simpatía
nounCEFR B2
What does “simpatía” mean in English?
sympathy, warmth — likeability or warmth; false friend with English 'sympathy'
sympathy, warmth — likeability or warmth; false friend with English 'sympathy' (pity); 'despertar simpatía' = to win warmth/approval
Example sentences
el candidato despertó simpatía en el electorado
the candidate won sympathy among voters
tiene mucha simpatía con la prensa
she has a lot of goodwill with the press
How to use it
'Simpatía' at B2 carries the sense of warmth, likeability, or public support — not pity (which is 'compasión' or 'lástima'). This is a key false friend: English 'sympathy' often means compassion, but Spanish 'simpatía' usually means charm or likeability. Collocates: 'despertar/generar simpatía', 'ganarse la simpatía de'.
Common mistake
Don't translate 'simpatía' as 'sympathy' (pity/compassion) in Spanish — it nearly always means likeability or warmth towards someone. Say 'compasión' or 'lástima' for the pity/sorrow sense.