siente
“siente” means “he/she feels” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
he/she feels, you (formal) feel
Also: he/she regrets / is sorry for, feel!
📝 In Action
Ella siente frío cuando no hay sol.
A1She feels cold when there's no sun.
Mi abuelo siente una gran felicidad cuando nos ve.
A2My grandfather feels great happiness when he sees us.
Él lo siente mucho, pero no puede venir a la fiesta.
A2He's very sorry, but he can't come to the party.
Siente la arena bajo tus pies.
B1Feel the sand under your feet. (command)
it suits (him/her), he/she seats
Also: it agrees with (him/her), seat!
📝 In Action
Ese color rojo te sienta genial.
A2That red color suits you great.
La comida picante no le sienta bien a mi estómago.
B1Spicy food doesn't agree with my stomach.
El anfitrión sienta a cada invitado en su lugar.
B2The host seats each guest in their place.
Sienta al bebé en la trona para comer.
B1Seat the baby in the high chair to eat. (command)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: siente
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'siente' to talk about how a piece of clothing looks on someone?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'siente' comes from two different Latin verbs. The 'feel' meaning comes from Latin 'sentīre' (to feel, perceive). The 'sit/suit' meaning comes from Latin 'sedēre' (to sit), which evolved into the Spanish verb 'sentar'. It's a coincidence that their forms ended up looking identical.
First recorded: 10th century (as forms of sentir and sentar)
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there two completely different meanings for 'siente'?
It's a cool linguistic coincidence! 'Siente' comes from two different base verbs: 'sentir' (to feel) and 'sentar' (to sit/suit). They come from different Latin words but ended up having some identical-looking forms in modern Spanish. The context of the sentence is your key to knowing which one is being used.
How do I know whether to use 'siente' or 'se siente'?
Great question! Use 'siente' for feeling a direct thing: 'él siente el calor' (he feels the heat). Use 'se siente' to describe a person's general condition or mood, usually followed by an adjective: 'él se siente cansado' (he feels tired).
Is 'siente' the same as 'siento'?
They are very close! Both come from the same verbs, but they are for different people. 'Siento' is for 'yo' (I), as in 'Yo siento frío' (I feel cold) or 'Lo siento' (I'm sorry). 'Siente' is for 'él/ella/usted' (he/she/you formal).