lamento
“lamento” means “lament” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
lament, regret
Also: complaint, moan
📝 In Action
Su carta era un lamento por las oportunidades perdidas.
B2Her letter was a lament for lost opportunities.
Se oía el lamento del viento entre los árboles.
B1The moan of the wind could be heard through the trees.
Tras la derrota, solo había silencio y lamentos en el vestuario.
B2After the defeat, there was only silence and regrets in the locker room.
I regret, I'm sorry
Also: I lament
📝 In Action
Lamento informarle que su vuelo ha sido cancelado.
B1I regret to inform you that your flight has been canceled.
Lamento mucho no haberte llamado antes.
B1I'm very sorry I didn't call you sooner.
Lamento que te sientas así.
B2I'm sorry that you feel that way.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "lamento" in Spanish:
complaint→i lament→i regret→i'm sorry→lament→moan→regret→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: lamento
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'lamento' in the most natural and common way?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word 'lāmentum', which meant 'a wailing, moaning, or weeping'. It has kept its strong sense of sorrow and regret for centuries.
First recorded: Around the 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'lamento' and 'lo siento'?
Think of it like this: 'Lo siento' is more common and versatile for general apologies ('I'm sorry'). You can use it for anything from spilling a drink to hearing about a friend's bad day. 'Lamento' is stronger and more formal. It means 'I regret' and is used for deep, sincere regret or in formal announcements, like 'I regret to inform you...'
Can I use 'lamento' as a noun and a verb in the same sentence?
Yes, you can, though it might sound a bit poetic or repetitive. For example: 'Lamento este lamento, pero es lo que siento.' (I regret this lament, but it's what I feel.) It's grammatically correct but not very common in everyday speech.