Forgetting 'Lo'

Mixing up 'sentir' and 'sentarse'

The verb 'sentir' changes its shape in some situations. The 'e' in the middle becomes 'ie' for 'yo', 'tú', 'él/ella', and 'ellos/ellas'. Notice how 'nosotros' (we) keeps the original 'e': 'siento' but 'sentimos'.

A Shape-Shifting Verb (e > ie)

Use 'sentir' for things you feel (like cold, hunger, happiness). Use 'sentirse' (with 'me', 'te', 'se') to describe your own state. For example, 'Siento alegría' (I feel joy) vs. 'Me siento alegre' (I feel joyful).

Feeling Something vs. Feeling a Certain Way

'Lo siento' works for everything from bumping into someone to offering condolences. For a stronger apology, you can say 'Lo siento mucho' (I'm very sorry).

Your Go-To Apology

Extremely common. This is one of the most important verb forms to learn for everyday conversation.

Forgetting the 'me'

The verb for 'to sit down' is 'sentarse'. To say 'I sit down', the '-se' part moves to the front and changes to 'me', giving you 'me siento'. Forgetting the 'me' is a very common mistake for learners.

The Magic Word 'me'

Just like 'sentir', this verb 'sentar' also changes its 'e' to 'ie' for most forms in the present tense, except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'. So it's 'me siento' but 'nos sentamos' (we sit down).

Another Shape-Shifter (e > ie)

Even though it looks like two words, it's best to learn 'sentarse' as a single idea meaning 'to sit down'. That will help you remember to use the 'me', 'te', 'se' part whenever you talk about sitting.

Think of 'sentarse' as one idea

Very common, but almost exclusively used with 'me' ('me siento') to mean 'I sit down'.

Learn the complete meaning of 'siento' in Spanish. Master the difference between 'siento' (I feel), 'me siento' (I sit), and 'lo siento' (I'm sorry) with full conjugations, examples, and quizzes.

siento

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations