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How to Say "regret" in Spanish

English → Spanish

lamento

/la-MEN-to//laˈmento/

nounB1formal
Use 'lamento' when expressing a deep feeling of sadness or sorrow specifically about past events or missed opportunities, often in a more formal or literary context.
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.

nounA2informal
Use 'lástima' when you feel pity or sadness about someone else's unfortunate situation or a disappointing outcome, rather than personal regret.

Examples

Le di algo de dinero por lástima, se veía muy triste.

I gave him some money out of pity; he looked very sad.

pesar

peh-SAHR/peˈsaɾ/

nounC1formal
Use 'pesar' to convey a profound feeling of sorrow, grief, or deep disappointment, often associated with serious matters or significant loss.
A solitary cartoon character standing under a small, dark rain cloud that is lightly dripping water, symbolizing deep sadness.

Examples

Su rostro reflejaba un gran pesar.

His face reflected great sorrow.

Fue con mucho pesar que aceptaron la derrota.

It was with great regret that they accepted the defeat.

The Expression 'A pesar de'

The noun 'pesar' is most frequently encountered as part of the prepositional phrase 'a pesar de' (despite/in spite of), which is an essential B1 phrase.

Lástima vs. Lamento/Pesar

The most common mistake is using 'lástima' for personal regret. Remember, 'lástima' is primarily about feeling pity for others or a situation, while 'lamento' and 'pesar' focus on your own sadness or disappointment about something that happened.

Related Translations

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