Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| lamentar | /lamenˈtaɾ/ |
| arrepentirse [de] | |
| repentirse [de] | |
| compungirse | /kompunxiɾse/ (from spelling rules) |
To express the feeling of being sorry about something in the past, you can use several different verbs. Lamentar is a versatile verb used to express sorrow or regret regarding a situation or a fact. If you want to express regret or sorrow more generally, you can also use sentir.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on what you are regretting. Use lamentar to express sorrow about a situation or a fact that cannot be changed. Use arrepentirse [de] or repentirse [de] when the regret involves personal remorse or a desire to undo a specific action or decision. Compungirse is a highly formal or literary term used to describe feeling a prick of conscience or deep regret.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Lamentar is a versatile verb suitable for formal contexts. Compungirse is a highly formal or literary term. For an informal way to say you are sorry, you can use perdón.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Lamentar is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition before its direct object. However, arrepentirse is a reflexive verb and requires the preposition de before the object of the regret.
How do you pronounce it?
/lamenˈtaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When using arrepentirse [de], do not omit the preposition de. Avoid saying me arrepiento esto and instead say me arrepiento de esto.
Did you know?
- The formal verb compungirse literally evokes the image of being 'pricked' by a needle of conscience.
- In Spanish, the phrase no me arrepiento de nada is a common defiant slogan in songs and literature to show strength of character.
- While lamentar is a cognate of 'lament', in modern Spanish it is used much more frequently in casual conversation than the English 'lament' is used in English.
Examples in context
- Tom va a lamentarlo.Tom will regret this.This sentence uses lamentar.Tatoeba #1167557 by marcelostockle, translation #2821633 by CK
- Un día lo lamentarás.Some day you will regret this.Tatoeba #1265318 by Shishir, translation #66340 by CC
- Algún día lamentarás esto.Someday you'll regret this.Tatoeba #1165773 by marcelostockle, translation #508303 by CM
- Lamento mucho no poder asistir a la reuniónI deeply regret not being able to attend the meeting.
- Siento mucho haber causado inconvenientesI am very sorry for causing inconvenience.
- Le pido disculpas por el error cometidoI apologize for the mistake made.
- Lamento no poder acompañarte esta nocheI'm sorry I can't accompany you tonight.
- Me da pena no haber ido al conciertoI regret not going to the concert.
- Perdón por llegar tardeSorry for being late.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about a missed job opportunity.
- AlejandroNo acepté el empleo y ahora lo lamento.I didn't accept the job and now I regret it.
- LucíaNo deberías lamentar una decisión tan importante.You shouldn't regret such an important decision.
- AlejandroEs verdad, pero lamento haber tenido miedo.That's true, but I regret having been afraid.
- LucíaTodo pasa por algo, Alejandro.Everything happens for a reason, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “regret” translations and entries lamentar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
