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"Ay" is a form of "ay", an interjection which is often translated as "ow". "Lo siento" is a phrase which is often translated as "I'm sorry". Learn more about the difference between "lo siento" and "ay" below.
lo siento(
loh
 
syehn
-
toh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. I'm sorry
Rompí tu ordenador. Lo siento.I broke your computer. I'm sorry.
a. I'm sorry
Me enteré del fallecimiento de tu padre. Lo siento.I heard about the death of your father. I'm sorry.
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ay(
ay
)
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
interjection
a. ow
¡Ay! ¡Acabas de pisarme el pie!Ow! You just stepped on my foot!
b. ouch
¡Ay! ¡Cómo duele!Ouch! That really hurts!
a. oh dear
¡Ay! Me han robado todo.Oh dear! All my things have been stolen.
b. jeez
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
¡Ay! Me asustaste.Jeez! You scared me.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. cry
Su ay se oyó en todo el recinto.His cry could be heard everywhere.
b. moan
De repente, el perro soltó un ay de dolor.All of a sudden, the dog let out a painful moan.
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