Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Wallow in Self-Pity in Spanish
Revolcarse En La Autocompasión · verb · reh-vohl-KAHR-seh ehn lah ow-toh-kohm-pah-SYOHN
The expression 'revolcarse en la autocompasión' captures the English phrase 'wallow in self-pity.' The verb 'revolcarse' literally means to roll around (like an animal in mud), creating the same vivid metaphor. Alternatives include 'regodearse en la lástima' and 'compadecerse de sí mismo.'
Pronounced reh-vohl-KAHR-seh ehn lah ow-toh-kohm-pah-SYOHN. The verb 'revolcarse' has an o→ue stem change in the present tense: me revuelco.
Deja de revolcarte en la autocompasión y haz algo productivo.
Stop wallowing in self-pity and do something productive.
Wallow In Self Pity in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for wallow in self pity, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| revolcarse en la autocompasión | wallow in self pity | reh-vohl-KAHR-seh ehn lah ow-toh-kohm-pah-SYOHN | Default, widely understood |
| regodearse en la lástima | wallow in self pity | informal | |
| compadecerse de sí mismo | wallow in self pity | to feel sorry for oneself |
How Native Speakers Use Revolcarse En La Autocompasión
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Tough love
No te revuelques en la autocompasión; levántate y sigue adelante.
Don't wallow in self-pity; get up and keep going.
Encouraging someone to overcome a negative mindset.
Self-reflection
Me di cuenta de que me estaba compadeciendo demasiado de mí mismo.
I realized I was wallowing in self-pity too much.
Acknowledging one's own tendency toward self-pity.
Friendly advice
Regodearte en la tristeza no va a solucionar nada.
Wallowing in sadness isn't going to solve anything.
Giving practical advice to a friend.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Revolcarse En La Autocompasión
Literal translation attempt
Incorrect: Estoy wallowing en auto-pity.
Correct: Me estoy revolcando en la autocompasión.
This idiomatic expression cannot use English words mixed with Spanish; it requires the full Spanish equivalent.
Missing reflexive pronoun
Incorrect: Él revolca en la autocompasión.
Correct: Él se revuelca en la autocompasión.
Revolcarse is reflexive and requires the pronoun 'se,' plus it has an o→ue stem change in the present tense.
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Common Questions About Wallow In Self Pity in Spanish
- Is there a shorter way to express this?
- The phrase 'sentir lástima de sí mismo' (to feel sorry for oneself) is a simpler alternative, and in casual speech 'estar de quejica' or 'victimizarse' captures the idea of indulging in self-pity.
- How formal is revolcarse in this context?
- The verb 'revolcarse' adds a vivid, somewhat informal image since it literally means rolling around, making it impactful in spoken language but potentially too colorful for very formal writing where 'sumirse en la autocompasión' works better.
- Can I use this expression in a positive way?
- The expression inherently carries a negative connotation suggesting excessive or unproductive self-pity, so there is no positive use — for healthy emotional processing, phrases like 'permitirse sentir' (allowing oneself to feel) are more appropriate.