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How to Say "emotion" in Spanish

English → Spanish

emoción

nounA1general
Use 'emoción' to describe a strong, often sudden, feeling or excitement, especially when it's outwardly expressed or experienced intensely.

Examples

La noticia le provocó una gran emoción.

The news caused her great emotion.

sentimiento

/sen-tee-MYEN-toh//sen.tiˈmjen.to/

nounA1general
Use 'sentimiento' for a more general, internal, or sustained feeling or state of mind, often referring to affection, opinion, or a deeper emotional state.
A brightly colored simple illustration of a stylized human figure with a glowing heart symbolizing happiness.

Examples

Siento un profundo sentimiento de gratitud.

I feel a deep feeling of gratitude.

Tengo un sentimiento de alegría muy fuerte hoy.

I have a very strong feeling of joy today.

No puedo ocultar mis sentimientos por ti.

I can't hide my feelings for you.

Ella hirió mis sentimientos con ese comentario.

She hurt my feelings with that comment.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'sentimiento' ends in -o, it is a masculine word and always uses the masculine article 'el' (el sentimiento) or 'los' when plural (los sentimientos).

The -miento Suffix

This word comes from the verb 'sentir' (to feel). The suffix '-miento' often turns a verb into a noun describing the result or action of that verb, like 'movimiento' (movement) from 'mover' (to move).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'sentimiento' when you mean 'I feel,' e.g., 'Yo sentimiento frío.'”

Correction: Use the verb 'sentir' for actions: 'Yo siento frío' (I feel cold).

Emoción vs. Sentimiento

Learners often confuse 'emoción' and 'sentimiento' because both relate to feelings. Remember that 'emoción' is typically a more intense, perhaps sudden, reaction, while 'sentimiento' often describes a more settled or enduring emotional state.

Related Translations

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