Inklingo

How to Say "sense" in Spanish

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

sentido🔊A2

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

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cabeza🔊B2

Use 'cabeza' when referring to 'common sense' or good judgment, often in the context of making sensible decisions.

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lógicaB1

Use 'lógica' when referring specifically to the coherence or rationality of something, especially when it's lacking.

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sensaciónA2

Use 'sensación' to describe a physical feeling or bodily awareness, like pain, temperature, or a general gut feeling.

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significado🔊A2

Use 'significado' when you want to know the definition or the intended interpretation of a word, phrase, or symbol.

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impresiónA1

Use 'impresión' for a first or general feeling or vague awareness about a person, place, or situation.

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sentimiento🔊A1

Use 'sentimiento' for an emotional feeling, an intuition, or a general sense of well-being or unease.

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English → Spanish

sentido

sen-TEE-dohsenˈti.ðo

NounA2General
Use 'sentido' for the five physical abilities (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

El tacto es un sentido muy importante.

Touch is a very important sense.

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.

No entiendo el sentido de tu pregunta.

I don't understand the meaning of your question.

'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.

sentido

sen-TEE-dohsenˈti.ðo

NounB1General
Use 'sentido' when discussing if something is logical or has a clear meaning, like in 'it makes sense' or 'what's the point?'.
A child's hand gently touching the soft, colorful petals of a large flower, illustrating the sense of touch.

Examples

No tiene sentido preocuparse por eso.

It doesn't make sense to worry about that.

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.

No entiendo el sentido de tu pregunta.

I don't understand the meaning of your question.

'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-sakaˈβeθa

NounB2General
Use 'cabeza' when referring to 'common sense' or good judgment, often in the context of making sensible decisions.
A stylized silhouette of a person sitting calmly with a soft, bright glow emanating from within the head area, symbolizing deep thought.

Examples

Deberías usar la cabeza antes de actuar.

You should use your head (common sense) before acting.

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
Use 'lógica' when referring specifically to the coherence or rationality of something, especially when it's lacking.

Examples

Tu argumento carece de lógica.

Your argument lacks sense (logic).

sensación

NounA2General
Use 'sensación' to describe a physical feeling or bodily awareness, like pain, temperature, or a general gut feeling.

Examples

Sentí una extraña sensación en el estómago.

I felt a strange sensation in my stomach.

significado

sig-ni-fi-KAH-dohsiɣnifiˈkaðo

NounA2General
Use 'significado' when you want to know the definition or the intended interpretation of a word, phrase, or symbol.
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

No conozco el significado de esta palabra.

I don't know the meaning (sense) of this word.

¿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'.

impresión

NounA1General
Use 'impresión' for a first or general feeling or vague awareness about a person, place, or situation.

Examples

Mi primera impresión fue muy buena.

My first impression (sense) was very good.

sentimiento

sen-tee-MYEN-tohsen.tiˈmjen.to

NounA1General
Use 'sentimiento' for an emotional feeling, an intuition, or a general sense of well-being or unease.
A brightly colored simple illustration of a stylized human figure with a glowing heart symbolizing happiness.

Examples

Tengo el sentimiento de que algo va a pasar.

I have a feeling (sense) that something is going to happen.

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).

Sentido vs. Lógica

The most common confusion is between 'sentido' and 'lógica' when something 'doesn't make sense'. Use 'sentido' for general lack of meaning or purpose, and 'lógica' for a lack of rationality or coherence in an argument or statement.

Related Translations

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