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A2 noun 11 min read

sentido

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sentido in 30 Seconds

Explanation sentido in your Level:

At the A1 level, you will primarily encounter 'sentido' in two very common contexts: basic directions and the phrase 'faz sentido'. When you are learning to navigate a city, you might see 'sentido centro' on a bus or metro. This simply tells you where the vehicle is going. In basic conversation, you will learn to say 'faz sentido' (it makes sense) or 'não faz sentido' (it doesn't make sense) to react to information. At this stage, don't worry about the abstract meanings. Just focus on it as a way to describe direction and a way to agree or disagree with logic. It is a masculine noun, so you will use 'o sentido'. You might also learn the names of the five senses as basic vocabulary, where 'sentido' is the general category name. For instance, 'A visão é um sentido'.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'sentido' used in more descriptive ways. You will learn to use it with adjectives, like 'sentido figurado' (figurative sense) or 'sentido literal' (literal sense), which is very helpful when you are reading simple texts and trying to understand why a word is used in a certain way. You will also use it more frequently in traffic contexts, such as 'sentido único' (one-way street) or 'sentido oposto' (opposite direction). This level requires you to distinguish 'sentido' from 'significado' (meaning/definition) and 'sentimento' (feeling/emotion). You should be able to form sentences like 'Esta rua tem dois sentidos' or 'O que ele disse não faz muito sentido para mim'. You are beginning to see the word as a bridge between the physical world and basic logical connections.

By B1, you are expected to use 'sentido' in more complex and idiomatic ways. You will encounter expressions like 'perder os sentidos' (to faint) or 'estar com os sentidos apurados' (to be alert/sharp). You will also start using the phrase 'no sentido de' to mean 'aiming to' or 'in order to' in semi-formal contexts, such as 'Estou estudando no sentido de conseguir um emprego melhor'. At this level, you should be comfortable discussing the 'sentido da vida' or the 'sentido de um texto' in a classroom or social setting. You understand that 'sentido' is not just about where a car is going, but about the purpose and interpretation of actions and words. You can also handle the nuances of 'duplo sentido' (double meaning) in jokes or simple puns.

At the B2 level, 'sentido' becomes a tool for more sophisticated analysis. you will use it to discuss political or social trends, such as 'o sentido de voto da população' (the population's voting trend). You will use it in professional settings to describe the orientation of a company's strategy: 'A empresa está a caminhar no sentido da sustentabilidade'. Your grasp of the word's polysemy allows you to switch effortlessly between its physical, logical, and semantic meanings. You can explain the difference between 'sentido' and 'acepção' and use the word to critique the coherence of an argument. You are also more aware of regional differences, such as how 'sentido' might be used as a warning in some dialects. Your sentences are longer and incorporate 'sentido' into complex grammatical structures like 'Tudo o que aconteceu parece ter tido o sentido de nos preparar para este momento'.

At the C1 level, you use 'sentido' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand its role in formal legal and academic documents, where 'em sentido lato' (in a broad sense) and 'em sentido estrito' (in a strict sense) are used to define the scope of terms. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about the 'sentido da existência' or the 'sentido estético' of an artwork. You are sensitive to the word's use in literature, where authors might intentionally play with its multiple meanings to create ambiguity. You can use 'sentido' to describe subtle nuances in human perception and behavior, such as a 'sentido de oportunidade' (sense of timing) or 'sentido de responsabilidade'. You no longer confuse it with any related terms, and you can use it to clarify very specific points of logic or direction in high-level professional or academic discourse.

At the C2 level, 'sentido' is integrated into your vocabulary with total mastery. You can use it in highly specialized fields like semiotics or philosophy of language to discuss the 'sentido e referência' (sense and reference) of signs. You can appreciate and produce complex wordplay and puns involving 'sentido'. You are fully aware of the word's etymological roots and how they influence its various meanings in modern Portuguese. You can write formal essays where 'sentido' is used to structure complex arguments about direction, meaning, and purpose. Whether you are interpreting a 16th-century Portuguese text or a modern legal statute, you understand every possible nuance of the word. It is a word you use not just to communicate, but to shape and refine the very logic of your thoughts in Portuguese.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sentido in 30 Seconds

Sentido means 'sense', 'meaning', 'direction', or 'logic' depending on the situation.
It is a masculine noun: 'o sentido', 'os sentidos'.
Most common phrase: 'faz sentido' (it makes sense).
Use it for traffic directions (one-way) and the five physical senses.

The Portuguese word sentido is a multifaceted masculine noun that serves as a cornerstone of both everyday communication and abstract philosophical thought. At its most basic level, it refers to the physical senses—vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—that allow human beings to interact with their environment. However, its utility extends far beyond biology. In a linguistic context, sentido is the equivalent of 'meaning' or 'significance.' When you ask someone what a word means, you are asking for its sentido. Beyond that, it describes direction or orientation, such as the flow of traffic on a street or the trajectory of a person's life. Finally, it encapsulates the concept of logic or coherence; if something 'makes sense,' in Portuguese, it 'faz sentido.'

Biological Perception: In biology, sentido represents the five primary modes of perception. For example, 'O sentido da visão é fundamental para a navegação' (The sense of sight is fundamental for navigation). It is the mechanism by which the brain processes external stimuli.
Semantic Meaning: In linguistics, it refers to the interpretation of symbols or words. 'Esta frase tem um sentido ambíguo' (This sentence has an ambiguous meaning). It is often used to distinguish between literal and figurative interpretations.
Spatial Direction: When navigating a city, sentido indicates the direction of travel. A 'sentido único' is a one-way street, while 'sentido proibido' indicates no entry. It defines the vector of movement.

Não consigo encontrar nenhum sentido lógico nas suas ações recentes, elas parecem totalmente aleatórias.

The word is also deeply embedded in emotional and existential contexts. When someone feels a profound loss, they might say their life has lost its sentido. This usage mirrors the English concept of 'purpose' or 'reason for being.' It is a word that bridges the gap between the physical world and the internal world of the mind. In formal military contexts, 'Sentido!' is the command for 'Attention!', requiring soldiers to be alert and focused, literally bringing all their senses to the present moment.

O motorista entrou no sentido contrário da autoestrada e causou um acidente grave.

No sentido figurado, ela é o sol da minha vida.

Furthermore, sentido appears in numerous idiomatic expressions. 'Estar com os cinco sentidos' means to be fully alert or focused. 'Perder os sentidos' means to faint or lose consciousness. These variations demonstrate how the word permeates every level of Portuguese discourse, from the most mundane traffic instruction to the most complex psychological state. Understanding sentido is essential for any learner wishing to move beyond basic vocabulary and into the realm of nuanced expression.

Qual é o sentido desta palavra neste contexto específico?

A música deu um novo sentido à minha tarde melancólica.

Using sentido correctly involves recognizing which of its primary domains—sensory, semantic, directional, or logical—you are addressing. Because it is a masculine noun, it is always preceded by masculine articles like o, um, or demonstratives like este or aquele. Let's explore how to integrate it into various sentence structures effectively.

Logical Agreement: To express that something is logical, use the verb fazer. 'O que você diz faz todo o sentido' (What you say makes perfect sense). Conversely, 'Isso não faz sentido nenhum' (That makes no sense at all).
Traffic and Navigation: When giving directions, specify the destination as the sentido. 'Siga no sentido Lisboa-Porto' (Follow in the Lisbon-Porto direction). Or, 'A rua é de sentido único' (The street is one-way).
Linguistic Inquiry: When studying, ask: 'Em que sentido você está usando essa expressão?' (In what sense/meaning are you using that expression?). This helps clarify if someone is being literal or metaphorical.

Depois do desmaio, ele demorou alguns minutos para recuperar os sentidos.

When discussing the five senses, the word is usually pluralized if referring to them as a group: 'Os cinco sentidos'. However, you can isolate them: 'O sentido do paladar é o que mais aprecio' (The sense of taste is the one I appreciate most). In a philosophical or existential sentence, sentido often stands alone: 'A busca pelo sentido da vida é um tema recorrente na literatura' (The search for the meaning of life is a recurring theme in literature).

A frase pode ser interpretada em dois sentidos completamente diferentes.

Tome cuidado ao atravessar, pois os carros vêm nos dois sentidos.

Notice that sentido can also function as a command. In military or highly disciplined environments, shouting 'Sentido!' requires immediate silence and a rigid posture. In everyday life, you might hear 'Toma sentido!' as a warning to 'Pay attention!' or 'Watch out!', though this is more common in certain regional dialects or older generations. It is a word that demands clarity and focus from the listener.

O sentido de dever dele é admirável, ele nunca falta ao trabalho.

Estamos a caminhar no sentido sul da cidade.

The word sentido is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking environments, appearing in contexts ranging from the highly technical to the deeply personal. If you are driving in Lisbon or São Paulo, your ears and eyes will constantly encounter this word. GPS systems frequently use it: 'Siga no sentido norte' (Follow in the north direction). Road signs for 'Sentido Único' (One Way) or 'Sentido Proibido' (No Entry) are some of the first things a visitor must learn for safety.

Public Transportation: In metro stations, you will see signs like 'Linha Azul - Sentido Santa Apolónia'. This tells you the final destination of that specific track, helping you orient yourself in the underground network.
Academic and Intellectual Debate: In a university setting, professors often discuss the 'sentido do texto'. They are not talking about direction, but the underlying meaning or the author's intent. Students are expected to analyze the 'sentido profundo' (deep meaning) of literary works.
Daily Social Interaction: In casual conversation, 'Faz sentido' is the go-to phrase for agreement. It is the Portuguese equivalent of 'That makes sense' or 'I see your point'. It is polite, concise, and very common.

Atenção passageiros: comboio com destino a Cascais, no sentido ascendente, vai dar entrada na linha dois.

In the workplace, sentido is used to describe the objective of a project. A manager might say, 'Nossas ações devem ir no sentido de reduzir custos' (Our actions should go toward reducing costs). This metaphorical use of direction to describe purpose is a hallmark of professional Portuguese. Additionally, in the news, you might hear about a 'sentido de voto', which refers to how someone intends to vote or the general trend of an election.

O filósofo dedicou sua vida a questionar o sentido da existência humana.

Não leve a mal, eu disse isso no sentido de ajudar, não de criticar.

Finally, in health contexts, doctors might ask if a patient has lost any of their sentidos after a head injury. This is a critical diagnostic question. In literature, poets play with the 'duplo sentido' (double meaning) of words to create puns or layers of interpretation. Whether you are reading a technical manual, a street sign, or a love poem, sentido is the key that unlocks the intended message.

Essa piada tem um sentido duplo que poucas pessoas percebem de imediato.

Estamos a trabalhar no sentido de uma solução pacífica para o conflito.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Portuguese is the confusion between sentido and sentimento. While both relate to the verb sentir (to feel), they are not interchangeable. Sentido refers to a physical sense (like sight) or a logical meaning/direction. Sentimento refers to an emotion (like love, sadness, or anger). You cannot say 'o sentido de amor'; it must be 'o sentimento de amor'.

Sentido vs. Significado: While often synonyms, significado is strictly about the definition of a word. Sentido is broader, covering the 'flavor' or 'direction' of that meaning. You can ask for the 'significado' of a word in a dictionary, but you ask for the 'sentido' of a phrase in a specific context.
Senso vs. Sentido: Confusion with 'senso' (as in 'senso comum' - common sense) is common. While 'sentido' can mean logic, 'senso' refers to the capacity for judgment. You have 'bom senso' (good judgment), but a sentence 'faz sentido' (makes sense).

Errado: Eu tenho um sentido de tristeza. Correto: Eu tenho um sentimento de tristeza.

Another mistake involves the preposition used with direction. Learners often say 'no sentido para Lisboa', but the correct form is usually 'no sentido Lisboa' or 'no sentido de Lisboa'. The preposition 'de' or the direct destination name is preferred. Furthermore, avoid using 'sentido' as a verb. Although it looks like the past participle, in the context of 'meaning', it is strictly a noun. You cannot say 'Eu sentido que...'—that would be 'Eu sinto que...'.

Errado: Esta rua é sentido um. Correto: Esta rua é de sentido único.

Errado: Qual é o sentido da palavra 'saudade' no dicionário? Correto: Qual é o significado da palavra 'saudade'?

Lastly, be careful with the plural. 'Sentidos' refers to the physical senses or multiple meanings. Using it to mean 'feelings' (sentimentos) is a classic 'false friend' trap for English speakers because 'senses' and 'feelings' can overlap in poetic English, but they are strictly separated in Portuguese. If you are talking about your emotions, use sentimentos. If you are talking about your logic or your ability to see/hear, use sentidos.

Errado: Meus sentidos por ela são fortes. Correto: Meus sentimentos por ela são fortes.

Correto: O cão tem os sentidos do olfato e da audição muito apurados.

To truly master Portuguese, you must know when to use sentido and when to opt for one of its many cousins. Depending on the context—whether you are talking about logic, direction, or linguistics—different words might provide more precision or a more natural flow to your speech.

Significado vs. Sentido: Significado is the literal definition. Use it when asking for a translation or a dictionary entry. Sentido is the interpretation. Use it when the meaning depends on the situation or the speaker's intent.
Direção vs. Sentido: Direção is the general line of movement (e.g., vertical, horizontal). Sentido is the specific orientation along that line (e.g., up vs. down, north vs. south). A road has one 'direção' but two 'sentidos'.
Rumo vs. Sentido: Rumo implies a course or a path toward a destination, often used metaphorically for life goals. 'Mudar o rumo da vida' is more common than 'mudar o sentido da vida' when talking about changing careers or habits.

O significado desta palavra é simples, mas o sentido que ele deu foi irônico.

For the concept of 'logic', you might use lógica or coerência. 'Sua explicação tem lógica' is a valid alternative to 'Sua explicação faz sentido'. In the context of the five senses, you can use the specific names: visão, audição, tato, paladar, and olfato. Using the specific sense name is often more descriptive than simply saying 'o sentido'.

Precisamos definir um novo rumo para a nossa empresa este ano.

A direção do vento mudou, mas o sentido continua sendo de leste para oeste.

In a more abstract way, propósito (purpose) or razão de ser (reason for being) can replace sentido when talking about life or actions. 'Qual é o propósito disso?' is a bit more direct than 'Qual é o sentido disso?'. Understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your Portuguese to the specific level of formality and the exact shade of meaning you wish to convey.

Não vejo coerência no seu discurso, ele é muito contraditório.

O dicionário apresenta três acepções para o termo que você pesquisou.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The military command 'Sentido!' comes from the idea of bringing all your physical 'senses' to a state of alertness.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sẽ.ˈti.du/

US /sẽ.ˈtʃi.du/

The stress is on the second syllable: sen-TI-do.

Rhymes With

ido partido vencido querido ouvido perdido ferido pedido

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'en' as a clear 'n' instead of a nasal vowel.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a hard 'oh' instead of 'u'.
Forgetting the stress on the 'ti' syllable.
In European Portuguese, the first 'e' can be very short and closed.
Confusing the noun 'sentido' with the verb 'sentindo' (feeling).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate 'sense', but context is needed for specific meaning.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of fixed phrases like 'no sentido de' and 'faz sentido'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once nasal vowels are mastered.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'sentindo' or 'sentimento' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Sentir Rua Palavra Lógica Cinco

Learn Next

Significado Sentimento Direção Propósito Senso

Advanced

Hermenêutica Acepção Exegese Semântica Fenomenologia

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

O sentido (not a sentido).

Preposition 'No' (Em + O)

No sentido de... (In the sense of...).

Pluralization

Os sentidos (add -s).

Adjective Placement

Sentido figurado (adjective usually follows).

Verb 'Fazer' with Logic

Faz sentido (it makes sense).

Examples by Level

O metro vai no sentido centro.

The metro goes in the direction of the center.

Sentido indicates direction here.

Isso faz sentido.

That makes sense.

Common phrase for logical agreement.

A visão é um sentido importante.

Vision is an important sense.

Sentido refers to a physical faculty.

Esta rua é de sentido único.

This street is one-way.

Sentido único is a fixed expression for one-way traffic.

Não faz sentido ir agora.

It doesn't make sense to go now.

Negation of the 'fazer sentido' structure.

Qual é o sentido da palavra?

What is the meaning of the word?

Asking for the meaning/context.

Os cinco sentidos são úteis.

The five senses are useful.

Plural noun usage.

Siga no sentido norte.

Follow in the north direction.

Used in navigation.

A frase está no sentido figurado.

The sentence is in the figurative sense.

Adjective 'figurado' modifying the noun 'sentido'.

O carro vinha no sentido contrário.

The car was coming in the opposite direction.

Sentido contrário means opposite direction.

Você compreende o sentido do texto?

Do you understand the meaning of the text?

Refers to semantic comprehension.

Ele perdeu os sentidos por um momento.

He lost consciousness for a moment.

Idiomatic expression 'perder os sentidos'.

O sentido do paladar é incrível.

The sense of taste is incredible.

Specific physical sense.

Não vejo sentido nesta regra.

I don't see the point/sense in this rule.

Using 'ver sentido' as a variation of 'fazer sentido'.

A vida tem um sentido para todos.

Life has a meaning for everyone.

Abstract existential usage.

Cuidado, a rua muda de sentido ali.

Careful, the street changes direction there.

Refers to traffic flow changes.

Trabalhamos no sentido de melhorar a cidade.

We work toward improving the city.

'No sentido de' means 'with the aim of'.

Ela tem um sentido de humor muito ácido.

She has a very biting sense of humor.

'Sentido de humor' is the standard way to say sense of humor.

O cão tem um sentido de olfato apurado.

The dog has a sharp sense of smell.

'Apurado' is a common adjective for sharp senses.

A piada tem um duplo sentido óbvio.

The joke has an obvious double meaning.

'Duplo sentido' refers to ambiguity or puns.

Ele recuperou os sentidos no hospital.

He regained consciousness in the hospital.

'Recuperar os sentidos' is the opposite of 'perder'.

Muitas palavras mudam de sentido com o tempo.

Many words change meaning over time.

Refers to linguistic evolution.

O sentido de dever dele é muito forte.

His sense of duty is very strong.

Refers to a moral or psychological drive.

No sentido lato, todos somos responsáveis.

In a broad sense, we are all responsible.

'No sentido lato' is a formal adverbial phrase.

O sentido de voto mudou após o debate.

The voting intention changed after the debate.

Political context for 'intent' or 'trend'.

A lei deve ser aplicada no sentido estrito.

The law must be applied in the strict sense.

Legal terminology: 'sentido estrito'.

A sua atitude vai no sentido oposto ao esperado.

His attitude goes in the opposite direction to what was expected.

Metaphorical direction of behavior.

O texto carece de sentido lógico e estrutural.

The text lacks logical and structural sense.

Formal critique of coherence.

Temos de dar um novo sentido à nossa estratégia.

We have to give a new direction/meaning to our strategy.

Corporate usage for 'reorientation'.

Ela falou no sentido de acalmar os ânimos.

She spoke in order to calm things down.

'No sentido de' followed by an infinitive.

O sentido estético desta obra é fascinante.

The aesthetic sense of this work is fascinating.

Artistic/philosophical context.

Ele agiu com um grande sentido de oportunidade.

He acted with a great sense of timing.

Psychological attribute.

A hermenêutica estuda o sentido das escrituras.

Hermeneutics studies the meaning of scriptures.

Academic/theological context.

O termo é usado aqui na sua acepção técnica.

The term is used here in its technical sense.

Using 'sentido' as a synonym for 'acepção'.

Não há sentido em prosseguir com esta demanda.

There is no point in proceeding with this lawsuit.

Formal usage in legal/procedural contexts.

A poesia brinca com o sentido e o som.

Poetry plays with meaning and sound.

Literary analysis.

O sentido de pertença é vital para o bem-estar.

The sense of belonging is vital for well-being.

Sociological/psychological concept.

A decisão foi tomada no sentido de evitar o pior.

The decision was made with the aim of avoiding the worst.

Formal purpose construction.

O filósofo explorou o sentido do 'eu' na modernidade.

The philosopher explored the sense of 'self' in modernity.

Deep abstract usage.

O sentido da frase altera-se com a pontuação.

The meaning of the sentence changes with punctuation.

Linguistic precision.

A vacuidade de sentido na arte contemporânea é debatível.

The vacuum of meaning in contemporary art is debatable.

High-level aesthetic criticism.

O autor utiliza o termo em sentido diametralmente oposto.

The author uses the term in a diametrically opposite sense.

Advanced rhetorical analysis.

A exegese busca o sentido original do texto sagrado.

Exegesis seeks the original meaning of the sacred text.

Specialized academic terminology.

O sentido de justiça dela transcende o legalismo.

Her sense of justice transcends legalism.

Abstract moral discussion.

O discurso foi estruturado no sentido de uma síntese final.

The speech was structured toward a final synthesis.

Formal structural description.

A fenomenologia foca na experiência do sentido vivido.

Phenomenology focuses on the experience of lived meaning.

Philosophical terminology.

Houve um desvio de sentido na tradução do contrato.

There was a shift in meaning in the translation of the contract.

Precision in professional/legal context.

O sentido de urgência é palpável nesta crise.

The sense of urgency is palpable in this crisis.

Descriptive abstract noun.

Common Collocations

Sentido único

Fazer sentido

Sentido figurado

Sentido literal

Sentido contrário

Sentido de humor

Sentido de dever

Sentido da vida

No sentido de

Perder os sentidos

Common Phrases

Fazer todo o sentido

— To make perfect sense. Used to strongly agree with a point.

O que você disse faz todo o sentido.

Em que sentido?

— In what sense? Used to ask for clarification.

Você diz que é perigoso, mas em que sentido?

Sentido proibido

— No entry / Forbidden direction. A common road sign.

Não entre ali, é sentido proibido.

Sem sentido

— Nonsense or meaningless. Can also mean unconscious.

Esse filme é totalmente sem sentido.

Toma sentido!

— Pay attention! / Watch out! Used as a warning.

Toma sentido ao atravessar a rua!

Sentido de responsabilidade

— Sense of responsibility. A common character trait.

Ele demonstrou um grande sentido de responsabilidade.

Sentido de orientação

— Sense of direction. Ability to find one's way.

Eu não tenho nenhum sentido de orientação.

No bom sentido

— In a good way. Used to clarify a potentially offensive remark.

Você é louco, mas no bom sentido!

Sentido ascendente

— Upward direction. Often used for trains or elevators.

O comboio circula no sentido ascendente.

Sentido descendente

— Downward direction. The opposite of ascendente.

Saída no sentido descendente da via.

Often Confused With

sentido vs Sentimento

Sentimento is emotion (love, hate). Sentido is logic, direction, or physical sense.

sentido vs Significado

Significado is the dictionary definition. Sentido is the interpretation or purpose.

sentido vs Senso

Senso is judgment (common sense). Sentido is logic or perception.

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar com os cinco sentidos"

— To be completely focused or alert.

Para este exame, precisas de estar com os cinco sentidos.

Informal

"Sexto sentido"

— Sixth sense or intuition.

O meu sexto sentido diz-me para não confiar nele.

Neutral

"Perder o sentido de"

— To lose track of something (like time or reality).

Trabalhei tanto que perdi o sentido do tempo.

Neutral

"Dar sentido a"

— To give meaning to something.

Os filhos deram um novo sentido à vida dela.

Neutral

"Fazer sentido para alguém"

— To resonate with someone's logic or feelings.

Isso não faz sentido para mim.

Neutral

"Sentido de oportunidade"

— The ability to do things at the right moment.

Ele comprou a casa com um ótimo sentido de oportunidade.

Neutral

"Sentido de estado"

— Statesmanship; acting for the good of the country.

O político agiu com grande sentido de estado.

Formal

"Mudar de sentido"

— To change direction or meaning.

A conversa mudou de sentido subitamente.

Neutral

"Sentido figurado"

— Figurative/metaphorical meaning.

Não leves a mal, foi no sentido figurado.

Neutral

"Recuperar os sentidos"

— To wake up after fainting.

Ele recuperou os sentidos após beber água.

Neutral

Easily Confused

sentido vs Sentido (noun) vs. Sentido (verb participle)

They look and sound identical.

The noun means 'sense/direction'. The participle is from 'sentir' (felt).

O sentido (noun) da vida vs. Eu tinha sentido (verb) frio.

sentido vs Senso

Both translate to 'sense' in English.

Senso is for judgment (senso de humor). Sentido is for perception or logic.

Ele tem bom senso.

sentido vs Significado

Both relate to meaning.

Significado is what a word 'is'. Sentido is what it 'does' in context.

O significado de 'casa' é moradia.

sentido vs Direção

Both relate to movement.

Direção is the path. Sentido is the specific way along that path.

A direção é norte-sul, o sentido é norte.

sentido vs Sentimento

Both come from 'sentir'.

Sentimento is an internal emotion. Sentido is a faculty or logic.

Amor é um sentimento.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + faz sentido.

Isso faz sentido.

No sentido + [Direction].

No sentido Lisboa.

No sentido de + [Verb].

No sentido de ajudar.

Sentido de + [Noun].

Sentido de responsabilidade.

Em sentido + [Adjective].

Em sentido estrito.

Carecer de + sentido.

A obra carece de sentido.

Perder + os sentidos.

Ele perdeu os sentidos.

Dar + sentido + a.

Dar sentido ao trabalho.

Word Family

Nouns

Sensação

Sentimento

Sensibilidade

Sensualidade

Senso

Verbs

Sentir

Ressentir

Assentir

Dissentir

Adjectives

Sensível

Sensato

Sensorial

Sentimental

Sensacional

Significado

Direção

Consciência

Lógica

Percepção

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Eu tenho um sentido de amor. → Eu tenho um sentimento de amor.
Sentido is for logic/senses, sentimento is for emotions.
Isso faz senso. → Isso faz sentido.
In Portuguese, logic 'makes sense' (sentido), not 'senso'.
A rua é sentido uma. → A rua é de sentido único.
You must use the fixed expression 'sentido único' for one-way.
Eu sentido que você está certo. → Eu sinto que você está certo.
Don't use the noun 'sentido' as a present tense verb.
Qual é o sentido da palavra 'gato' no dicionário? → Qual é o significado da palavra 'gato' no dicionário?
Significado is better for literal dictionary definitions.

Tips

Masculine Gender

Always remember 'sentido' is masculine. Use 'o', 'um', 'este', and 'todo o'.

Sentido vs Significado

Use 'significado' for dictionary definitions and 'sentido' for contextual meaning.

Road Signs

Learn 'sentido único' and 'sentido proibido' immediately for safety while driving.

Agreeing

Saying 'Faz sentido' is a great way to show you are following a conversation.

Formal Writing

Use 'no sentido de' followed by an infinitive verb to express goals and objectives.

Fainting

'Perder os sentidos' is the standard way to describe someone passing out.

Double Meanings

'Duplo sentido' is the term for puns or ambiguous phrases. Use it to clarify jokes.

Character Traits

Terms like 'sentido de dever' or 'sentido de responsabilidade' are common in job interviews.

Directions

On GPS or public transport, 'sentido' always points to the final destination.

Poetry

In poetry, 'sentido' often refers to the deeper existential meaning of a work.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Sentido' as 'Sense-Direction'. It covers your 5 SENSES, the SENSE (meaning) of a word, and the direction (SENT) you are going.

Visual Association

Imagine a compass (direction) inside a brain (logic) with an eye (physical sense) on top.

Word Web

Visão Audição Lógica Significado Direção Sentimento Senso Sentir

Challenge

Try to use 'faz sentido' three times today when someone explains something to you in Portuguese.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'sensus', which is the past participle of 'sentire' (to feel, perceive, or think).

Original meaning: The act of feeling, perceiving, or an opinion/thought.

Romance (Italic)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but 'perder os sentidos' is a medical term for fainting and should be used appropriately.

English speakers often use 'meaning' for everything, but Portuguese splits this into 'significado' (literal) and 'sentido' (contextual/logical).

O Sentido da Vida (The Meaning of Life) - Common title for books and films. Five Senses (Os Cinco Sentidos) - A common educational topic. Sentido Único - A famous song title by several Lusophone artists.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Driving/Traffic

Sentido único
Sentido contrário
Sentido proibido
Mudar de sentido

Conversation/Debate

Faz sentido
Não faz sentido
Em que sentido?
Faz todo o sentido

Education/Linguistics

Sentido figurado
Sentido literal
Sentido do texto
Duplo sentido

Biology/Health

Os cinco sentidos
Perder os sentidos
Recuperar os sentidos
Sentido do tato

Philosophy/Life

Sentido da vida
Dar sentido a
Sem sentido
Sentido existencial

Conversation Starters

"O que você acha que dá sentido à vida?"

"Esta explicação faz sentido para você ou quer que eu repita?"

"Você tem um bom sentido de orientação ou se perde facilmente?"

"Qual dos cinco sentidos você acha que é o mais importante?"

"Você gosta de piadas com duplo sentido ou prefere humor direto?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um momento em que algo finalmente 'fez sentido' para você.

Descreva como você usa seus cinco sentidos em uma manhã típica.

Reflita sobre o sentido da sua carreira ou dos seus estudos atuais.

Descreva uma rua ou lugar que tenha um sentido (direção) especial para você.

Tente explicar o sentido figurado de uma expressão idiomática que você aprendeu.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it can also mean direction, a physical sense, or logic. You must look at the context to be sure.

Generally, no. Use 'sentimento' for emotions like happiness or sadness. 'Sentido' is more about perception and logic.

It is the Portuguese term for a one-way street. You will see it on blue or white signs in cities.

It is always masculine: 'o sentido'. Even when referring to a feminine concept like 'a vida', it remains 'o sentido da vida'.

The most natural way is to say 'Isso faz sentido'. You can add 'todo o' for emphasis: 'Isso faz todo o sentido'.

It means the 'figurative sense' or metaphorical meaning, as opposed to the 'sentido literal'.

It is the command for 'Attention!'. It requires soldiers to stand straight and be quiet.

Yes, as the past participle of 'sentir'. For example, 'Ele ficou muito sentido' means 'He felt very hurt/offended'.

Yes, it is used exactly the same way in Brazil as in Portugal, though pronunciation of 'ti' differs.

They are: visão (sight), audição (hearing), tato (touch), paladar (taste), and olfato (smell).