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To feel sorrow or remorse about a past action or decision; to wish one had acted differently.
Si pente di aver accettato quel lavoro.
He regrets having accepted that job.
Ci pentiamo di non essere venuti prima.
We regret not having come earlier.
Used with 'di' + infinitive verb or 'per' + noun phrase. Common in both spoken and written Italian.
Avoid translating 'I regret my decision' as *Ho pentito la mia decisione*. The correct reflexive form is *Mi pento della mia decisione*. The verb always requires the reflexive pronoun (*mi, ti, si*, etc.).
Use 'di' before infinitives (*pentirsi di fare*) or nouns (*pentirsi della scelta*). Use 'per' for reasons (*pentirsi per il ritardo*).
From Latin *poenitēre* (to repent), related to *poena* (punishment, penalty). Evolved through Vulgar Latin *pentire* before stabilizing in Italian.
The reflexive form (*pentirsi*) is essential—it's not used transitively like in English ('I regret my decision' → 'Mi pento della mia decisione'). Always requires a preposition ('di' or 'per') to link to the object of regret.