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lo siento

interjectionBeginnerHigh frequency

What does “lo siento” mean in English?

  1. I'm sorry

Example sentences

  • Lo siento, llego tarde.

    I'm sorry, I'm late.

  • Lo siento mucho por tu pérdida.

    I'm so sorry for your loss.

  • Lo siento, no puedo ir.

    I'm sorry, I can't go.

How to use it

Lo siento means 'I'm sorry' (literally 'I feel it'). Used for genuine apologies, condolences, or regret. Stronger than perdón.

Common mistake

Lo siento is for genuine regret. For 'excuse me' (getting attention) use disculpe or perdón. For minor mistakes also perdón.

Topics

Related Beginner words

Reference

This entry’s teaching guidance follows A New Reference Grammar of Modern Spanish (Butt, Benjamin & Moreira Rodríguez, Routledge), 30.