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How to Say "lament" in Spanish

English → Spanish

lamento

/la-MEN-to//laˈmento/

nounB1general
Use 'lamento' when referring to a noun that describes a passionate expression of grief or sorrow, like a mournful cry or a written outpouring of sadness.
A small, lonely figure sitting on a stone bench in a dimly lit, quiet setting, hunched over with their face hidden in their hands, clearly expressing deep sorrow or lamentation.

Examples

Su carta era un lamento por las oportunidades perdidas.

Her letter was a lament for lost opportunities.

Se oía el lamento del viento entre los árboles.

The moan of the wind could be heard through the trees.

Tras la derrota, solo había silencio y lamentos en el vestuario.

After the defeat, there was only silence and regrets in the locker room.

llorar

yoh-RAHR (The 'll' sounds like the 'y' in 'yes' in most of Latin America, or the 'l-y' blend in 'million' in Spain.)/ʝoˈɾaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'llorar' when referring to the action of expressing deep regret or sorrow, often through complaining or verbalizing sadness, rather than necessarily physical crying.
A person standing with their arms crossed and a severe frown, pointing emphatically to express strong dissatisfaction.

Examples

No llores tanto por el trabajo; a todos nos pasa.

Don't complain so much about work; it happens to all of us.

¿Sigues llorando por el examen que reprobaste hace un mes?

Are you still whining about the test you failed a month ago?

Lloró la pérdida de su oportunidad de oro.

He lamented the loss of his golden opportunity.

Literal vs. Figurative

When used in this sense, 'llorar' means to express grief or difficulty verbally, not necessarily with tears. Context will tell you if someone is actually weeping or just complaining.

Using 'llorar' with 'de'

Mistake: “Lloró de que no tiene dinero.”

Correction: Lloró porque no tiene dinero. (or better: Se quejó de que no tiene dinero.)

Noun vs. Verb Usage

The most common mistake is using 'lamento' (noun) when you mean the action of lamenting, which is better expressed by the verb 'llorar'. Remember, 'lamento' is the lament itself, while 'llorar' is the act of lamenting or complaining.

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