Inklingo

How to Say "to perceive" in Spanish

English → Spanish

notar

/no-TAR//noˈtaɾ/

verbA2
Use 'notar' when you become aware of something, often a change or a specific detail, through your senses or intuition.
A person looking at a bright yellow leaf on a green hedge with a look of discovery.

Examples

Noté que faltaba un libro en la estantería.

I noticed that a book was missing from the shelf.

Noté un olor a café en cuanto entré.

I noticed a smell of coffee as soon as I walked in.

¿Notas el frío aquí?

Do you feel the cold here?

Se nota que estás cansado.

It’s noticeable that you are tired.

Using 'Se Nota'

Use 'se nota' when you want to say something is obvious or clear to everyone, like 'Se nota que te gusta' (It's obvious you like it).

Notar vs. Darse Cuenta

Mistake: “Using 'notar' for sudden realizations.”

Correction: Use 'notar' for physical senses (smell, touch, sight). Use 'darse cuenta' for mental realizations (Oh! I forgot my keys!).

sentir

/sen-TEER//senˈtiɾ/

verbB1
Use 'sentir' when you perceive something through physical sensation or when you are aware of a presence or event.
A person standing in a quiet environment, tilting their head and cupping their hand behind their ear to focus on a distant sound.

Examples

Sentí un escalofrío al escuchar la noticia.

I felt a shiver upon hearing the news.

Sentí un ruido en la otra habitación.

I heard a noise in the other room.

A lo lejos, se sentían las campanas de la iglesia.

In the distance, the church bells could be heard.

Apenas sentí el pinchazo de la aguja.

I barely felt the prick of the needle.

apreciar

/ah-preh-SYAHR//apɾeˈsjaɾ/

verbB2
Use 'apreciar' when you perceive something through careful observation, often with a sense of admiration or detailed awareness.
A person looking through a magnifying glass at a tiny, colorful ladybug on a leaf.

Examples

Desde la cima, se podía apreciar la belleza del paisaje.

From the summit, one could appreciate the beauty of the landscape.

A lo lejos se podía apreciar la silueta de las montañas.

In the distance, one could perceive the silhouette of the mountains.

Se aprecia un ligero cambio en los resultados.

A slight change can be seen in the results.

Notar vs. Sentir

Learners often confuse 'notar' and 'sentir' because both can mean 'to notice' or 'to feel.' Use 'notar' for simply becoming aware of something, like a smell or a fact. Use 'sentir' when the perception involves a more physical sensation, an emotion, or a more abstract awareness of a situation.

Related Translations

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