Sufrir vs. padecer
The Spanish words 'sufrir' and 'padecer' both translate to 'to suffer' in English, but are used differently based on the context.
Sufrir
Sufrir is a more general term for suffering, and it can refer to both physical and emotional pain. It also encompasses suffering as a result of a situation, such as suffering due to poverty or injustice.
Ella sufrió mucho cuando su perro murió.
(She suffered greatly when her dog died.)
Muchas personas sufren de pobreza en el mundo.
(Many people suffer from poverty worldwide.)
Él sufrió una grave lesión en el partido de fútbol.
(He suffered a severe injury in the football match.)
Padecer
'Padecer' is usually used to refer to suffering from an illness or chronic condition. Sometimes, it can also be used in the context of enduring or suffering from a specific situation.
Mi abuelo padece de diabetes.
(My grandfather suffers from diabetes.)
Ellos padecen la falta de agua potable.
(They endure the lack of drinking water.)
María padece insomnio desde hace años.
(Maria has been suffering from insomnia for years.)
Summary
While both 'sufrir' and 'padecer' mean ‘to suffer’, their usage depends on context. 'Sufrir' is more universal and refers to general suffering, either physical or emotional. It also includes undergoing hardship due to circumstances like poverty or injustice. On the other hand, 'padecer' mainly denotes suffering from chronic illness or enduring specific conditions.