lo siento, mamá
The English phrase "I am sorry, mom" is translated into Spanish as lo siento, mamá.
This phrase is used to express regret to one's mother for a mistake or wrongdoing.
Which one should you use?
While lo siento, mamá expresses the internal feeling of regret, perdón, mamá is more focused on asking for forgiveness for a specific action.
Did you know?
- While lo siento, mamá is an apology, the same phrase lo siento is used to express condolences at a funeral to mean 'I am sorry for your loss'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, an apology to a mother might be incomplete without a physical gesture, such as a kiss on the cheek or a hug, to truly signal the end of the tension.
- The word mamá was adapted into Spanish from the French word maman.
Examples in context
- De verdad lo siento, mamá, no debería haber dicho esas cosas.I really am sorry, Mom. I shouldn't have said those things.
- Mamá, lo siento mucho por haber roto tu plato favorito. ¿Puedo comprarte uno nuevo para reemplazarlo?Mom, I'm really sorry for breaking your favorite plate. Can I buy you a new one to replace it?
- Gracias por siempre estar ahí, mamá. Lamento haber hecho cosas que te lastiman.Thank you for always being there, Mom. I'm sorry for doing things that hurt you.
- Lo siento, mamá, no volverá a pasar.I am sorry, mom, it won't happen again.
- Lo siento, mamá, olvidé lavar los platos.I am sorry, mom, I forgot to wash the dishes.
Example conversation
Javier accidentally spills juice on the kitchen table.
- Javier¡Uy! Lo siento, mamá, se me cayó el jugo.Oops! I am sorry, mom, I dropped the juice.
- MaríaNo importa, Javier. Trae un trapo, por favor.It doesn't matter, Javier. Bring a cloth, please.
- JavierSí, lo traigo ahora mismo.Yes, I'll bring it right now.
- MaríaEstá bien, solo ten más cuidado.It's okay, just be more careful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lo, mamá, CC BY-SA 4.0.
