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melancolía means melancholy — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 6, 2025

✨ Beautiful Spanish

melancolía

noun • /[meh-lahn-koh-LEE-ah]/

melancholy

Example:

La melancolía embargó mis pensamientos solitarios.

Melancholy filled my solitary thoughts.

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🧠 What does melancolía mean?

Melancolía refers to a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause. It's a deeper, more lingering emotion than simple sadness, often associated with nostalgia, longing, or a sense of the ephemeral nature of beauty and life. Think of a wistful reflection on the past, or a quiet contemplation of the transient nature of things.

📚 Extra examples

  • Una profunda melancolía se apoderó de él al escuchar la vieja canción.
    A deep melancholy came over him upon hearing the old song.
  • La melancolía del otoño siempre la inspiraba a escribir poesía.
    The melancholy of autumn always inspired her to write poetry.
  • Hay una cierta melancolía en sus pinturas, una belleza agridulce.
    There's a certain melancholy in his paintings, a bittersweet beauty.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'melancholy' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'melancholy' is 'melancolía'.
How do you pronounce 'melancolía' in Spanish?
It's pronounced meh-lan-koh-LEE-ah, with the stress on the 'li' syllable.
How do you use 'melancolía' in a sentence?
You can use 'melancolía' as a noun: 'Sentía una profunda melancolía' (I felt a deep melancholy).
What is the English translation of 'melancolía'?
The English translation of 'melancolía' is 'melancholy'.
Does 'melancolía' change for gender or number?
No, 'melancolía' is a feminine noun and doesn't change its form for number (singular/plural).
Is 'melancolía' common in everyday Spanish?
While understood, it's perhaps more common in literature or formal settings than in casual conversation. Simpler words like 'tristeza' (sadness) are used more frequently in everyday speech.
Does 'melancolía' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'melancolía' doesn't typically have slang or double meanings. Its meaning is fairly consistent.
Is 'melancolía' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'melancolía' are largely the same across Spain and Latin America.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "melancolía"

Synonyms: tristeza, pena, nostalgia, añoranza
Opposites: alegría, felicidad

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'melancholy' comes from the ancient Greek term 'melancholia,' meaning 'black bile.' It was once believed that an excess of black bile caused this emotional state.

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