Inklingo

How to Say "you feel" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “you feel” is “sientes” — use this for general questions or statements about how someone is feeling emotionally or physically on a daily basis..

English → Spanish

sientes

/syen-tes//ˈsjentes/

verbA1informal
Use this for general questions or statements about how someone is feeling emotionally or physically on a daily basis.
A small child stands in a blue, cold environment, shivering dramatically and hugging their arms tightly to indicate they feel cold.

Examples

¿Cómo te sientes hoy?

How do you feel today?

Si sientes frío, ponte una chaqueta.

If you feel cold, put on a jacket.

Sientes que algo no está bien, ¿verdad?

You sense that something isn't right, don't you?

The 'You' Form for Friends

Sientes is the form of 'sentir' you use when talking to one person you know well, like a friend or family member (the 'tú' form).

A Shape-Shifting Verb (e → ie)

Notice how the 'e' in the original verb 'sentir' changes to 'ie' to become 'sientes'. This happens for most 'who' forms (I, you, he, she, they) in the present tense.

Feelings vs. Opinions

Mistake: “Me siento que es una buena idea.”

Correction: Creo que es una buena idea. (I think it's a good idea.) Use 'sentir' for emotions or physical feelings, but use 'creer' or 'pensar' to say what you think.

sienten

SYEHN-tehn/ˈsjen.ten/

verbA1formal/plural
Use this when addressing multiple people formally (ustedes) or when referring to 'they feel' in a general sense.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing two small children sitting side-by-side, leaning slightly against each other, both smiling with expressions of comfort and contentment.

Examples

Mis padres sienten mucha alegría al verme.

My parents feel a lot of joy when they see me.

Ustedes sienten el calor de la sala, ¿verdad?

You (formal plural) feel the heat in the room, right?

Los niños sienten curiosidad por el nuevo juguete.

The children feel curious about the new toy.

Irregularity Pattern

The verb 'sentir' is tricky! The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most forms, including 'sienten.' But watch out for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros,' which stay regular (sentimos, sentís).

Indicative vs. Subjunctive

Since 'sienten' ends in -en, it is the simple present tense (Indicative). This is used for facts, certainty, and things that are actually happening now. The form used for wishes or doubts is 'sientan'.

Confusing 'Sentir' and 'Sentarse'

Mistake: “Using 'sienten' when you mean 'they sit down' (Se sientan).”

Correction: To say 'they sit down,' you must use the reflexive form: 'Se sientan.' 'Sienten' only means 'they feel'.

notas

/NOH-tahs//ˈno.tas/

verbA2informal
Choose this verb when asking if someone perceives or notices a specific physical or emotional sensation or change.
A person with a surprised expression looking closely at a small red ladybug on a green leaf, demonstrating the act of noticing.

Examples

¿Notas que hace más frío hoy que ayer?

Do you notice that it's colder today than yesterday?

Si notas algún problema, por favor, avísame de inmediato.

If you observe any problem, please let me know immediately.

Cuando estás nervioso, ¿notas un nudo en el estómago?

When you are nervous, do you feel a knot in your stomach?

The 'Tú' Form

'Notas' is the verb form you use when talking directly to one person you know well (using the familiar 'tú').

Confusing 'Notar' and 'Darse Cuenta'

Mistake: “Using 'notar' for sudden realization, like 'Me noté que era tarde.'”

Correction: Use 'darse cuenta' for realizations ('Me di cuenta de que era tarde'). 'Notar' is usually about sensory observation ('Notas el olor a café').

sientas

syen-tas/ˈsjen.tas/

verbB1informal
This form is used when expressing hope, doubt, or in negative statements that require the subjunctive mood, often concerning emotional states.
A young, smiling child with closed eyes holding their hands over their chest, radiating warmth, symbolizing feeling an emotion.

Examples

Espero que no te sientas mal por la noticia.

I hope you don't feel bad about the news.

Dudo que sientas lo mismo que yo.

I doubt that you feel the same thing as me.

¿Quieres que sientas mi mano para saber que estoy aquí?

Do you want to feel my hand so you know I'm here?

Subjunctive Trigger

This form ('sientas') is used after certain phrases like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...) or 'No creo que...' (I don't believe that...) because these introduce doubt or desire, not certainty.

Stem Change

The verb 'sentir' is irregular. The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most present forms (siento, sientas, etc.), but changes to 'i' in the 'we' and 'you all' (vosotros) subjunctive forms (sintamos, sintáis).

Confusing Indicative/Subjunctive

Mistake: “No creo que tú sientes esto.”

Correction: No creo que tú sientas esto. (When expressing doubt, Spanish requires the special subjunctive form.)

encuentres

en-KWEN-tres/enˈkwentɾes/

verbB1informal
Use this reflexive form (te encuentres) to describe a state of being or a feeling, often implying a change or a condition.
An illustration of a happy, healthy person relaxing comfortably outdoors on a sunny park bench.

Examples

Me alegra que te encuentres mejor hoy.

I am glad that you are feeling better today.

¿Dónde quieres que nos encontremos (nosotros)?

Where do you want us to meet? (Related meaning, plural form)

The Reflexive 'Te'

When 'encuentres' means 'you are/you feel,' it must be paired with the pronoun 'te' (te encuentres), because the action is reflecting back onto the subject.

Sientes vs. Sientas: Indicative vs. Subjunctive

The most common confusion is between 'sientes' (indicative) and 'sientas' (subjunctive). Use 'sientes' for direct statements or questions about feelings, like '¿Cómo te sientes?' (How do you feel?). Use 'sientas' after expressions of hope, doubt, or emotion, like 'Espero que no te sientas...' (I hope you don't feel...).

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