pentirsi
Mi pento di non aver studiato di più per l'esame.
I regret not having studied more for the exam.
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.
Collocations
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: Direct Translation
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.).
Gold Rule
Preposition Rules
Use 'di' before infinitives (*pentirsi di fare*) or nouns (*pentirsi della scelta*). Use 'per' for reasons (*pentirsi per il ritardo*).
Word Origin
From Latin *poenitēre* (to repent), related to *poena* (punishment, penalty). Evolved through Vulgar Latin *pentire* before stabilizing in Italian.
Usage Notes
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.