Inklingo

How to Say "sense" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “sense” is “sentido” — use 'sentido' when referring to the five physical senses (sight, hearing, etc.) or when something 'makes sense' logically or has a 'meaning'..

sentido🔊A2

Use 'sentido' when referring to the five physical senses (sight, hearing, etc.) or when something 'makes sense' logically or has a 'meaning'.

{ui.learnMore}
cabeza🔊B2

Use 'cabeza' idiomatically to mean 'common sense' or 'good judgment', often in imperative phrases urging someone to think practically.

{ui.learnMore}
lógicaB1

Employ 'lógica' when discussing coherence, rationality, or the lack thereof, directly translating to 'logic' or 'making sense' in a reasoned argument.

{ui.learnMore}
significado🔊A2

Choose 'significado' when you specifically want to ask about or state the 'meaning' or definition of a word, phrase, or concept.

{ui.learnMore}
sentimiento🔊A1

Use 'sentimiento' for a general feeling, intuition, or emotional awareness, akin to 'a feeling' rather than reasoned sense.

{ui.learnMore}
impresiónA1

Opt for 'impresión' when referring to a first impression or a vague, initial awareness or perception of something.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

sentido

/sen-TEE-doh//senˈti.ðo/

NounA2General
Use 'sentido' when referring to the five physical senses (sight, hearing, etc.) or when something 'makes sense' logically or has a 'meaning'.
A child's hand gently touching the soft, colorful petals of a large flower, illustrating the sense of touch.

Examples

No entiendo el sentido de tu pregunta.

I don't understand the meaning of your question.

El ser humano tiene cinco sentidos: vista, oído, olfato, gusto y tacto.

The human being has five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.

Los perros tienen un sentido del olfato muy desarrollado.

Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell.

Lo que dices no tiene ningún sentido.

What you're saying makes no sense at all.

'Sentido' vs. 'Significado'

Mistake: “Using 'significado' in the phrase 'no tiene significado'.”

Correction: Always say 'no tiene sentido' to mean 'it doesn't make sense'. While 'significado' also means 'meaning', it's used for the definition of a word, not for logic or reason.

cabeza

/ka-BEH-sa//kaˈβeθa/

NounB2Informal/General
Use 'cabeza' idiomatically to mean 'common sense' or 'good judgment', often in imperative phrases urging someone to think practically.
A stylized silhouette of a person sitting calmly with a soft, bright glow emanating from within the head area, symbolizing deep thought.

Examples

Usa la cabeza y piensa en una solución.

Use your head and think of a solution.

No tengo cabeza para estudiar hoy, estoy muy cansado.

I don't have the mental energy (head) to study today, I'm very tired.

Mi abuelo todavía tiene una cabeza muy clara.

My grandfather still has a very clear mind.

lógica

NounB1General
Employ 'lógica' when discussing coherence, rationality, or the lack thereof, directly translating to 'logic' or 'making sense' in a reasoned argument.

Examples

Lo que dices no tiene mucha lógica.

What you are saying doesn't have much logic.

significado

sig-ni-fi-KAH-doh/siɣnifiˈkaðo/

NounA2General
Choose 'significado' when you specifically want to ask about or state the 'meaning' or definition of a word, phrase, or concept.
A simple red heart symbol floating above a small child who is happily hugging a soft teddy bear, illustrating the definition or meaning of the symbol.

Examples

¿Cuál es el significado de la palabra 'paciencia'?

What is the meaning of the word 'patience'?

No entendí el significado de su gesto.

I didn't understand the meaning of his gesture.

El diccionario ofrece varios significados para esta expresión.

The dictionary offers several meanings for this expression.

Gender Check

Remember that significado is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el significado' (the meaning).

Confusing 'Significado' and 'Significación'

Mistake: “Using 'significación' when referring to the definition of a word.”

Correction: Use *significado* for the definition. *Significación* is a more formal and less common synonym for 'importance' or 'connotation'.

sentimiento

/sen-tee-MYEN-toh//sen.tiˈmjen.to/

NounA1General
Use 'sentimiento' for a general feeling, intuition, or emotional awareness, akin to 'a feeling' rather than reasoned sense.
A brightly colored simple illustration of a stylized human figure with a glowing heart symbolizing happiness.

Examples

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).

impresión

NounA1General
Opt for 'impresión' when referring to a first impression or a vague, initial awareness or perception of something.

Examples

Mi primera impresión de la ciudad fue muy positiva.

My first impression of the city was very positive.

Sentido vs. Lógica vs. Cabeza

Learners often confuse 'sentido', 'lógica', and 'cabeza' when talking about reasoning. Remember 'sentido' is broad (meaning/makes sense), 'lógica' is about coherence, and 'cabeza' is specifically about practical, common sense judgment.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.