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How to Say "i regret" in Spanish

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siento

/syen-toh//ˈsjento/

VerbA1Formal
Use 'siento' (often as 'lo siento') when you want to express a general apology or express sympathy, similar to 'I'm sorry' in English.
A person with a sincere, apologetic expression, holding one hand over their heart to show they mean it.

Examples

Lo siento, no puedo ir a la fiesta.

I'm sorry, I can't go to the party.

Siento mucho frío, ¿puedes cerrar la ventana?

I feel very cold, can you close the window?

Hoy me siento muy feliz.

Today I feel very happy.

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).

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.

arrepiento

/ah-rre-PYEHN-toh//areˈpjento/

VerbA2Informal
Choose 'arrepiento' when you are expressing deep regret or remorse for a specific past action you wish you hadn't done.
A person sitting on a wooden bench looking down at a broken toy on the ground with a sad and sorry expression.

Examples

Me arrepiento de haber dicho eso.

I regret saying that.

No me arrepiento de mi decisión.

I don't regret my decision.

Me arrepiento de no haber ido a la fiesta.

I regret not having gone to the party.

The 'Buddy' Word

This verb is reflexive, meaning it needs a 'buddy' word like 'me'. You can't just say 'arrepiento'; you must say 'Me arrepiento' to show the regret is yours.

Using the 'Of' Bridge

To say what you regret, always use the word 'de' (of) as a bridge: 'Me arrepiento de...' (I regret...).

Missing the 'Me'

Mistake: “Arrepiento de mi error.”

Correction: Me arrepiento de mi error. (You must include 'me' because the regret belongs to you.)

lamento

/la-MEN-to//laˈmento/

VerbB1Formal
Use 'lamento' to formally express sadness or disappointment about a situation or to convey bad news.
A person in professional attire standing behind a formal desk, holding a document, with a solemn expression, symbolizing the formal statement 'I regret to inform you.'

Examples

Lamento informarle que su vuelo ha sido cancelado.

I regret to inform you that your flight has been canceled.

Lamento mucho no haberte llamado antes.

I'm very sorry I didn't call you sooner.

Lamento que te sientas así.

I'm sorry that you feel that way.

Using 'Lamentar que' + a Special Verb Form

When you say you regret that someone else does something, the verb that follows 'que' changes its ending. This special form is called the subjunctive. For example: 'Lamento que estés triste.' (I'm sorry that you are sad.)

Formal Regret vs. Everyday Apology

Mistake: “Using 'lamento' when you bump into someone on the street.”

Correction: For small, everyday apologies, use 'perdón' or 'lo siento'. Save 'lamento' for more serious regrets or formal situations, like saying 'I regret to inform you...'

Choosing Between 'Siento' and 'Arrepiento'

Learners often confuse 'siento' and 'arrepiento'. Remember that 'siento' is a general apology or expression of sympathy, like 'I'm sorry,' while 'arrepiento' signifies deeper remorse for a specific past action you wish you could undo.

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