medieval Church's charitable activity.
How to use it
La misericordia (noun, feminine) means 'mercy' or 'compassion' — willingness to forgive or show kindness to those in distress. Key collocations: tener misericordia de/con; pedir misericordia; sin misericordia (mercilessly); la misericordia divina; obras de misericordia. Distinguish from clemencia (clemency — legal/official pardon) and compasión (compassion — empathetic feeling). Often appears in religious, ethical, and literary contexts.
Common mistake
Tener misericordia con/de (not *tener misericordia para). Sin misericordia = mercilessly (fixed adverbial). Misericordioso/a is the adjective. Clemencia is more judicial; misericordia is more human/religious. 'Mercy killing' = eutanasia (not *muerte de misericordia — though this phrase can appear in translation contexts).