Inklingo

How to Say "felt" in Spanish

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

sintióA1

Use this for a specific, often sudden, emotional or physical feeling that a person experienced at a particular moment.

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estaba🔊A2

Use this to describe a continuous emotional or physical state in the past, often answering 'how was someone feeling?'

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estaban🔊A2

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

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teníaA2

Use this to describe an internal state or need, like hunger, thirst, or fear, that was ongoing in the past.

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parecíaA2

Use this when describing how something or someone appeared or gave the impression of feeling, often related to atmosphere or appearance.

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experimentado🔊B1

Use this to talk about having gone through or encountered a significant experience, emotion, or situation, often in the recent past.

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toqué🔊A1

Use this specifically when the English 'felt' refers to the physical act of touching something with your hands.

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pañoB2

Use this when 'felt' refers to the material, a type of thick woolen fabric, often used for crafts or clothing.

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English → Spanish

sintió

verbA1general
Use this for a specific, often sudden, emotional or physical feeling that a person experienced at a particular moment.

Examples

Ella sintió una gran tristeza al irse.

She felt great sadness upon leaving.

estaba

es-TAH-bahesˈtaβa

verbA2general
Use this to describe a continuous emotional or physical state in the past, often answering 'how was someone feeling?'
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-bahnesˈta.βan

verbA2general
Use this to describe a continuous emotional or physical state in the past for multiple people or things.
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

verbA2general
Use this to describe an internal state or need, like hunger, thirst, or fear, that was ongoing in the past.

Examples

No desayuné, así que tenía mucha hambre.

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

parecía

verbA2general
Use this when describing how something or someone appeared or gave the impression of feeling, often related to atmosphere or appearance.

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-dohekspeɾimenˈtaðo

verbB1general
Use this to talk about having gone through or encountered a significant experience, emotion, or situation, often in the recent past.
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

verbA1general
Use this specifically when the English 'felt' refers to 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.

paño

nounB2general
Use this when 'felt' refers to the material, a type of thick woolen fabric, often used for crafts or clothing.

Examples

Este abrigo de paño es muy abrigado para el invierno.

This wool cloth coat is very warm for the winter.

Past Tense Emotion vs. Description

Learners often confuse 'sintió' (a specific past feeling) with 'estaba'/'estaban' (a continuous past feeling or state). Remember 'sintió' is like a snapshot of a feeling, while 'estaba'/'estaban' describes the ongoing emotional background.

Related Translations

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