Inklingo

How to Say "feels" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estar

VerbA1General
Use 'estar' when 'feels' refers to a temporary emotional state or feeling.

Examples

Ella está triste hoy.

She feels sad today.

tener

/tyeh-neh//ˈtjene/

VerbA1General
Use 'tener' when 'feels' describes a physical sensation, need, or condition, often translating to 'is' + adjective (e.g., 'is hungry', 'is sleepy').
A person bundled in a thick scarf and winter hat, shivering with their arms crossed, representing how 'tiene' is used for physical feelings like being cold.

Examples

El niño tiene sueño.

The child feels sleepy.

El niño tiene hambre.

The boy is hungry.

Mi abuela siempre tiene frío.

My grandmother is always cold.

Después del partido, el jugador tiene mucha sed.

After the game, the player is very thirsty.

Expressing Sensations with 'Tener'

Just like with age, Spanish uses 'tener' (to have) + a noun to describe many common feelings. For example, you 'have hunger' ('tener hambre') instead of 'are hungry'.

Using 'está' for feelings

Mistake: “El niño está hambre.”

Correction: Say 'El niño tiene hambre.' While 'estar' is used for many feelings (like 'está triste'), these specific physical sensations use 'tener'.

Estar vs. Tener for Feelings

Learners often confuse 'estar' for emotions with 'tener' for physical states. Remember: 'estar' is for how you *are* feeling emotionally (happy, sad, tired), while 'tener' is for what you *have* (hunger, thirst, sleepiness).

Related Translations

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