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How to Say "heartfelt" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “heartfelt” is “sentido” — use 'sentido' when describing something that was deeply and strongly felt, often implying an emotional impact on the recipient, like a speech or a message..

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sentido

/sen-TEE-doh//senˈti.ðo/

Adjective / Past ParticipleB1General
Use 'sentido' when describing something that was deeply and strongly felt, often implying an emotional impact on the recipient, like a speech or a message.
A person holding a letter close to their chest, where a glowing, symbolic heart is visible, representing deep, heartfelt emotion.

Examples

Fue un discurso muy sentido y emocionante.

It was a very heartfelt and emotional speech.

Ella está muy sentida contigo porque no la llamaste.

She is very offended with you because you didn't call her.

Mis más sentidas condolencias.

My most heartfelt condolences.

A Word That Describes

'Sentido' is the past participle of the verb 'sentir' (to feel). This means it can be used like an adjective to describe a noun. Because it's an adjective, it must change to match the noun it describes: 'un discurso sentido' (a heartfelt speech) but 'una carta sentida' (a heartfelt letter).

Forgetting to Change the Ending

Mistake: “Mi amiga está muy sentido.”

Correction: Mi amiga está muy sentida. Because 'amiga' is feminine, the adjective 'sentida' must also be feminine.

verdadera

/ber-dah-DEH-rah//beɾðaˈðeɾa/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'verdadera' when 'heartfelt' means genuine, sincere, and true, especially when describing emotions like friendship or love.
A simple, stylized figure standing with both hands pressed over a large, bright red heart placed on their chest, showing sincerity and heartfelt emotion.

Examples

Ella demostró una amistad verdadera y duradera.

She showed a true and lasting friendship.

Su tristeza parecía muy verdadera y profunda.

Her sadness seemed very sincere and deep.

Confusing 'verdadera' and 'real'

Mistake: “Saying 'una emoción real' when you mean 'una emoción verdadera'.”

Correction: While 'real' works, 'verdadera' is usually preferred when talking about the sincerity or depth of human emotion or connection.

Sentido vs. Verdadera

Learners often confuse 'sentido' and 'verdadera' because both can relate to deep feelings. Remember that 'sentido' focuses on the *impact* of the feeling (how it's received), while 'verdadera' focuses on the *sincerity* of the feeling itself.

Related Translations

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