Inklingo

How to Say "felt" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “felt” is “sintió” — use this for a specific, often sudden, emotional reaction or a physical sensation experienced at a particular moment..

sintióA1

Use this for a specific, often sudden, emotional reaction or a physical sensation experienced at a particular moment.

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estaba🔊A2

Use this to describe a continuous emotional or physical state in the past.

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estaban🔊A2

Use this to describe a continuous emotional or physical state in the past for multiple people.

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teníaA2

Use this to describe an ongoing internal need or state, often related to hunger, thirst, or possession of a feeling.

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parecíaA2

Use this to describe how something or someone appeared or gave the impression of feeling, often related to external observation or atmosphere.

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experimentado🔊B1

Use this for a more formal or profound sense of having gone through or experienced something, often over a longer period.

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toquéA1

Use this specifically for the physical act of touching something with your hands.

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English → Spanish

sintió

verbA1
Use this for a specific, often sudden, emotional reaction or a physical sensation experienced at a particular moment.

Examples

Ella sintió una gran tristeza al irse.

She felt great sadness upon leaving.

estaba

/es-TAH-bah//esˈtaβa/

verbA2
Use this to describe a continuous emotional or physical state in the past.
A person looking tired and yawning, to show a temporary feeling or state in the past.

Examples

Ella estaba muy feliz con la noticia.

She was very happy with the news.

Yo estaba enfermo la semana pasada.

I was sick last week.

La puerta estaba abierta.

The door was open.

Temporary vs. Permanent ('Estar' vs. 'Ser')

Estar is for temporary states (how you feel, where you are). For more permanent traits (who you are, what you're like), you'll use a different verb, ser.

Using 'fue' instead of 'estaba' for feelings

Mistake: “Él fue triste.”

Correction: Él estaba triste. Use `estaba` for feelings and moods. 'Fue' comes from the verb `ser` and is used for more permanent traits or to describe an event.

estaban

/es-TAH-bahn//esˈta.βan/

verbA2
Use this to describe a continuous emotional or physical state in the past for multiple people.
Two children with bright smiles looking happily at simple, colorful wrapped gifts they are holding, depicting a temporary state of happiness.

Examples

Los niños estaban muy contentos con sus regalos.

The children were very happy with their gifts.

Las ventanas estaban cerradas por el frío.

The windows were closed because of the cold.

Después de la carrera, todos estaban agotados.

After the race, everyone was exhausted.

Temporary States, Not Permanent Traits

Use 'estaban' for feelings, moods, and conditions that can change. Think of it as describing 'how' something was, not 'what' it was.

'Estaban' vs. 'Eran' (Ser)

Mistake: “Ellos eran tristes ayer.”

Correction: Ellos estaban tristes ayer. Use 'estaban' for a temporary feeling (sadness). 'Eran tristes' would mean they were sad people in general, as a personality trait.

tenía

verbA2
Use this to describe an ongoing internal need or state, often related to hunger, thirst, or possession of a feeling.

Examples

No desayuné, así que tenía mucha hambre.

I didn't eat breakfast, so I was very hungry.

parecía

verbA2
Use this to describe how something or someone appeared or gave the impression of feeling, often related to external observation or atmosphere.

Examples

El niño parecía cansado después de jugar todo el día.

The boy seemed tired after playing all day.

experimentado

/ex-peh-ree-men-TAH-doh//ekspeɾimenˈtaðo/

verbB1
Use this for a more formal or profound sense of having gone through or experienced something, often over a longer period.
A young girl with a look of wonder on her face as she feels the cold snow falling on her tongue.

Examples

He experimentado muchos cambios este año.

I have experienced many changes this year.

El científico ha experimentado con nuevas medicinas.

The scientist has experimented with new medicines.

The 'Finished Action' Form

When used as a verb, 'experimentado' usually follows the word 'he', 'has', 'ha', etc., to show something you have already done.

toqué

verbA1
Use this specifically for the physical act of touching something with your hands.

Examples

Yo toqué el cuadro para ver si era real, pero me regañaron.

I touched the painting to see if it was real, but they scolded me.

Emotion vs. State

The most common confusion is between 'sintió' (a specific feeling) and 'estaba' (a continuous feeling). 'Sintió' implies a single event or reaction, while 'estaba' describes how someone was feeling over a period of time.

Related Translations

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