siento
syen-toh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Lo siento, no puedo ir a la fiesta.
A1I'm sorry, I can't go to the party.
Siento mucho frío, ¿puedes cerrar la ventana?
A1I feel very cold, can you close the window?
Hoy me siento muy feliz.
A2Today I feel very happy.
Siento que esta es la decisión correcta.
B1I feel that this is the right decision.
💡 Grammar Points
A Shape-Shifting Verb (e > ie)
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'.
Feeling Something vs. Feeling a Certain Way
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).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'Lo'
Mistake: "To say 'I'm sorry,' a common mistake is just saying 'Siento.'"
Correction: Always say 'Lo siento.' The 'Lo' refers to 'it'—the thing you're sorry about. Think of it as 'I'm sorry about it.'
Mixing up 'sentir' and 'sentarse'
Mistake: "'Me siento triste' (I feel sad)."
Correction: This is correct! But it's easy to confuse with the other 'siento' which means 'I sit'. The little word 'me' is the key to telling them apart.
⭐ Usage Tips
Your Go-To Apology
'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).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: siento
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means 'I sit on the blue chair'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'siento', 'me siento', and 'lo siento'?
It's simple! 'Lo siento' means 'I'm sorry.' 'Me siento' means 'I sit down.' And 'siento' by itself means 'I feel' something, like 'Siento frío' (I feel cold).
Why do 'sentir' and 'sentar' both become 'siento'?
It's just a coincidence of Spanish evolution! They come from different Latin words but ended up with the same spelling for the 'I' form. The context, and especially the little word 'me' for sitting, helps you tell them apart.