La verdad es que me daba pena

Question

Pena with dar means the same as verguenza right? Sorry can't make the u thing. So , la verdad es que me daba pena means "the truth is that it made me ashamed" and is the same as "la verdad es que me daba verguenza". Isn't that right? Gracias.

Answer 1

I was just reading this thread and my understanding of 'pena' is not quite the same - I believe when you translate it as 'shame' it is meaning it in the sense of 'what a shame' which is not 'shame' as in embarassment. It is just 'what a pity, what a shame'. Did I explain that correctly? Verguenza on the other hand is 'real' shame and nothing to do with the sense of pity.... So for the initial phrase La verdad es que me daba pena I would say 'the truth is that it made me feel sorry/sad'.

Answer 2

Le daba vergüenza preguntar dónde quedaba el baño. Me da pena salir con estos pantalones sucios.

¿Hay diferentes niveles de la vergüenza en estas frases? Me pregunto.

Answer 3

I'd say it was right. That sounds like it makes sense. Naturally I'd probably use Verguenza. I think Verguenza is more funny embarrasment shame, and pena I think is worse...

Answer 4

Like verguenza, shame for embarrasment. And pena...pity,shame, that made you upset.