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arrepentido

ah-rre-pen-TEE-doh/arepenˈtiðo/

“arrepentido” means “sorry” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

sorry, repentant

Also: remorseful, regretful
A sad child sitting on a wooden bench, looking down at a broken toy with a regretful expression.

📝 In Action

Estoy muy arrepentido de lo que te dije ayer.

B1

I am very sorry for what I told you yesterday.

Ella no parece arrepentida por su decisión.

B1

She doesn't seem regretful about her decision.

Si estás arrepentido, deberías pedir perdón.

A2

If you are sorry, you should ask for forgiveness.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pesaroso (sorrowful/regretful)
  • contrito (contrite/deeply sorry)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • estar profundamente arrepentido – to be deeply sorry
  • sentirse arrepentido – to feel regretful
  • parecer arrepentido – to look sorry

informant, turned witness

NounmC1formal
Argentina
A person in a dark jacket sitting at a table in a dimly lit room, speaking to a police officer who is taking notes.

📝 In Action

El testimonio del arrepentido fue clave para cerrar el caso.

C1

The informant's testimony was key to closing the case.

La ley protege a los arrepentidos que colaboran con la justicia.

C2

The law protects turned witnesses who cooperate with the justice system.

Un arrepentido de la mafia reveló los planes del grupo.

C1

A former member of the mafia who turned witness revealed the group's plans.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • delator (informer)
  • testigo protegido (protected witness)

Antonyms

  • cómplice (accomplice)

Common Collocations

  • la figura del arrepentido – the legal concept of the turned witness
  • ley del arrepentido – informant law

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: arrepentido

Question 1 of 3

Which verb should you use with 'arrepentido' to say 'I am sorry'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Old Spanish word 'repentir', which grew out of Latin 'paenitēre' (to regret). The 'a-' was added later, a common pattern in Spanish for building verbs.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: repentFrench: repentirItalian: pentito

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'lo siento' and 'estoy arrepentido'?

'Lo siento' is a general way to say 'I'm sorry' or 'I feel it.' 'Estoy arrepentido' is much stronger; it means you specifically regret an action you took.

Can I use 'arrepentido' for small things, like arriving late?

You can, but it sounds a bit dramatic. For small things, 'lo siento' or 'perdón' is more natural.

Is 'arrepentido' the same as 'regretful'?

Yes, they are very similar. 'Arrepentido' covers both the feeling of wishing you hadn't done something and the moral feeling of repentance.