la pena (noun)

Frequency star
  1. pity, shame (e.g. “es una pena” – it’s a shame)
  2. sorrow, grief, sadness
  3. embarrassment (Latin America)
  4. sentence, penalty (legal)
  5. trouble, effort (as in “valer la pena” – to be worth it)

Las penas por contrabando en ese país son extremadamente severas.

The penalties for smuggling in that country are extremely severe.

Es una pena que hayan cancelado el concierto de esta noche.

It's a shame they cancelled tonight's concert.

Dirían que no la pena.

They would say it's not worth it.