lamento
/laˈmẽ.tu/
In Portuguese, to lament is lamento.
The term is used to express grief. It can function as a verb meaning to express grief, or as a noun meaning an expression of grief, suffering or sadness or a song expressing grief.
Meaning: express grief (verb)
Which one should you use?
When using the word as a noun, lamento often refers to the specific expression or the feeling of grief. In contrast, lamentação is more frequently used to describe the formal or repetitive act of lamenting or a loud outcry of grief.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word lamento can be the first-person singular present indicative of the verb lamentar (meaning "I lament"). The infinitive form of the verb is lamentar.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on 2 of 3: /laˈmẽ.tu/.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese music, particularly in the 'fado' tradition, a lamento is not just a cry of grief but a stylized musical structure used to express 'saudade', a deep longing for something lost.
- Using the phrase Eu lamento in a formal setting functions as a polite apology, effectively translating to 'I regret' or 'I am sorry' rather than a cry of grief.
- The Portuguese word lamento is a direct relative of the English word 'lament', as both trace back to the Latin lāmentum.
Examples in context
- "As escolas de hoje em dia já não são o que eram." Este é um lamento frequentemente proferido por americanos mais velhos, que por vezes sentem que a qualidade do ensino baixou e que já não é exigido às crianças que aprendam noções básicas de leitura, escrita e aritmética.'Schools these days just aren't what they used to be.' It's a lament frequently issued by older Americans, who sometimes feel educational standards have gone down, and children are no longer required to learn the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic.This sentence shows how lamento can be used to describe a common expression of dissatisfaction.Tatoeba #12418734 by Cangarejo, translation #12418732 by Cangarejo
- Ela se lamentou pela perda do emprego.She lamented the loss of her job.
- Lastimou-se pela tragédia que assolou a cidade.He lamented the tragedy that befell the city.
- A frequente falta de dinheiro é motivo de lamentação.The frequent lack of money is a cause for lamentation.
- Eu lamento muito a sua perda.I deeply lament your loss.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a person who passed away.
- JulianaSinto muito pelo que aconteceu.I am so sorry for what happened.
- LucasEu lamento muito a partida dele.I truly lament his departure.
- JulianaEle era uma pessoa incrível.He was an amazing person.
- LucasSim, todos sentiremos muita falta dele.Yes, we will all miss him a lot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lamento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lamento, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
