qué pena

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Translating...
what a shame, too bad
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/ke ˈpena/
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Expresses sympathy or disappointment about an unfortunate event.

Examples

  • ¡Qué pena lo de tu perro!
    I am sorry about your dog!
  • ¡Qué pena, tenía muchas ganas de verte!
    What a shame, I was really looking forward to seeing you!
  • ¡Qué pena que se haya cancelado el concierto!
    What a shame the concert was cancelled!
  • Perdiste el tren; ¡qué pena!
    You missed the train; what a pity!
  • —No puedo ir a la fiesta. —¡Qué pena!
    “I cannot come to the party.” “What a shame!”

Similar words

qué lástima

Meanings

What a shame

reactions
neutral
A response to bad news or a regrettable situation.

Examples

  • —No puedo ir a la fiesta. —¡Qué pena!
    “I cannot come to the party.” “What a shame!”
  • ¡Qué pena que se haya cancelado el concierto!
    What a shame the concert was cancelled!
  • Perdiste el tren; ¡qué pena!
    You missed the train; what a pity!
  • ¡Qué pena lo de tu perro!
    I am sorry about your dog!
  • ¡Qué pena, tenía muchas ganas de verte!
    What a shame, I was really looking forward to seeing you!

Similar words

Etymology

Built from exclamatory qué and pena (“sorrow, regret”).

FAQ

What does qué pena mean?

“What a shame” or “what a pity”.

When is it said?

In response to bad news or disappointment.

Does qué carry an accent?

Yes, because it is exclamatory.

Can it be followed by que?

Yes: ¡Qué pena que no puedas venir!

Is it an apology?

No, it expresses sympathy or regret.

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