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How to Say "to sense" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sentir

/sen-TEER//senˈtiɾ/

VerbB2
Use 'sentir' when you want to express an intuition, a hunch, or a gut feeling about something.
A figure standing thoughtfully with one hand pressed over their stomach or heart, indicating a strong gut feeling or intuition.

Examples

Siento que algo malo va a pasar.

I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

Él sintió que ella no le estaba diciendo toda la verdad.

He sensed that she wasn't telling him the whole truth.

Sensing vs. Thinking

When you use 'siento que' to express a gut feeling or intuition, it's very similar to 'creo que' (I believe that) or 'pienso que' (I think that). The verb that follows is usually in the normal, non-subjunctive form.

sentirme

/sen-TEER-meh//senˈtiɾ.me/

Verb (Infinitive form with attached pronoun)A1
Use 'sentirme' when referring to how you perceive your own physical or emotional state, often in relation to an external factor.
A simple illustration of a young person sitting cozy in an armchair, wrapped in a blanket, holding a warm mug, enjoying a feeling of deep warmth and relaxation.

Examples

Necesito un café para sentirme despierto.

I need a coffee to feel awake.

¿Qué puedo hacer para sentirme mejor?

What can I do to feel better?

Después de la pelea, él no pudo evitar sentirse culpable.

After the fight, he couldn't help but feel guilty.

The Attached 'Me'

The word 'sentirme' is the base verb 'sentir' combined with the pronoun 'me' (myself). This combination only happens when the verb is in its infinitive form (the '-ar, -er, -ir' form), the gerund ('-ndo' form), or the affirmative command.

Reflexive Action

When you use 'sentirse,' you are describing a feeling that starts and ends with you. You are both the subject (the one feeling) and the object (the one being felt).

Forgetting the Pronoun

Mistake: “Quiero sentir feliz.”

Correction: Quiero sentirme feliz. (When talking about a state of being, you must use the reflexive form 'sentirse'.)

Intuition vs. Personal State

Learners often confuse 'sentir' for intuition with 'sentirme' for personal state. Remember, 'sentir' on its own is about sensing an external event or feeling, while 'sentirme' is about how *you* feel or perceive yourself.

Related Translations

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