siento
/sjento/from spelling rules
siento is the Spanish word for "I feel" or "I am sorry".
siento is used to express a physical or emotional sensation, meaning "I feel". It is also the core of the expression used to express regret or an apology. By adding the direct object pronoun lo to create Lo siento, you form the common phrase meaning "I am sorry".
How does it change in a sentence?
siento is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb sentir.
How do you pronounce it?
/sjento/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase Lo siento can be perceived as an admission of guilt rather than a simple apology. This can make it less common in legal or formal disputes where someone wants to express regret without accepting liability.
- While Lo siento expresses regret, it is often too heavy for minor accidents like bumping into someone. In those cases, Spanish speakers prefer perdón or disculpa to avoid sounding overly dramatic.
- Spanish has a distinction between sentir and sentirse. While siento describes what you feel, me siento describes how you feel, such as 'I feel tired'. Using siento instead of me siento can change the meaning from a state of being to a perception.
Examples in context
- Siento mucho su pérdida.I am very sorry for your loss.
- Siento haberle causado problemas.I'm sorry for causing you trouble.
- Siento no poder asistir a la reunión.I regret not being able to attend the meeting.
- Lo siento mucho.I'm really sorry.
- Mi más sentido pésame.My deepest condolences.
- Siento mucho la noticia.I am very sorry about the news.
- No siento nada en la mano.I don't feel anything in my hand.
Example conversation
Daniel apologizes to Elena for arriving late.
- DanielLo siento, Elena, llegué tarde.I am sorry, Elena, I arrived late.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Daniel.Don't worry, Daniel.
- DanielSiento haberte hecho esperar.I am sorry for making you wait.
- ElenaEstá bien, no pasa nada.It's okay, no problem.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
