sentirlo
/sentiɾlo/from spelling rules
To be sorry in Spanish is sentirlo.
The phrase is used to express that one feels regret or remorse for something one has done. In actual conversation, while sentirlo is the infinitive form, the most common way to say "I am sorry" is lo siento.
What does it mean word for word?
The word sentirlo is a combination of the verb sentir (to feel) and the direct object pronoun lo (it).
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between expressing regret and asking for forgiveness for social transgressions. Use lo siento to express personal regret or sympathy, whereas perdone or disculpe are used to ask for forgiveness for a social transgression.
How do you pronounce it?
/sentiɾlo/
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, saying lo siento can be a way to express 'I pity you' rather than 'I am sorry', depending on the tone and situation.
- Spanish has the word sentimiento, derived from the same root as sentirlo, which refers to a feeling or emotion but also to the 'soul' of a musical performance.
- While English speakers use 'sorry' for both sympathy and apologies, using lo siento to apologize for bumping into someone can sound overly dramatic or heavy, as if you are mourning a loss.
Examples in context
- Disculpe las molestias.Sorry for the inconvenience.
- Lamento profundamente lo ocurrido.I deeply regret what happened.
- Le pido disculpas por cualquier perjuicio causado.I apologize for any inconvenience caused.
- Perdona mi error.Forgive my mistake.
- Disculpa por lo ocurrido.Apologies for what happened.
- Lamento el error cometido.I apologize for the mistake made.
- Pido disculpas por el retraso en la entrega.I apologize for the delay in delivery.
- Le ruego acepte mis disculpas por el malentendido.I ask you to accept my apologies for the misunderstanding.
- Lo siento, amigo. Fue mi culpa.I'm sorry, buddy. It was my fault.
- Disculpa por no poder asistir a la fiesta. Me quedé sin gasolina.Sorry for not being able to attend the party. I ran out of gas.
- Perdona, no quería lastimarte con mi comentario.Forgive me, I didn't mean to hurt you with my remark.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
