tristeza
nounCEFR B2
What does “tristeza” mean in English?
sorrow, sadness — deep distress or grief
sorrow, sadness — deep distress or grief (sentir tristeza; la tristeza de; lleno de tristeza)
Example sentences
La tristeza que acompañó al cierre de la fábrica fue compartida por toda la comunidad que dependía de ella.
The sadness that accompanied the closure of the factory was shared by the entire community that depended on it.
Con tristeza, el autor relata en sus memorias los últimos años de vida de su madre.
With sadness, the author recounts in his memoirs the last years of his mother's life.
Existe una diferencia entre la tristeza momentánea y la depresión clínica, que requiere tratamiento especializado.
There is a difference between momentary sadness and clinical depression, which requires specialist treatment.
How to use it
La tristeza (noun, feminine) means 'sorrow, sadness' — deep unhappiness or grief. Core B2 collocations: sentir/expresar tristeza; lleno de tristeza; la tristeza de + infinitive/noun; un sentimiento de tristeza; con tristeza. The adjective is triste. Distinguish from melancolía (melancholy — romantic, prolonged sadness), pena (sorrow/pity — also sympathy in Spain), and nostalgia (wistful longing).
Common mistake
In Spain, me da pena can mean both 'I feel sorry for them' and 'it makes me sad'. Tristeza is more directly 'sadness/sorrow'. Melancólico implies artistic or pleasant sadness; triste is neutral. 'Sadness' in therapy = tristeza (not *melancolía).