How To Say "To Depress" In Spanish
Are you looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary? Perhaps you have come across the English verb "to depress" and are curious about its Spanish counterparts. In this article, we will delve into the translation, meaning, and usage of this verb in Spanish, shedding light on regional variations and providing practical examples.
What is "To Depress" in Spanish?
The English verb "to depress" often refers to the act of making someone feel disheartened or lowering their spirits. In Spanish, this concept can be conveyed through several words and phrases, each with its own subtle nuances:
- Deprimir (IPA: /de.pɾiˈmir/): This is the direct equivalent of "to depress" in Spanish. It covers the primary meaning of making someone feel downcast or sad. This term is widely understood and used across Spanish-speaking regions.
- Entristecer (IPA: /en.tɾis.teˈθer/): This word encapsulates the idea of causing sadness or sorrow. While it can be used interchangeably with "deprimir," it specifically emphasizes the emotional impact of the action.
- Desanimar (IPA: /des.a.niˈmaɾ/): Similar to "to discourage" in English, this verb encompasses the notion of dissuading or demoralizing someone.
Meaning of "To Depress" in Spanish
In Spanish, the translation of "to depress" can vary based on the context and the degree of emotional impact you wish to convey. Here are a few ways to articulate the meaning:
-
To cause sadness: When you want to express the idea of making someone feel sad or disheartened, you can use the verb "deprimir." For instance:
La noticia del accidente realmente la deprimió. (The news about the accident really depressed her.)
-
To discourage: If you want to emphasize the act of demoralizing or dissuading someone, the verb "desanimar" is a fitting choice:
Los constantes contratiempos pueden desanimar incluso a la persona más optimista. (The constant setbacks can depress even the most optimistic person.)
-
To lower spirits: When you aim to convey the idea of bringing down someone's spirits or enthusiasm, "entristecer" is a suitable verb:
El clima gris tiende a entristecer nuestro ánimo. (The gray weather tends to depress our mood.)
Synonyms of "To Depress" in Spanish
Here are some synonyms of the verb "deprimir" in Spanish, along with their meanings:
- Aplastar (IPA: /a.plasˈtar/): To crush or flatten. To press down physically or emotionally.
- Abatir (IPA: /a.βaˈtir/): To knock down. To overcome emotionally. To bring down in spirits.
- Desanimar (IPA: /des.a.niˈmar/): To discourage, to dishearten. To cause someone to lose enthusiasm or motivation.
- Desalentar (IPA: /des.a.lenˈtar/): To discourage, to dampen one's spirits. To make someone lose confidence or hope.
- Apocar (IPA: /a.poˈkar/): To diminish or lessen. To reduce the intensity or significance of something.
- Desmoralizar (IPA: /des.mo.ra.liˈzar/): To demoralize, to undermine one's confidence or morale. To cause a loss of hope or optimism.
- Entristecer (IPA: /en.tris.teˈser/): To sadden. To make someone feel sad or sorrowful; to cause a feeling of melancholy.
- Humillar (IPA: /u.miˈjar/): To humiliate, to degrade. To lower someone's self-esteem or dignity.
- Desconcertar (IPA: /des.kon.serˈtar/): To disconcert, to confuse or disturb emotionally. To disrupt one's emotional equilibrium.
- Amilanar (IPA: /a.mi.laˈnar/): To intimidate, to make someone feel less brave or determined. To cow or weaken emotionally.
—Other noun, verb, adjective, and adverb forms of to depress (depression, to get depressed, depressed, depressive, depressively) are analyzed in other MostUsedWords.com blog posts. 
Regional References
It is worth noting that the usage of these verbs might have slight regional variations in Spanish-speaking countries. However, the basic meanings remain consistent across the board. Additionally, keep in mind that these verbs can be conjugated to match different subject pronouns and tenses, enabling you to communicate in various contexts.
How to Say "To Depress" in Spanish: Sample Sentences
Here are five sample sentences you can use to say "to depress" in Spanish:
- El documental sobre la pobreza y la desigualdad realmente me deprimió.
(The documentary about poverty and inequality really depressed me.)
- La pérdida de su mascota deprimió profundamente a mi hermana.
(The loss of her pet deeply depressed my sister.)
- Enterarse del desastre natural entristeció a toda la comunidad.
(Hearing about the natural disaster saddened the entire community.)
- La ruptura con su pareja de mucho tiempo lo entristeció mucho.
(The breakup with his long-time partner greatly saddened him.)
- Los fracasos repetidos pueden desanimar incluso a las personas más decididas.
(Repeated failures can discourage even the most determined individuals.)
Conclusion
The English verb "to depress" can be skillfully translated into Spanish using words like deprimir, entristecer, and desanimar, each with its own distinct connotations. Whether you are expressing sadness, discouragement, or a lowering of spirits, these verbs provide a nuanced way to communicate your intentions. Remember that language is a versatile tool, allowing you to convey emotions and ideas across cultures with finesse. So, next time you encounter the concept of "to depress" in English, you will be well-equipped to articulate its meaning in Spanish, adapting to your specific context and audience.