sentimental
/sen-tee-men-tal/
sentimental
Sentimental: Related to feelings or memory, often evoked by holding a cherished item.
sentimental(adjective)
sentimental
?related to feelings or memory
,emotional
?relating to human feelings
affective
?pertaining to emotion
📝 In Action
Esa vieja foto tiene un gran valor sentimental para mi abuela.
B1That old photo has great sentimental value for my grandmother.
Necesitas tomar una decisión lógica, no sentimental.
B2You need to make a logical decision, not an emotional one.
La vida sentimental del actor es muy privada.
B2The actor's emotional life is very private.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender is Easy
Since 'sentimental' ends in 'l', it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine noun: 'el valor sentimental' and 'la vida sentimental'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Valor'
The most common way to use this word is in the phrase 'valor sentimental' (sentimental value) when talking about objects that trigger memories.
Overly sentimental: Used to describe someone who is excessively emotional or tender.
sentimental(adjective)
overly sentimental
?excessively emotional
,mushy
?informal, overly romantic
mawkish
?cloyingly sentimental
📝 In Action
El final de la película fue demasiado sentimental para mi gusto.
B2The end of the movie was too sentimental for my taste.
Mi hermana es muy sentimental; llora con cualquier canción triste.
B1My sister is very sentimental; she cries at any sad song.
No seas tan sentimental; tienes que ser más fuerte.
B2Don't be so mushy/overly emotional; you have to be stronger.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Placement
When describing a person's character, 'sentimental' usually goes after the noun: 'una persona sentimental.' It can go before for emphasis, but it's less common.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Sentimental' and 'Sensitive'
Mistake: "Using 'sentimental' when you mean 'sensitive' (easily offended/reactive)."
Correction: Use 'sensible' for sensitive. 'Sentimental' means being driven by emotion or nostalgia, often excessively. Example: 'Es una persona sensible' (She is a sensitive person).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sentimental
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'sentimental' to describe someone who is easily moved to tears?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'sentimental' change based on whether the noun is masculine or feminine?
No, it's an adjective that always stays the same, regardless of gender. You use 'sentimental' for both masculine nouns (el valor sentimental) and feminine nouns (la vida sentimental).
Is 'sentimental' a positive or negative word?
It depends on the context. If you say something has 'valor sentimental,' it's neutral and positive (it holds special meaning). If you describe a person as 'demasiado sentimental,' it often implies they are overly dramatic or emotional, which is usually slightly negative.