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Kerry Brennan
Sentir vs Sentirse
Hoping someone could help me understand when to use "sentir" vs "sentirse". Some examples of the correct use of each would be awesome. I really appreciate your help!
Feb 3, 2018 12:23 PM
Answers · 6
2
Hi, Kerry.
A way to see the difference between sentir and sentirse:
- Sentir always needs an object (direct object) that refers to the thing that you feel:
Siento un dolor en la pierna (I feel a pain in my leg)
Siento un olor extraño (I feel a strange smell)
Siento una pena muy grande (I feel a big sorrow)
Or with clauses:
Siento que he perdido el tiempo ( I feel that I have wasted my time)
Siento que mi vida es mejor ahora (I feel that my life is better now)
- While sentirse, though, works with an adverb or adjective that describes how do you feel (please notice the difference: sentir + what you feel (a pain, smell, emotion) vs. sentirse + how you feel):
Me siento cansado (I feel tired)
Me siento feliz desde que vivo aquí (I feel happy since I am living here)
Me siento decepcionado (I feel disappointed)
I hope I have helped you to understand the difference between this two Spanish verbs. Have a nice day!
David.
February 3, 2018
2
It's so simple. It depends on what are you feeling, and where it comes from. It it comes from yourself, use sentirse (sentirme). If it comes from outside, just sentir.
I'm feeling an heartquake ---- Siento un temblor de tierra
I feel a strong smell... --- Siento un fuerte olor...
He feels tired --- El se siente cansado
If you want to feel good --- Si quieres sentirte bien
I feel sick --- Me siento enfermo
February 3, 2018
Hola Kerry:
Sentir(se) is a reflexive verb. "Ella (se) siente contenta". Thanks to the pronoun "se", the action falls on herself.
Sentir is not reflexive. "Ella siente miedo en las noches". In this case without the pronoun "se", the action is directed to "noches".
Let me know if you need more help.
December 21, 2018
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Kerry Brennan
Language Skills
English, Italian, Spanish
Learning Language
Italian, Spanish
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