At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 'lamentar' as a more advanced way to say 'I am sorry'. While most A1 students primarily use 'Desculpe' or 'Sinto muito', learning 'lamentar' helps them understand formal signs and announcements. It is usually taught in the context of very simple phrases like 'Lamento muito' (I'm very sorry). At this stage, the focus is not on complex grammar but on recognizing the word's meaning in public spaces, such as a sign in a shop that says 'Lamentamos o inconveniente' (We regret the inconvenience). The student should understand that this word is for 'bad news' rather than just making a mistake. It is a 'passive' vocabulary word at this level, meaning they should recognize it when they see it, even if they don't use it frequently in speech. Simple conjugation in the present tense is the limit of what is expected.
At the A2 level, students start to use 'lamentar' more actively to express feelings about specific situations. They learn to connect it with nouns, such as 'Lamento a notícia' (I regret the news). This level introduces the idea that 'lamentar' is more formal than 'sinto muito'. Students should be able to conjugate the verb in the present and simple past (Pretérito Perfeito). They also begin to see the word in short texts about social events or simple news stories. The A2 learner understands that 'lamentar' is used to show empathy towards others. They might use it in a simple email to a teacher or a boss to explain an absence. The grammatical structure remains simple, usually [Subject] + [Lamentar] + [Noun Phrase].
By B1, the student must master the most important grammatical hurdle: the use of the subjunctive mood after 'lamentar que'. This is a major step in Portuguese proficiency. The student should be able to say 'Lamento que você não possa vir' (I regret that you cannot come) using the present subjunctive. They also learn to use the infinitive when the subject is the same: 'Lamento ter chegado atrasado' (I regret having arrived late). At B1, 'lamentar' becomes a tool for nuanced conversation, allowing the speaker to express regret about social issues, work problems, or personal life with a higher degree of sophistication. They also start to distinguish 'lamentar' from 'arrepender-se' (to repent/regret one's own actions).
At the B2 level, 'lamentar' is used fluently in a variety of registers. The student can use it in formal debates, professional writing, and complex social interactions. They understand the nuances of the reflexive form 'lamentar-se' (to complain) and can use it correctly in context. They are also familiar with common collocations and idiomatic expressions like 'não há nada a lamentar' (there is nothing to regret). B2 learners can use the verb in all tenses, including the future and the conditional ('Eu lamentaria se...'). They can write formal letters of apology or complaint where 'lamentar' is a key verb. Their understanding of the word includes its use in media and literature, where it might describe a general state of mourning or a tragic event.
C1 learners use 'lamentar' with the precision of a native speaker. they can distinguish between 'lamentar', 'lastimar', and 'deplorar' based on the intensity and the social context. They are comfortable using the verb in highly formal or academic contexts to discuss historical regrets or social tragedies. At this level, the student understands the stylistic choices involved in using 'lamentar' versus its synonyms. They can use it in complex sentence structures with multiple clauses and varied tenses of the subjunctive. They also recognize the use of 'lamentar' in classical Portuguese literature, understanding the cultural weight the word carries in the history of the language. Their usage is natural, effortless, and always appropriate to the register.
At the C2 level, the learner has a complete grasp of 'lamentar' in all its philosophical and linguistic depth. They can use it to discuss abstract concepts of regret and human sorrow. They are aware of the word's etymological roots and how they influence its current usage. C2 speakers can use 'lamentar' in creative writing, poetry, or high-level academic discourse to convey subtle shades of meaning. They are also experts in the use of 'lamentar-se' as a stylistic device to characterize someone's personality. At this stage, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a flexible instrument for expressing the complexities of the human condition in Portuguese. They can participate in high-level diplomatic or legal discussions where the choice between 'lamentar' and another verb could have significant implications.

lamentar في 30 ثانية

  • Lamentar is a versatile Portuguese verb meaning 'to regret' or 'to be sorry', used for both personal feelings and formal apologies.
  • It typically requires the subjunctive mood when followed by a 'que' clause, expressing a subjective emotional reaction to a fact.
  • While similar to 'sinto muito', it is more formal and carries more weight, making it ideal for news, business, and condolences.
  • The reflexive form 'lamentar-se' shifts the meaning toward 'to complain' or 'to moan' about a situation rather than just feeling sorry.
The Portuguese verb lamentar is a cornerstone of emotional expression, bridging the gap between simple sadness and formal regret. At its core, it signifies the act of feeling or expressing sorrow, grief, or remorse about a situation, an event, or a specific action. Unlike the more colloquial 'desculpe' (sorry) used for minor social infractions like bumping into someone, lamentar carries a weight of sincerity and often a degree of formality that makes it suitable for both personal heartfelt conversations and official corporate communications.
Emotional Depth
It describes a state of mind where one wishes a past event had unfolded differently, or where one empathizes deeply with another person's misfortune.
Formal Apology
In professional settings, it is the standard verb for companies expressing regret over service failures or tragic news.
When you use this word, you are signaling that you are not just acknowledging a fact, but that you are emotionally affected by it. It is frequently heard in news broadcasts when reporting on accidents or deaths, where the reporter might say that the authorities 'lamentam o ocorrido' (regret what happened). In everyday life, a friend might use it to show solidarity when you lose your job or a pet.

Eu realmente lamento que você não possa vir à festa de aniversário.

This sentence demonstrates the common grammatical structure where the verb is followed by a subordinate clause. It shows a personal disappointment that is more profound than a simple 'que pena' (what a pity). Understanding the nuance of this verb allows a learner to navigate social situations with greater empathy. It is not just about the self; it is about the shared human experience of disappointment. Whether you are reading a classic novel by Machado de Assis or watching a modern Brazilian soap opera, you will find characters using this verb to articulate their inner turmoil or their social graces. It is a versatile tool for any Portuguese speaker aiming for a level of fluency that includes emotional intelligence and formal accuracy.
The grammar of lamentar is relatively straightforward but requires attention to the structures that follow it. Most commonly, it functions as a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. You can lament a thing, a person's situation, or an event. For example, 'Lamento o seu prejuízo' (I regret your loss). However, the most frequent use in complex sentences involves the conjunction 'que', which triggers the subjunctive mood. This is because expressing regret is a subjective emotional reaction to a fact.
Direct Object Usage
Lamentamos a demora na entrega do seu pedido internacional.
Subjunctive Clause
Lamento que eles tenham decidido sair tão cedo da reunião.
In the second example, 'tenham decidido' is in the present perfect subjunctive because the regret is directed at a completed action. If you are regretting something you did yourself, you can use the infinitive: 'Lamento ter dito aquilo' (I regret having said that). This avoids the need for 'que' and the subjunctive.

Nós lamentamos profundamente a perda do seu ente querido.

This is a standard way to offer condolences. Notice how the adverb 'profundamente' (deeply) is often paired with this verb to intensify the sentiment. In European Portuguese, you might occasionally see the pronominal form 'lamentar-se', which means 'to complain' or 'to moan', but this is a distinct usage. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'reclamar' is much more common for complaining. When practicing, try to construct sentences that reflect real-life regrets or professional apologies to get a feel for the verb's weight. It is a regular '-ar' verb, so its conjugation follows the standard pattern: lamento, lamentas, lamenta, lamentamos, lamentais, lamentam. Mastery of this verb is essential for reaching the A2 and B1 levels, where expressing feelings and opinions becomes a core part of the curriculum.
To hear lamentar in its natural habitat, one should look towards formal media and serious interpersonal dialogue. It is a staple of 'Jornal Nacional' in Brazil or 'Telejornal' in Portugal. When a public figure passes away, or a natural disaster occurs, the anchor will inevitably say, 'O governo lamenta a tragédia'. This sets a tone of official mourning. In the business world, customer service representatives use it to maintain a professional yet empathetic distance. If a flight is canceled, the announcement will start with 'A companhia aérea lamenta informar que...'.
News Media
Used to report on collective grief or official statements of regret from institutions.
Literature and Arts
Characters in dramas often use it to express existential regret or unrequited love.
Beyond the formal, you will hear it in polite social circles. If someone invites you to an event you cannot attend, saying 'Lamento muito, mas já tenho compromisso' is more sophisticated than 'Não posso ir'. It shows that you value the invitation.

O diretor lamentou a saída da funcionária mais experiente da equipe.

In this context, it highlights the loss of value to the team. In music, particularly in Fado or older Samba, the lyrics often revolve around 'lamentar' the passage of time or a lost 'saudade'. You will also find it in legal documents and official correspondence, where 'lamentamos os transtornos' (we regret the inconvenience) is a standard phrase used to smooth over errors. By paying attention to these contexts, you can learn to modulate your own tone in Portuguese, knowing exactly when to deploy this powerful verb for maximum effect.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using lamentar is treating it exactly like 'sorry'. In English, 'I'm sorry' can mean 'I apologize' or 'I feel bad for you'. In Portuguese, while 'lamentar' covers both, it is much more formal. Using it because you stepped on someone's toe would sound bizarrely dramatic. For that, you should use 'Desculpe' or 'Perdão'.
The Subjunctive Trap
Forgetting to use the subjunctive after 'que'. Saying 'Lamento que você está doente' is grammatically incorrect; it must be 'esteja'.
Over-registration
Using 'lamentar' in a very casual setting with close friends can make you sound distant or robotic.
Another common mistake is the confusion between 'lamentar' and 'arrepender-se'. 'Arrepender-se' is specifically for when you feel guilt for your own actions. You can 'lamentar' the weather, but you cannot 'arrepender-se' the weather (unless you believe you caused it).

Não se deve lamentar o leite derramado.

This is the Portuguese equivalent of 'don't cry over spilled milk'. Note that here it means 'to mourn' or 'to cry over'. Learners also often struggle with the preposition 'por'. While you can say 'Lamento por você', it's much more common to use the verb transitively: 'Lamento a sua situação'. Avoiding the preposition often sounds more natural. Finally, be careful with the reflexive 'lamentar-se'. If you say 'Ele se lamenta o dia todo', you are saying 'He complains/groans all day', which has a negative connotation of being a whiner. Stick to the non-reflexive 'lamentar' to express genuine regret or sorrow.
To truly master the semantic field of regret in Portuguese, you must understand how lamentar compares to its synonyms. The most common alternative is sentir (to feel). 'Sinto muito' is the direct equivalent of 'I'm very sorry' and is used in about 80% of daily interactions where 'lamentar' would be too heavy.
Lastimar
This is almost a perfect synonym for 'lamentar' but is even more formal. It is often used in literature or very formal speeches. 'É de se lastimar' means 'It is to be regretted'.
Arrepender-se
Focuses on personal guilt. You 'arrepende-se' of a crime or a bad choice you made. You 'lamenta' a tragedy that happened to someone else.
Then there is deplorar, which is much stronger. To 'deplorar' something is to find it morally reprehensible or utterly disastrous. If a politician commits a crime, the public might 'deplorar' their actions.

Eu sinto muito pela sua perda, mas lamento ainda mais que você tenha que passar por isso sozinho.

This sentence shows the subtle shift from 'sinto' (personal feeling) to 'lamentar' (formal expression of the tragedy). In casual Brazilian Portuguese, people often use 'que pena' or 'que chato' to express a lighter version of regret. Understanding these distinctions prevents the 'one-word-fits-all' approach that marks a beginner. By choosing 'lamentar' when appropriate, you demonstrate a respect for the gravity of the situation and a sophisticated command of the Portuguese register. Whether you are writing a letter of condolence or explaining a business delay, knowing these alternatives ensures your message is received with the intended tone and respect.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The word is related to 'lament', which entered English via Old French, showing the shared heritage of Latin-based emotional vocabulary.

دليل النطق

UK /lɐ.mẽ.ˈtaɾ/
US /la.mẽ.ˈtaʁ/
The stress is on the last syllable: la-men-TAR.
يتقافى مع
cantar falar andar amar pensar olhar chegar estar
أخطاء شائعة
  • Pronouncing the 'n' fully instead of nasally.
  • Stressing the second syllable instead of the last.
  • Using an English 'r' at the end.
  • Pronouncing the 'e' as 'ee' instead of a closed 'e'.
  • Missing the nasalization of the 'am' and 'en' sounds.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English 'lament'.

الكتابة 4/5

Requires knowledge of the subjunctive mood and formal registers.

التحدث 3/5

Pronunciation is regular, but choosing the right context is key.

الاستماع 2/5

Clear pronunciation in formal speech makes it easy to catch.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

sentir triste que ter desculpe

تعلّم لاحقاً

lastimar arrepender-se deplorar pesar condolências

متقدم

inconsueto inexorável melancolia fado

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Subjunctive after verbs of emotion

Lamento que ele *esteja* doente.

Infinitive for same-subject regret

Lamento *ter* esquecido a chave.

Reflexive use for complaining

Ele *se lamenta* de tudo.

Position of adverbs with lamentar

Lamento *profundamente*.

Direct object vs Prepositional phrase

Lamento o erro (Direct) vs Lamento pelo erro (Prepositional).

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

Eu lamento muito.

I am very sorry.

Simple present tense.

2

Lamentamos o erro.

We regret the error.

First person plural.

3

Ela lamenta a notícia.

She regrets the news.

Third person singular.

4

Você lamenta isso?

Do you regret that?

Interrogative form.

5

Nós não lamentamos.

We do not regret.

Negative form.

6

Eles lamentam o atraso.

They regret the delay.

Third person plural.

7

Lamento, senhor.

I'm sorry, sir.

Formal address.

8

O gato lamenta a fome.

The cat regrets the hunger (metaphorical).

Personification.

1

Lamento que você esteja triste.

I regret that you are sad.

Use of present subjunctive 'esteja'.

2

Eu lamento o que aconteceu ontem.

I regret what happened yesterday.

Pretérito Perfeito in the subordinate clause.

3

Lamentamos a sua perda recente.

We regret your recent loss.

Formal expression of condolences.

4

Ele lamentou não ter ido ao cinema.

He regretted not having gone to the cinema.

Infinitive 'ter ido' after the verb.

5

Lamento informar que o voo atrasou.

I regret to inform you that the flight is delayed.

Standard formal announcement.

6

Ela sempre lamenta o tempo frio.

She always regrets the cold weather.

Present tense indicating a habit.

7

Nós lamentamos muito o inconveniente.

We very much regret the inconvenience.

Adverb 'muito' for emphasis.

8

Lamento o mal-entendido entre nós.

I regret the misunderstanding between us.

Noun phrase object.

1

Lamento que eles não tenham aceitado a proposta.

I regret that they haven't accepted the proposal.

Present perfect subjunctive.

2

Eu lamento ter falado daquela maneira com você.

I regret having spoken that way to you.

Personal infinitive structure.

3

Lamentamos que o serviço não tenha sido satisfatório.

We regret that the service was not satisfactory.

Passive voice in the subjunctive.

4

Ela lamentou que a chuva estragasse o piquenique.

She regretted that the rain spoiled the picnic.

Imperfect subjunctive 'estragasse'.

5

Lamento profundamente que as coisas tenham chegado a este ponto.

I deeply regret that things have reached this point.

Intensifier 'profundamente'.

6

Nós lamentamos o fato de que ele se demitiu.

We regret the fact that he resigned.

Noun clause 'o fato de que'.

7

Lamento que você se sinta assim sobre o projeto.

I regret that you feel this way about the project.

Reflexive verb in the subjunctive.

8

Eles lamentaram a decisão da diretoria.

They regretted the board's decision.

Direct object.

1

Lamento que a situação tenha se tornado insustentável.

I regret that the situation has become unsustainable.

Compound subjunctive.

2

Se eu soubesse, teria lamentado antes.

If I had known, I would have regretted it sooner.

Conditional perfect.

3

Lamentamos que o prazo não possa ser prorrogado.

We regret that the deadline cannot be extended.

Passive structure.

4

Ele se lamenta constantemente da falta de sorte.

He constantly complains about the lack of luck.

Reflexive 'lamentar-se' meaning 'to complain'.

5

Lamento que a nossa colaboração chegue ao fim.

I regret that our collaboration is coming to an end.

Present subjunctive for future meaning.

6

A empresa lamenta quaisquer transtornos causados pela obra.

The company regrets any inconvenience caused by the construction.

Formal plural 'quaisquer'.

7

Lamento que você não tenha visto o pôr do sol.

I regret that you didn't see the sunset.

Past subjunctive.

8

Ninguém pode lamentar o esforço feito.

No one can regret the effort made.

Modal verb + infinitive.

1

Lamento imensamente que a diplomacia tenha falhado.

I immensely regret that diplomacy has failed.

High-level adverb 'imensamente'.

2

É de se lamentar que tais práticas ainda ocorram.

It is to be regretted that such practices still occur.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

3

Lamento que a verdade tenha sido sacrificada em prol do lucro.

I regret that the truth has been sacrificed for the sake of profit.

Complex prepositional phrase.

4

Poucos lamentaram a queda do antigo regime.

Few regretted the fall of the old regime.

Historical context.

5

Lamento que a sua genialidade tenha sido incompreendida.

I regret that your genius was misunderstood.

Passive subjunctive.

6

Ela lamentou amargamente as escolhas da juventude.

She bitterly regretted the choices of her youth.

Adverb of manner.

7

Lamento que o diálogo tenha dado lugar ao conflito.

I regret that dialogue has given way to conflict.

Idiomatic expression 'dar lugar a'.

8

Lamentamos profundamente o falecimento do ilustre colega.

We deeply regret the passing of our illustrious colleague.

Highly formal obituary style.

1

A história lamentará a omissão daqueles que podiam agir.

History will regret the omission of those who could have acted.

Future tense for historical judgment.

2

Lamento que a efemeridade da vida nos impeça de ver tudo.

I regret that the ephemerality of life prevents us from seeing everything.

Philosophical register.

3

Não há o que lamentar quando se vive com integridade.

There is nothing to regret when one lives with integrity.

Existential statement.

4

Lamentar o passado é um exercício fútil de melancolia.

Regretting the past is a futile exercise in melancholy.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive.

5

Lamento que a estética tenha sobrepujado a ética nesta obra.

I regret that aesthetics has surpassed ethics in this work.

Academic criticism.

6

Muitos se lamentam, mas poucos se arrependem de verdade.

Many complain/mourn, but few truly repent.

Contrast between reflexive 'lamentar-se' and 'arrepender-se'.

7

Lamento que a vastidão do universo nos torne tão pequenos.

I regret that the vastness of the universe makes us so small.

Poetic usage.

8

O autor lamenta a perda da inocência coletiva.

The author regrets the loss of collective innocence.

Literary analysis.

تلازمات شائعة

lamentar profundamente
lamentar o fato de que
lamentar a morte de
lamentar o erro
nada a lamentar
lamentar imensamente
lamentar a ausência
lamentar sinceramente
lamentar amargamente
lamentar a falta de

العبارات الشائعة

Lamento muito.

— A general expression of deep regret or sympathy.

Lamento muito pelo que você está passando.

É de se lamentar.

— Used to say that a situation is truly unfortunate.

É de se lamentar que o prédio tenha sido demolido.

Lamento informar.

— A formal way to deliver bad news.

Lamento informar que seu pedido foi negado.

Lamento que seja assim.

— Expressing regret about an unchangeable reality.

Eu queria ajudar, mas lamento que seja assim.

Nada mais a lamentar.

— Indicating that all regrets have been expressed or aren't needed.

Fizemos o melhor, não há nada mais a lamentar.

Lamento o ocorrido.

— A standard professional apology for an incident.

A gerência lamenta o ocorrido no restaurante ontem.

Lamento por você.

— Expressing sympathy specifically for someone's person.

Lamento por você, deve ser muito difícil.

Só me resta lamentar.

— Expressing that regret is the only option left.

Se você não aceita minha ajuda, só me resta lamentar.

Lamento a demora.

— Apologizing for taking too much time.

Lamento a demora em responder seu e-mail.

Lamento ter que dizer isso.

— Preparing someone for unpleasant information.

Lamento ter que dizer isso, mas você foi reprovado.

يُخلط عادةً مع

lamentar vs arrepender-se

Lamentar is for sorrow/regret in general; arrepender-se is for personal guilt about one's own actions.

lamentar vs sentir

Sentir is 'to feel' and is used in 'sinto muito', which is more common and less formal than lamentar.

lamentar vs reclamar

Reclamar is to complain about a service; lamentar-se is to moan about life/misfortune.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Lamentar o leite derramado"

— To regret something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

Não adianta lamentar o leite derramado, vamos focar no futuro.

Informal/Proverb
"Lamentar-se com as paredes"

— To complain or express grief when no one is listening.

Ele não pede ajuda, apenas se lamenta com as paredes.

Informal
"Lamentar a sorte"

— To complain about one's bad luck.

Em vez de trabalhar, ele passa o dia a lamentar a sorte.

Neutral
"Um lamento sem fim"

— Something that is constantly being complained about.

A vida dele é um lamento sem fim sobre o passado.

Literary
"Vale mais prevenir do que lamentar"

— Better safe than sorry.

Leve o guarda-chuva; vale mais prevenir do que lamentar.

Proverb
"Lamentar o dia em que nasceu"

— To be extremely miserable or regretful of one's existence.

Depois da falência, ele lamentou o dia em que nasceu.

Dramatic
"Lamentar as pitangas"

— A Brazilian idiom meaning to complain or cry over one's troubles.

Lá vem ela lamentar as pitangas novamente!

Informal Brazil
"Não há o que lamentar"

— Used to say that a result was fair or expected.

Perdemos o jogo, mas jogamos bem; não há o que lamentar.

Neutral
"Lamentar em coro"

— When many people express regret or complaint at the same time.

Os torcedores lamentaram em coro o gol perdido.

Neutral
"Lamentar pelos cantos"

— To complain or mourn quietly and privately, often in a self-pitying way.

Ele fica lamentando pelos cantos em vez de agir.

Informal

سهل الخلط

lamentar vs Lamento

Can be a verb or a noun.

As a verb: 'I regret'. As a noun: 'A moan/cry'.

Eu lamento (verb) o seu lamento (noun).

lamentar vs Lastimar

Very similar meaning.

Lastimar is slightly more poetic or archaic than lamentar.

Lastimo sua sorte.

lamentar vs Desculpar

Both used for 'sorry'.

Desculpar is to ask for forgiveness for a small error; lamentar is to express regret for a situation.

Desculpe o esbarrão, lamento sua queda.

lamentar vs Sentir

Both express emotion.

Sentir is broader (to feel cold, happy, etc.); lamentar is specific to regret.

Sinto frio e lamento não ter casaco.

lamentar vs Deplorar

Both express negative feelings.

Deplorar includes a sense of condemnation or extreme shock.

Deploro sua atitude.

أنماط الجُمل

A1

Eu lamento [Noun].

Eu lamento o atraso.

A2

Lamento que [Subjunctive].

Lamento que você esteja mal.

B1

Lamento ter [Past Participle].

Lamento ter perdido o ônibus.

B1

Lamentamos [Noun Phrase].

Lamentamos o falecimento do seu cão.

B2

Lamentar-se de [Noun].

Ele se lamenta da sorte.

B2

É de se lamentar que [Subjunctive].

É de se lamentar que ninguém ajude.

C1

Lamentar imensamente [Noun].

Lamento imensamente o equívoco.

C2

[Subject] lamentará [Future Noun].

A história lamentará este dia.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

lamento (grief/complaint)
lamentação (the act of lamenting)
lamentador (one who laments)

الأفعال

lamentar (to regret)
lamentar-se (to complain)

الصفات

lamentável (regrettable/pitiful)
lamentado (regretted)

مرتبط

lastimar
lágrima
lúgubre
luto
lastimoso

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Common in formal writing, medium in casual speech.

أخطاء شائعة
  • Lamento que você está doente. Lamento que você esteja doente.

    The verb after 'lamentar que' must be in the subjunctive.

  • Lamento por o erro. Lamento o erro.

    Lamentar is usually transitive and doesn't need 'por' for the object of regret.

  • Eu lamento de ter chegado tarde. Lamento ter chegado tarde.

    Don't use 'de' before the infinitive with lamentar.

  • Lamento-me que perdi o ônibus. Lamento ter perdido o ônibus.

    Lamentar-se (reflexive) means to complain, not to express simple regret.

  • Eu lamento você. Lamento por você.

    To express sympathy for a person, use 'por'. To regret a fact, use the direct object.

نصائح

Master the Subjunctive

Always pair 'lamentar que' with the subjunctive. It's a classic test of intermediate Portuguese.

Condolences

When someone shares bad news, 'Lamento muito' is a safe and respectful response.

Business Writing

Use 'Lamentamos o inconveniente' in emails to sound professional when a mistake happens.

Regret vs Repent

Use 'lamentar' for things outside your control and 'arrepender-se' for your own mistakes.

Adverb Pairing

Pair it with 'profundamente' to show you really care.

News Cues

When you hear 'lamentar' on the news, prepare for sad or serious information.

Avoiding Repetition

Switch between 'lamentar' and 'lastimar' in formal essays to show vocabulary range.

Tone Control

Don't use 'lamentar' for small things like dropping a pen; it's too dramatic.

Regional Use

In Portugal, you might hear 'lamentar-se' more often than in Brazil for 'complaining'.

English Link

Connect it to 'lamentable'—if a situation is lamentable, you 'lamentar' it.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'Lamenting' a 'Lemon'. If life gives you lemons and you can't make lemonade, you 'lamentar' the sour situation.

ربط بصري

Imagine a formal letter with a black border used for mourning. The word 'Lamento' is written in elegant calligraphy at the top.

Word Web

tristeza arrependimento formalidade desculpas pesar lástima perda notícia

تحدٍّ

Try to write three sentences using 'lamentar': one for a friend, one for a boss, and one about a world event.

أصل الكلمة

From the Latin verb 'lamentari', which means to wail, moan, or weep.

المعنى الأصلي: The root is associated with making a vocal sound of grief.

Romance (Indo-European).

السياق الثقافي

Use 'lamentar' with care when offering condolences; it is very sincere and should not be used flippantly.

English speakers often use 'I'm sorry' for everything. Portuguese speakers use 'lamentar' specifically for the 'regret' side of 'sorry', not the 'apology' side for minor things.

Fado lyrics often contain the word 'lamento' to describe the singer's soul. Machado de Assis used 'lamentar' to describe the existential regrets of his characters. Official government decrees in Portugal often use 'Lamentamos informar' for public notices.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Condolences

  • Lamento a sua perda.
  • Lamentamos o falecimento.
  • Meus pêsames, lamento muito.
  • Lamento profundamente.

Customer Service

  • Lamentamos o inconveniente.
  • Lamento a demora.
  • Lamentamos informar que...
  • A empresa lamenta o erro.

Social Declines

  • Lamento, mas não posso ir.
  • Lamento que eu já tenha compromisso.
  • Lamento muito perder sua festa.
  • Lamento não poder ajudar.

Personal Regret

  • Lamento ter dito aquilo.
  • Lamento as minhas escolhas.
  • Lamento o tempo perdido.
  • Lamento que tenha sido assim.

News Reporting

  • Autoridades lamentam a tragédia.
  • O mundo lamenta a partida de...
  • Lamenta-se a falta de segurança.
  • O governo lamentou o ocorrido.

بدايات محادثة

"Você já teve que lamentar uma decisão importante na sua carreira profissional?"

"Como você costuma reagir quando alguém diz que lamenta uma notícia sua?"

"Você acha que as pessoas se lamentam demais nas redes sociais hoje em dia?"

"O que você mais lamentaria se tivesse que deixar o seu país amanhã?"

"Você prefere dizer 'sinto muito' ou 'lamento' em uma situação formal?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Escreva sobre um momento da sua vida que você lamenta, mas que te ensinou uma lição valiosa.

Como você se sente quando uma empresa lamenta um erro mas não resolve o problema?

Descreva uma situação em que você lamentou por outra pessoa e como você tentou ajudá-la.

Reflexão: Por que é importante expressar que lamentamos algo em vez de ignorar o fato?

Imagine que você é um porta-voz de uma empresa. Escreva um pedido de desculpas usando o verbo lamentar.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Yes, but it sounds very formal. 'Lamento o atraso' is better for an email to a boss. For a friend, say 'Desculpe o atraso'.

Only when followed by 'que' and a new subject. If you are the one doing the action you regret, use the infinitive: 'Lamento ter chegado tarde'.

'Lamentar' is to regret something. 'Lamentar-se' is to complain or moan about something, often repeatedly.

Yes, it is used in both, though Brazil might favor 'sinto muito' in casual contexts slightly more.

You can say 'Lamento não ter ido' (Infinitive) or 'Lamento que eu não tenha ido' (Subjunctive).

Yes, it follows the standard -ar conjugation pattern (lamento, lamentas, lamenta...).

Absolutely. It is the most appropriate formal verb for condolences: 'Lamento a sua perda'.

It means 'nothing to regret', implying that everything went as well as it could have.

Yes, it means 'regrettably' or 'unfortunately' and is used to start sentences in formal writing.

Usually, you lament a person's situation or their death, rather than the person themselves, unless you are expressing regret that they exist (which is very harsh).

اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة

writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'I regret that you cannot come.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'We regret the delay.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using 'lamentar' and 'profundamente'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'I regret having said that.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'The company regrets the inconvenience.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a formal condolence sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'He complains about his luck all day.' (Use reflexive)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'It is regrettable that it rained.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence with 'lamentar' in the future tense.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'I'm sorry, sir, we are closed.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use 'lamentar' in a sentence about a missed opportunity.

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صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'Regrettably, we cannot help.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'They regretted the news.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using 'lamentar que' + present subjunctive.

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صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'There is nothing to regret.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'I regret the mistake in the email.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'She regretted her choices.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'We regret to inform you that you failed.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence about a tragedy using 'lamentar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'I really regret this.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce 'lamentar' focusing on the final stress.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'I'm sorry for the delay' formally.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'I regret that you are sick' using the subjunctive.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Offer condolences for a loss.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'I regret having said that' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce the nasal 'en' in 'lamentar' correctly.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'We regret the inconvenience' like a shop owner.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Express regret about a missed party.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'I'm sorry, I don't understand' using lamentar.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'I deeply regret the error' formally.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Explain a flight delay using 'Lamentamos informar'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Ask someone 'Do you regret your decision?'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'It's a pity' using 'É de se lamentar'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Express regret about the weather.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'I'm sorry for you' with empathy.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'There is nothing to regret' after a hard task.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'I regret that they didn't come' (Subjunctive).

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce the adjective 'lamentável'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'I sincerely regret everything'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'I regret the time lost'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen for the stress: Is it la-MEN-tar or la-men-TAR?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Does the speaker say 'Lamento' or 'Lamentamos'?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identify the object: 'Lamento o barulho.' What is regretted?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Does the speaker sound formal or informal when using 'lamentar'?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identify the tense: 'Lamentamos o erro.' Is it past or present?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen for the subjunctive: 'Lamento que ele esteja...' What follows?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

What adverb is used: 'Lamento profundamente' or 'Lamento sinceramente'?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Is the speaker complaining (lamentar-se) or expressing regret (lamentar)?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identify the word: 'Lamentavelmente'. How many syllables?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Is the speaker saying 'Lamento' or 'Lamento-me'?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

What is the reason for regret? 'Lamento a chuva.'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Is the tone of 'Só lamento' sarcastic or sincere?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Which verb is used: 'Lamentar' or 'Arrepender'?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identify the subject: 'Eles lamentam'. Who regrets?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Is the final sound 'ar' or 'o'?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:

/ 180 correct

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