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"Río" is a form of "río", a noun which is often translated as "river". "Ser una lástima" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to be a pity". Learn more about the difference between "ser una lástima" and "río" below.
ser una lástima(
sehr
oo
-
nah
lahs
-
tee
-
mah
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (general)
a. to be a pity
La fiesta estuvo genial. Es una lástima que no hayas podido venir.The party was a blast. It's a pity you couldn't come.
b. to be a shame
Es una lástima que dejaras el violín. Tocabas muy bien.It's a shame that you gave up the violin. You played really well.
el río(
rree
-
oh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
2. (abundance)
a. stream
Salía un río de gente mientras terminaba la película.A stream of people was exiting as the movie ended.