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A1 verb #1,200 most common 16 min read

sentir

Top 1,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sentir in 30 Seconds

Explanation sentir in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the focus is on the most basic and literal uses of the verb 'sentir'. Learners are introduced to 'sentir' primarily as a way to express fundamental physical sensations and simple emotional states. The vocabulary surrounding 'sentir' at this stage includes basic nouns like 'frio' (cold), 'calor' (heat), 'fome' (hunger), 'sede' (thirst), and 'dor' (pain). The grammatical structure taught is straightforward: Subject + conjugated 'sentir' + noun (e.g., 'Eu sinto fome' - I feel hunger/I am hungry). This is a critical departure from English, where these states are often expressed with the verb 'to be' and an adjective. Learners must practice this shift in mindset. Additionally, A1 learners are introduced to the highly common and essential phrase 'Sinto muito', which is taught as a fixed expression meaning 'I am sorry'. They learn that this is the polite way to apologize for a small mistake or to express basic sympathy. The conjugation focus is strictly on the present indicative tense, particularly the irregular first person 'eu sinto' and the regular third person 'ele/ela sente'. The concept of the reflexive 'sentir-se' might be briefly introduced but is generally reserved for deeper exploration in A2. The goal at A1 is survival communication: being able to tell a doctor 'Eu sinto dor' or telling a host 'Eu sinto frio'. Mastery of these basic, direct object constructions forms the foundation for all future, more complex uses of the verb.

Moving into the A2 elementary level, learners significantly expand their use of 'sentir' by fully integrating the reflexive form, 'sentir-se'. This is a major grammatical milestone. They learn that to describe their own state of being using an adjective, they must use the reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos). Sentences like 'Eu me sinto bem' (I feel good), 'Ela se sente doente' (She feels sick), and 'Nós nos sentimos cansados' (We feel tired) become standard practice. This allows learners to express a much wider range of emotions and physical states beyond basic nouns. They also begin to use 'sentir' in the past tense (pretérito perfeito), learning forms like 'eu senti' and 'ele sentiu' to narrate past experiences ('Eu me senti mal ontem' - I felt bad yesterday). The vocabulary expands to include more nuanced emotional adjectives like 'feliz' (happy), 'triste' (sad), 'nervoso' (nervous), and 'tranquilo' (calm). Furthermore, A2 learners are introduced to the idiomatic expression 'sentir falta de' to express missing someone or something ('Eu sinto falta da minha família' - I miss my family). This is a crucial phrase for interpersonal communication. The distinction between 'sentir' (transitive) and 'sentir-se' (reflexive) is heavily drilled at this level to prevent the common mistake of saying 'Eu sinto feliz'. By the end of A2, learners can confidently describe how they feel physically and emotionally in both the present and the recent past.

At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'sentir' becomes more abstract and sophisticated. Learners begin to use 'sentir' followed by the conjunction 'que' to express intuition, perception, or a strong subjective feeling about a situation ('Eu sinto que isso não está certo' - I feel that this is not right). This introduces them to subordinate clauses and allows for more complex sentence structures. They also learn to differentiate 'sentir' from verbs of opinion like 'achar' and 'pensar', understanding that 'sentir que' implies a 'gut feeling' rather than a logical deduction. The vocabulary broadens to include sensory perceptions like 'sentir o cheiro' (to smell) and 'sentir o gosto' (to taste), understanding how Portuguese uses 'sentir' as a catch-all verb for the senses. Grammatically, learners practice 'sentir' in the imperfect tense (pretérito imperfeito) to describe ongoing feelings in the past ('Eu me sentia muito sozinho naquela época' - I used to feel very lonely at that time). They also begin to encounter the subjunctive mood triggered by expressions of feeling ('Sinto muito que você esteja doente' - I am sorry that you are sick), which is a key B1 grammar point. The focus shifts from merely reporting basic states to expressing complex emotional reactions, intuitions, and sensory experiences in various time frames, making their Portuguese sound much more natural and expressive.

In the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners refine their understanding of 'sentir' by exploring its nuances, idiomatic uses, and subtle connotations. They are expected to use the verb flawlessly in all tenses, including the future, conditional, and various subjunctive forms. The focus is on precision and register. They learn to use 'sentir' in more formal or literary contexts, recognizing its power in expressing profound emotional depth ('Sentiu um aperto no coração' - He felt a squeeze in his heart / He felt anguish). B2 learners master complex reflexive constructions and understand the subtle differences in pronoun placement (próclise vs. ênclise) depending on the regional variant (Brazil vs. Portugal) and the formality of the text. They also delve into a wider array of idiomatic expressions, such as 'sentir na pele' (to feel on one's skin / to experience firsthand) or 'não sentir as pernas' (to not feel one's legs / to be exhausted or terrified). The distinction between 'sentir', 'perceber', 'notar', and 'experimentar' becomes crystal clear, allowing learners to choose the exact verb for the specific type of perception or experience they wish to convey. They can comfortably discuss abstract concepts, emotional psychology, and sensory details in debates, essays, and deep conversations, using 'sentir' to articulate complex internal landscapes and empathetic responses to others.

At the C1 advanced level, the use of 'sentir' is characterized by complete fluency, idiomatic mastery, and an intuitive grasp of its cultural weight. Learners use 'sentir' effortlessly in highly complex grammatical structures, including passive voice constructions and advanced subjunctive clauses. They understand the poetic and metaphorical extensions of the verb, often found in Portuguese literature, poetry, and music. For instance, understanding the profound cultural concept of 'saudade' and how 'sentir saudade' goes beyond simply missing something to encompass a deep, melancholic longing. C1 speakers can manipulate the verb to convey subtle irony, deep empathy, or sharp intuition. They are comfortable with expressions like 'sentir-se na obrigação de' (to feel obligated to) or 'dar a sentir' (to make someone feel). They can analyze texts where 'sentir' is used to explore philosophical themes of existence and human connection. At this level, mistakes with the reflexive pronoun or basic conjugations are non-existent. The focus is on stylistic choice: knowing when to use 'sentir' for emotional impact versus a more clinical verb for objective description. C1 learners sound near-native in their ability to articulate the full spectrum of human sensation and emotion using 'sentir' in any social, professional, or academic context.

At the C2 mastery level, the learner's command of 'sentir' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They possess an exhaustive knowledge of its etymology, historical usage, and regional variations across the Lusophone world. C2 speakers can engage in profound philosophical, psychological, or literary discourse where 'sentir' is central to the argument, discussing concepts like phenomenology or emotional intelligence with absolute precision. They appreciate the subtle phonetic shifts and prosody associated with the verb in different dialects. They can invent novel metaphors using 'sentir' that are grammatically sound and culturally resonant. They understand archaic or highly formal uses of the verb that might appear in classical literature (e.g., Camões or Machado de Assis). At this stage, 'sentir' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a fundamental tool for expressing the deepest layers of human consciousness and interacting with the world on a profound sensory and emotional level. The C2 speaker navigates the complexities of 'sentir' with effortless grace, using it to persuade, comfort, analyze, and create art in the Portuguese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sentir in 30 Seconds

Use 'sentir' + noun for physical sensations like hunger, cold, or pain.
Use 'sentir-se' + adjective to describe your emotional or physical state of being.
Say 'Sinto muito' to apologize or express deep sympathy to someone.
Use 'sentir que' to express a strong intuition or gut feeling about something.

The Portuguese verb 'sentir' is one of the most fundamental and versatile words in the language, serving as the primary vehicle for expressing both physical sensations and emotional states. At its core, 'sentir' translates to 'to feel' or 'to sense' in English, but its application extends far beyond simple direct translation. When Portuguese speakers use 'sentir', they are tapping into a broad spectrum of human experience, ranging from the tactile sensation of a cold breeze to the profound emotional depth of grief or joy. Understanding 'sentir' is absolutely crucial for any learner, as it forms the basis for communicating personal well-being, empathy, and sensory perception. In everyday conversation, you will hear this word constantly. It is used when someone touches a hot stove and feels the heat, when someone receives bad news and feels sadness, or when someone simply senses that something is wrong in a given situation. The beauty of 'sentir' lies in its dual nature: it bridges the gap between the physical world and the internal emotional landscape.

Physical Sensation: Used to describe bodily feelings such as temperature, pain, or touch. For example, feeling cold (sentir frio) or feeling pain (sentir dor).

Eu começo a sentir o frio do inverno chegando.

Beyond the physical, 'sentir' is deeply embedded in the emotional vocabulary of Portuguese speakers. It is the verb of choice for expressing love, anger, fear, and happiness. However, a critical distinction must be made between using 'sentir' as a transitive verb (feeling something) and its reflexive form 'sentir-se' (feeling a certain way). This is a common stumbling block for English speakers. In English, we say 'I feel happy'. In Portuguese, you cannot simply say 'Eu sinto feliz'. You must use the reflexive pronoun: 'Eu me sinto feliz'. This reflexive usage implies that the feeling is a state of being applied to oneself. Furthermore, 'sentir' is famously used in the expression 'sinto muito', which literally translates to 'I feel a lot', but is the standard Portuguese phrase for 'I am sorry' or 'My condolences'. This demonstrates how the verb transcends literal feeling to encompass empathy and social grace.

Emotional State: Used to express internal emotions like joy, sadness, or fear. Often requires the reflexive form when followed by an adjective.

Ela consegue sentir a tristeza na voz dele.

Another fascinating aspect of 'sentir' is its use in expressing intuition or a 'gut feeling'. When a Portuguese speaker says 'Eu sinto que isso vai dar errado' (I feel that this is going to go wrong), they are using the verb to articulate a premonition or a strong belief based on instinct rather than hard evidence. This aligns closely with the English usage of 'sensing' something. The verb can also take on a more poetic or profound meaning in literature and music, where 'sentir' represents the ultimate human capacity to experience life fully. Whether you are at a doctor's office explaining a physical symptom, comforting a friend through a difficult time, or expressing your own internal state, 'sentir' is the indispensable tool that allows you to connect your internal experiences with the external world. Mastering its various contexts, especially the distinction between the direct and reflexive forms, will significantly elevate your fluency and allow you to communicate with much greater nuance and emotional intelligence.

Intuition: Used to express a strong instinct, premonition, or belief about a situation without necessarily having concrete proof.

Nós podemos sentir que a mudança está próxima.

É impossível não sentir a energia deste lugar.

Você vai sentir uma leve pressão agora.

Using 'sentir' correctly in sentences requires a solid understanding of Portuguese grammar, specifically regarding direct objects and reflexive pronouns. The most basic sentence structure involves a subject, the conjugated verb 'sentir', and a direct object, which is usually a noun representing the sensation or emotion. For example, 'Eu sinto dor' (I feel pain) or 'Ele sente fome' (He feels hunger). Notice that in Portuguese, we often use nouns with 'sentir' where English might use the verb 'to be' with an adjective (e.g., 'I am hungry' becomes 'I feel hunger'). This structural difference is vital for natural-sounding Portuguese. The conjugation of 'sentir' is irregular in the present tense for the first person singular: 'eu sinto'. The other present tense forms are regular for an '-ir' verb: 'tu sentes', 'ele/ela sente', 'nós sentimos', 'eles/elas sentem'. Mastering these basic conjugations is your first step toward building complex sentences.

Direct Object Structure: Subject + Sentir + Noun. This is the standard way to express feeling a specific physical or emotional thing, like pain, cold, or love.

As crianças costumam sentir muito sono à tarde.

The most significant grammatical shift occurs when you want to describe a state of being using an adjective. This is where the reflexive form, 'sentir-se', becomes mandatory. If you want to say 'I feel tired', you cannot say 'Eu sinto cansado'. You must include the reflexive pronoun that matches the subject: 'Eu me sinto cansado'. The structure becomes Subject + Reflexive Pronoun + Sentir + Adjective. Other examples include 'Ela se sente feliz' (She feels happy) or 'Nós nos sentimos perdidos' (We feel lost). The placement of the reflexive pronoun can vary depending on whether you are using Brazilian or European Portuguese. In Brazil, the pronoun often precedes the verb (próclise), especially in spoken language ('Eu me sinto'). In Portugal, it typically follows the verb (ênclise) unless triggered by specific words ('Sinto-me'). Understanding this reflexive requirement is perhaps the single most important rule when constructing sentences with 'sentir'.

Reflexive Structure: Subject + Reflexive Pronoun + Sentir + Adjective. Essential for describing one's own emotional or physical state of being.

É normal sentir-se ansioso antes de uma prova.

Furthermore, 'sentir' can be followed by a subordinate clause introduced by the conjunction 'que' (that). This structure is used to express intuition, perception, or a subjective opinion. For instance, 'Eu sinto que você está mentindo' (I feel that you are lying) or 'Ela sentiu que precisava mudar de vida' (She felt that she needed to change her life). In these cases, 'sentir' functions similarly to verbs like 'achar' (to think) or 'acreditar' (to believe), but carries a stronger emotional or intuitive weight. Additionally, 'sentir' is frequently paired with the preposition 'falta de' to express missing someone or something: 'Eu sinto falta de você' (I miss you). This is a highly idiomatic and extremely common construction. By mastering the direct object structure with nouns, the reflexive structure with adjectives, the subordinate clause structure with 'que', and idiomatic pairings like 'sentir falta', you will be able to construct a vast array of expressive and grammatically correct sentences in Portuguese.

Subordinate Clauses: Sentir + que + clause. Used to express a feeling or intuition about a situation or fact.

Eu posso sentir o cheiro de café fresco.

Eles vão sentir a sua falta na festa.

Não consigo sentir minhas pernas de tanto frio.

The verb 'sentir' is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking environments, permeating almost every facet of daily life. One of the most common places you will hear it is in medical or health-related contexts. When you visit a doctor, clinic, or pharmacy in Brazil or Portugal, the very first question you are likely to be asked is 'O que você está sentindo?' (What are you feeling? / What are your symptoms?). In response, patients use 'sentir' to describe their ailments: 'Sinto dor de cabeça' (I feel a headache), 'Sinto náuseas' (I feel nauseous), or 'Não estou me sentindo bem' (I am not feeling well). In these clinical settings, 'sentir' is the primary diagnostic tool for communicating physical distress. It is essential vocabulary for navigating any healthcare situation abroad, allowing you to accurately convey the location and nature of your discomfort to medical professionals.

Medical Contexts: Crucial for describing symptoms, pain, and general well-being to doctors and pharmacists.

O médico perguntou o que eu estava a sentir.

Beyond the doctor's office, 'sentir' is the cornerstone of emotional and interpersonal communication. You will hear it constantly in conversations between friends, family members, and romantic partners. It is used to express empathy and solidarity, such as when comforting a grieving friend with 'Sinto muito pela sua perda' (I am very sorry for your loss). In romantic relationships, it is used to articulate deep affection or heartache, as in 'Sinto um amor imenso por você' (I feel an immense love for you) or 'Sinto ciúmes' (I feel jealous). Furthermore, it is the standard verb used when apologizing for a mistake or a minor offense in daily life. If you bump into someone on the street or accidentally interrupt a conversation, a quick 'Sinto muito' or simply 'Desculpe' (which often implies the feeling of regret) is expected. The cultural weight of 'sentir' in these social interactions cannot be overstated; it demonstrates emotional intelligence and respect for others' feelings.

Interpersonal Communication: Used to express empathy, apologies, romantic feelings, and emotional support in daily relationships.

Eu queria sentir a brisa do mar no meu rosto.

You will also encounter 'sentir' frequently in media, literature, and the arts. Brazilian soap operas (novelas) are famous for their dramatic dialogue, where characters constantly declare what they are feeling ('Eu sinto que ele me traiu!' - I feel that he betrayed me!). In Brazilian music, particularly in genres like Bossa Nova, Samba, and Sertanejo, 'sentir' is a recurring lyrical theme, exploring the depths of 'saudade' (longing), passion, and heartbreak. Moreover, in everyday discussions about the environment or atmosphere, people use 'sentir' to describe sensory inputs. For example, 'Sinto cheiro de queimado' (I smell something burning - literally, I feel the smell of burning) or 'Dá para sentir a tensão no ar' (You can feel the tension in the air). Whether you are watching a dramatic film, listening to a romantic song, or simply discussing the weather ('Sinto que vai chover' - I feel it's going to rain), 'sentir' is the linguistic bridge that connects the Portuguese speaker to their sensory and emotional environment.

Media and Arts: A frequent word in songs, poetry, and dramatic television, highlighting the cultural emphasis on emotion.

Ninguém pode sentir a dor do outro completamente.

Vou sentir o sabor desta comida para ver se está boa.

Ao ouvir a música, ela começou a sentir vontade de chorar.

One of the most frequent and glaring mistakes English speakers make when learning Portuguese is the direct translation of 'I feel [adjective]' without using the reflexive pronoun. Because English syntax allows for a simple Subject + Verb + Adjective structure (e.g., 'I feel sad'), learners instinctively say 'Eu sinto triste'. In Portuguese, this sounds incomplete and grammatically incorrect. The verb 'sentir', when followed by an adjective describing the subject's state, must be reflexive. The correct formulation is 'Eu me sinto triste'. Forgetting the 'me', 'te', 'se', or 'nos' is a hallmark of beginner Portuguese. This error stems from a failure to recognize that in Portuguese, you are essentially saying 'I feel myself sad'. This rule applies to almost all emotional and physical states described by adjectives: 'Ele se sente doente' (He feels sick), 'Nós nos sentimos orgulhosos' (We feel proud). Drilling this reflexive structure is paramount for achieving natural-sounding speech.

Missing the Reflexive: Saying 'Eu sinto feliz' instead of the correct 'Eu me sinto feliz'. This is the #1 mistake with this verb.

Muitos estrangeiros esquecem de usar o pronome ao sentir-se cansados.

Another common area of confusion involves the irregular conjugation of 'sentir' in the first person singular of the present indicative tense. Because it is an '-ir' verb, learners often assume it follows a completely regular pattern and might mistakenly say 'Eu sento'. However, 'sento' is the first person singular of the verb 'sentar' (to sit). Saying 'Eu sento muito' when you mean to apologize ('I am very sorry') actually translates to 'I sit a lot', which can lead to highly comical and confusing situations. The correct form is 'Eu sinto'. This irregularity ('e' changing to 'i') only occurs in the 'eu' form in the present tense (sinto), while the other forms retain the 'e' (sentes, sente, sentimos, sentem). Paying close attention to this specific vowel shift is crucial to avoid mixing up the verbs for feeling and sitting, a mistake that native speakers will immediately notice and likely chuckle at.

Sinto vs. Sento: Confusing 'sinto' (I feel) with 'sento' (I sit). A common phonetic and conjugational error.

É preciso ter cuidado para não conjugar errado e sentir vergonha.

A third frequent mistake is overusing 'sentir' when expressing an opinion, directly translating the English 'I feel that...'. While 'Eu sinto que...' is grammatically correct and used in Portuguese, it carries a strong connotation of intuition, emotion, or a 'gut feeling'. If you are simply stating a rational opinion or a belief based on facts, using 'sentir' sounds overly emotional or dramatic. In these cases, it is much more natural to use verbs like 'achar' (to think/believe) or 'pensar' (to think). For example, if you are discussing a business strategy, saying 'Eu acho que esta é a melhor opção' (I think this is the best option) is far more appropriate than 'Eu sinto que esta é a melhor opção' (I feel this is the best option), unless you are specifically relying on your instinct. Understanding this subtle difference in register and connotation helps learners sound more mature and contextually appropriate in their Portuguese conversations.

Overusing for Opinions: Using 'sentir' for logical opinions instead of 'achar' or 'pensar'. 'Sentir' implies intuition, not just thought.

Ela parecia sentir que algo estava errado com o contrato.

Nós podemos sentir a diferença na qualidade do material.

Nunca deixe de sentir gratidão pelas pequenas coisas.

While 'sentir' is the most direct translation for 'to feel', Portuguese offers a rich vocabulary of alternative verbs that provide more specific nuances depending on the context. One of the most important alternatives is 'perceber'. While 'sentir' often implies a physical or emotional reaction, 'perceber' leans more towards cognitive recognition or noticing something through the senses or intellect. For example, you might 'sentir' (feel) the cold wind, but you 'percebe' (notice/realize) that the window is open. 'Perceber' is frequently used when you become aware of a subtle change, a hidden truth, or a sensory detail that requires a bit of mental processing. If you want to say 'I realized that he was sad', you would use 'Eu percebi que ele estava triste', whereas 'Eu senti que ele estava triste' implies you absorbed his emotion intuitively. Understanding the line between raw feeling (sentir) and cognitive realization (perceber) adds great depth to your vocabulary.

Perceber: To notice, to realize, to perceive. Focuses on cognitive awareness rather than raw emotion or physical sensation.

É fácil sentir a diferença entre os dois tecidos.

Another crucial alternative, especially when expressing opinions, is 'achar'. As mentioned in the common mistakes section, English speakers often overuse 'sentir' for 'I feel that...'. In Portuguese, 'achar' (literally 'to find', but commonly used as 'to think' or 'to have an opinion') is the standard verb for expressing a viewpoint. 'Eu acho que vai chover' (I think it's going to rain) is much more common than 'Eu sinto que vai chover', unless you are emphasizing a physical sensation in your bones. Similarly, 'acreditar' (to believe) is used when expressing a strong conviction or faith in something, which is a step beyond a mere feeling. For physical touch, while you can 'sentir' a texture, the active verb for touching something is 'tocar'. You 'toca' (touch) the fabric to 'sentir' (feel) its softness. Differentiating between the action of touching and the resulting sensation is important for precise descriptions.

Achar vs. Sentir: Use 'achar' for forming opinions and thoughts. Use 'sentir' for emotional states and physical sensations.

Deixe-me sentir o pulso do paciente.

For more intense or specific emotional experiences, Portuguese offers verbs like 'experimentar' (to experience/to try) or 'sofrer' (to suffer). 'Experimentar' can be used for feeling a new sensation or emotion for the first time, emphasizing the experiential aspect. 'Sofrer' is used specifically when feeling pain, hardship, or negative emotions intensely. Instead of saying 'Ele sente muita dor' (He feels a lot of pain), one might say 'Ele sofre de muita dor' (He suffers from a lot of pain), which carries a heavier, more chronic connotation. Furthermore, when talking about sensing a smell or a taste, while 'sentir o cheiro' and 'sentir o gosto' are standard, verbs like 'cheirar' (to smell) and 'provar' (to taste) describe the active process of acquiring that sensation. By expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives, you move beyond the basic utility of 'sentir' and begin to paint a much more detailed and accurate picture of your experiences and perceptions in Portuguese.

Experimentar: To experience or to try. Used when the feeling is part of a new or significant life event.

Ela não consegue sentir o cheiro das flores por causa da alergia.

É maravilhoso sentir o apoio dos amigos em momentos difíceis.

Tente sentir a textura desta parede.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"O governo lamenta profundamente e sente a perda do ilustre embaixador."

Neutral

"Eu me sinto um pouco cansado hoje."

Informal

"Cara, tô sentindo que isso vai dar ruim."

Child friendly

"Você está sentindo dor no dodói?"

Slang

"Sente só o drama da situação!"

Fun Fact

The English word 'sense' comes from the exact same Latin root ('sentire'). So when you 'sense' something, you are doing exactly what a Portuguese speaker does when they 'sentem' something. The word 'sentiment' also shares this origin.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sẽˈtiɾ/

US /sẽˈtʃi(ʁ)/

sen-TIR (Stress is on the final syllable)

Rhymes With

partir dormir sorrir pedir mentir fugir abrir descobrir

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 't' as a hard English 't' in Brazil (it should be a 'ch' sound).
Failing to nasalize the 'en' syllable, making it sound like 'sen' in 'send'.
Over-pronouncing the final 'r' in Brazilian Portuguese; it should be soft or guttural.
Stressing the first syllable (SEN-tir) instead of the last (sen-TIR).
Confusing the pronunciation of 'sinto' (I feel) with 'sento' (I sit) by not closing the 'i' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, but distinguishing between transitive and reflexive uses requires attention.

Writing 4/5

Requires mastering the irregular 'eu sinto' and correctly placing reflexive pronouns, which is challenging for beginners.

Speaking 4/5

Remembering to use the reflexive pronoun in real-time conversation is a common hurdle.

Listening 3/5

The palatalized 't' in Brazilian Portuguese (sen-CHIR) can confuse learners expecting a hard 't'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

eu você muito bem mal

Learn Next

achar pensar tocar perceber saudade

Advanced

ressentimento presságio empatia intuição melancolia

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Verbs

Eu me sinto cansado. (I feel tired.) - The pronoun 'me' reflects the action back to the subject 'Eu'.

Irregular Present Tense (1st Person)

Eu sinto (I feel) vs. Ele sente (He feels). The 'e' changes to 'i' only in the 'eu' form.

Verbs of Sensation + Infinitive

Eu a senti tremer. (I felt her tremble.) - 'Sentir' can be followed by an object and an infinitive verb.

Subjunctive Trigger

Sinto muito que você esteja doente. (I am sorry that you are sick.) - Expressions of emotion trigger the subjunctive mood in the following clause.

Direct Objects without Articles

Sinto fome. (I feel hunger.) - Abstract nouns following 'sentir' often do not require definite articles.

Examples by Level

Eu sinto frio.

I feel cold.

Subject + sentir + noun (frio). Present tense, 1st person singular.

Ela sente dor de cabeça.

She feels a headache.

Third person singular present tense 'sente' followed by the noun phrase 'dor de cabeça'.

Nós sentimos fome.

We feel hunger / We are hungry.

First person plural present tense 'sentimos' followed by the noun 'fome'.

Você sente calor?

Do you feel hot?

Question format using 'você' and the third person singular verb form 'sente'.

Eu sinto muito.

I am very sorry.

Fixed expression. Literally 'I feel a lot', used for apologies.

Eles sentem sede.

They feel thirst / They are thirsty.

Third person plural present tense 'sentem' followed by the noun 'sede'.

O menino sente medo do escuro.

The boy feels fear of the dark.

Using 'sentir' with the noun 'medo' (fear) and the preposition 'de' (of).

Eu não sinto nada.

I don't feel anything.

Negative sentence structure: 'não' + verb + 'nada'.

Eu me sinto muito bem hoje.

I feel very good today.

Reflexive use 'me sinto' with an adverb/adjective 'bem'.

Ela se sentiu triste ontem.

She felt sad yesterday.

Past tense (pretérito perfeito) reflexive: 'se sentiu'.

Nós sentimos falta da nossa casa.

We miss our home.

Idiomatic expression 'sentir falta de' meaning 'to miss'.

Você se sente doente?

Do you feel sick?

Reflexive question using 'se sente' with the adjective 'doente'.

Eles se sentiram cansados depois da viagem.

They felt tired after the trip.

Past tense plural reflexive 'se sentiram' with the adjective 'cansados'.

Eu sinto o cheiro do café.

I smell the coffee.

Using 'sentir' for sensory perception: 'sentir o cheiro' (to feel the smell).

Não me sinto confortável aqui.

I don't feel comfortable here.

Negative reflexive construction: 'não me sinto'.

Ela sente muito a morte do cachorro.

She is very sorry about the dog's death / She deeply feels the dog's death.

Using 'sentir muito' to express deep sorrow or condolences regarding a specific event.

Eu sinto que você não está dizendo a verdade.

I feel that you are not telling the truth.

'Sentir' followed by the conjunction 'que' to express intuition or belief.

Quando eu era criança, me sentia muito sozinho.

When I was a child, I used to feel very lonely.

Imperfect tense (pretérito imperfeito) reflexive 'me sentia' for an ongoing past state.

Sinto muito que você não possa vir à festa.

I am sorry that you cannot come to the party.

'Sinto muito que' triggering the present subjunctive 'possa'.

Dá para sentir a tensão no ar.

You can feel the tension in the air.

Impersonal expression 'dá para' (it is possible to) + infinitive 'sentir'.

Nós nos sentiremos mais seguros quando chegarmos.

We will feel safer when we arrive.

Future tense reflexive 'nos sentiremos'.

Ele sentiu o gosto amargo do remédio.

He tasted the bitter flavor of the medicine.

Sensory use: 'sentir o gosto' (to feel the taste).

Eu nunca senti tanta alegria na minha vida.

I have never felt so much joy in my life.

Past tense with an intensifier 'tanta' (so much) and a noun 'alegria'.

Ela se sentia na obrigação de ajudar.

She felt obligated to help.

Idiomatic structure 'sentir-se na obrigação de' (to feel in the obligation of).

Se eu soubesse, não teria feito você se sentir assim.

If I had known, I wouldn't have made you feel like this.

Complex conditional structure with 'fazer' + infinitive 'se sentir'.

É importante que ele sinta o apoio da família.

It is important that he feels the support of the family.

Impersonal expression triggering the present subjunctive 'sinta'.

Senti na pele a dificuldade de morar em outro país.

I experienced firsthand the difficulty of living in another country.

Idiomatic expression 'sentir na pele' (to feel on the skin / to experience firsthand).

Apesar de sorrir, ela sentia um vazio imenso por dentro.

Despite smiling, she felt an immense emptiness inside.

Contrasting clauses using the imperfect tense 'sentia' to describe a deep internal state.

Eles sentiram-se lisonjeados com o convite.

They felt flattered by the invitation.

European Portuguese enclisis 'sentiram-se' with a sophisticated adjective 'lisonjeados'.

O impacto da crise já se faz sentir na economia.

The impact of the crisis is already being felt in the economy.

Passive reflexive construction 'se faz sentir' (makes itself felt).

Eu não me sentiria confortável em aceitar esse dinheiro.

I would not feel comfortable accepting this money.

Conditional tense reflexive 'me sentiria'.

Ela tem a capacidade de sentir as emoções dos outros.

She has the ability to feel the emotions of others.

Infinitive usage expressing empathy and emotional intelligence.

O ressentimento que ele sentia era palpável.

The resentment he felt was palpable.

Relative clause 'que ele sentia' modifying an abstract noun 'ressentimento'.

Sentiu-se compelido a intervir na discussão.

He felt compelled to intervene in the argument.

Formal enclisis 'Sentiu-se' followed by a past participle 'compelido' acting as an adjective.

É uma dor tão profunda que mal se pode sentir.

It is a pain so deep that it can barely be felt.

Impersonal passive construction 'se pode sentir' expressing numbness.

Ela pressentiu o perigo antes mesmo de o sentir fisicamente.

She sensed the danger even before feeling it physically.

Contrasting the prefix verb 'pressentir' (to pre-sense) with the base verb 'sentir'.

A obra de arte faz o espectador sentir a angústia do artista.

The artwork makes the viewer feel the artist's anguish.

Causative structure 'faz... sentir' (makes... feel).

Sinto muito se as minhas palavras soaram ásperas.

I apologize if my words sounded harsh.

Using 'Sinto muito' to introduce a conditional apology with 'se'.

O frio cortante fazia-se sentir até os ossos.

The biting cold made itself felt to the bones.

Literary and descriptive use of 'fazia-se sentir' (made itself felt).

Ele não sente o menor remorso pelo que fez.

He doesn't feel the slightest remorse for what he did.

Using 'sentir' with an abstract noun 'remorso' and an intensifier 'o menor' (the slightest).

A melancolia que se sente ao ouvir um fado é indescritível.

The melancholy one feels when listening to a fado is indescribable.

Impersonal 'se sente' (one feels) expressing a universal cultural experience.

Sentir é criar, dizia o poeta Fernando Pessoa.

To feel is to create, said the poet Fernando Pessoa.

Infinitive used as a philosophical noun subject.

O silêncio na sala era tão denso que se podia senti-lo.

The silence in the room was so dense that one could feel it.

Using 'sentir' to describe a profound sensory perception of an absence (silence).

Ela vivia num torpor, incapaz de sentir qualquer estímulo externo.

She lived in a torpor, incapable of feeling any external stimulus.

Clinical/psychological description using 'incapaz de sentir'.

A nação inteira sentiu o peso daquela decisão histórica.

The entire nation felt the weight of that historical decision.

Metaphorical use of 'sentir o peso' (to feel the weight) applied to a collective entity.

Não há nada mais humano do que a capacidade de se sentir vulnerável.

There is nothing more human than the capacity to feel vulnerable.

Philosophical reflection using the reflexive infinitive 'se sentir'.

O aroma da infância fez-se sentir subitamente, trazendo à tona memórias esquecidas.

The aroma of childhood suddenly made itself felt, bringing forgotten memories to the surface.

Highly literary construction 'fez-se sentir' triggering a participial phrase.

Ele dissecava seus próprios sentimentos, tentando entender o porquê de sentir o que sentia.

He dissected his own feelings, trying to understand why he felt what he felt.

Meta-emotional reflection using 'sentir' multiple times to analyze the act of feeling itself.

Common Collocations

sentir dor

sentir frio

sentir falta

sentir medo

sentir-se bem

sentir-se mal

sentir o cheiro

sentir pena

sentir orgulho

sentir na pele

Common Phrases

Sinto muito

— I am very sorry. Used for apologies or condolences.

Sinto muito pelo seu atraso, não vai acontecer novamente.

Sentir falta de

— To miss someone or something. Literally 'to feel the lack of'.

Sinto falta da comida da minha mãe.

Não me sinto bem

— I don't feel well. Used to express physical illness or emotional discomfort.

Vou para casa, não me sinto bem.

Faz-se sentir

— Makes itself felt. Used to describe an impact or presence that is noticeable.

A crise econômica já se faz sentir no comércio.

Sentir na pele

— To experience firsthand, usually something difficult.

Você só vai entender quando sentir na pele.

Dar a sentir

— To make someone feel or realize something.

Ele deu a sentir que não estava satisfeito.

Sem sentir

— Without noticing, imperceptibly.

O tempo passou sem sentir.

Sentir-se em casa

— To feel at home, comfortable.

A hospitalidade deles me fez sentir em casa.

Sentir um aperto no coração

— To feel anguish or deep sadness.

Senti um aperto no coração ao ver a notícia.

Sentir o peso

— To feel the burden or responsibility of something.

O presidente sente o peso do cargo.

Often Confused With

sentir vs Sentar

'Sentar' means 'to sit'. The first person singular of sentar is 'sento'. The first person singular of sentir is 'sinto'. Do not mix them up!

sentir vs Achar

'Achar' means 'to think/believe'. English speakers use 'feel' for opinions ('I feel that's wrong'). In Portuguese, use 'achar' for opinions, and 'sentir' for emotions/intuition.

sentir vs Tocar

'Tocar' means 'to touch'. You use your hand to 'tocar' an object, but your brain/body 'sente' the texture or temperature.

Idioms & Expressions

"Sentir na pele"

— To experience a situation (usually negative) directly and personally, rather than just hearing about it.

Ele falava de pobreza, mas nunca sentiu na pele o que é passar fome.

neutral

"Sentir um frio na barriga"

— To feel butterflies in the stomach; to be nervous or excited.

Sempre sinto um frio na barriga antes de falar em público.

informal

"Não sentir as pernas"

— To be extremely exhausted or terrified, to the point of numbness.

Corri tanto que não sinto as pernas.

informal

"Sentir o drama"

— To realize the severity or difficulty of a situation. Often used sarcastically.

Agora que o dinheiro acabou, ele começou a sentir o drama.

informal/slang

"Sentir-se o tal"

— To feel like you are the best, to be arrogant or full of oneself.

Depois que ganhou o prêmio, ele está se sentindo o tal.

informal

"Sentir o cheiro de longe"

— To suspect something or figure something out easily from a distance (metaphorically).

Eu sinto o cheiro de mentira de longe.

informal

"Sentir o baque"

— To feel the impact of a sudden shock, disappointment, or loss.

A equipe sentiu o baque após sofrer o primeiro gol.

informal

"Sentir-se um peixe fora d'água"

— To feel like a fish out of water; to feel out of place.

Naquela festa chique, me senti um peixe fora d'água.

neutral

"Sentir na carne"

— Similar to 'sentir na pele', to suffer physically or emotionally in a direct way.

A guerra fez a população sentir na carne o desespero.

formal/literary

"Sentir o terreno"

— To test the waters; to assess a situation before acting.

Antes de fazer a proposta, vou conversar com ele para sentir o terreno.

neutral

Easily Confused

sentir vs Sentar

The conjugations are very similar, especially in the first person present (sinto vs. sento).

'Sentir' is to feel. 'Sentar' is to sit down. One is an internal experience, the other is a physical posture.

Eu me sinto cansado, então eu me sento na cadeira. (I feel tired, so I sit on the chair.)

sentir vs Perceber

Both can translate to 'sense' or 'notice'.

'Sentir' is emotional or physical feeling. 'Perceber' is cognitive realization or noticing a fact.

Senti frio e percebi que a janela estava aberta. (I felt cold and realized the window was open.)

sentir vs Lamentar

Both can be used to apologize or express regret.

'Sinto muito' is the common, everyday way to say 'I'm sorry'. 'Lamentar' is more formal, meaning 'to regret' or 'to lament'.

Sinto muito pelo erro. O governo lamenta o ocorrido. (I'm sorry for the mistake. The government regrets the incident.)

sentir vs Experimentar

Both can mean 'to experience'.

'Sentir' is the passive reception of a feeling. 'Experimentar' is actively trying something or going through a new experience.

Vou experimentar este prato para sentir o sabor. (I will try this dish to feel the flavor.)

sentir vs Cheirar

English uses 'smell' for both the action and the sensation. Portuguese splits it.

'Cheirar' is the action of sniffing. 'Sentir o cheiro' is the perception of the odor.

Vá cheirar a flor para sentir o perfume dela. (Go smell the flower to feel its perfume.)

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + sinto/sente/sentimos/sentem + [Noun]

Eu sinto frio. (I feel cold.)

[Subject] + [Reflexive Pronoun] + sinto/sente... + [Adjective]

Ela se sente cansada. (She feels tired.)

Sinto muito + por + [Noun/Infinitive]

Sinto muito pelo atraso. (I am sorry for the delay.)

[Subject] + sentir + que + [Clause]

Sinto que vai chover. (I feel that it's going to rain.)

[Subject] + sentir falta de + [Noun/Pronoun]

Sinto falta de você. (I miss you.)

Fazer + [Pronoun] + sentir-se + [Adjective]

Isso me faz sentir-se velho. (That makes me feel old.)

Fazer-se sentir

A crise faz-se sentir. (The crisis makes itself felt.)

Sentir-se na obrigação de + [Infinitive]

Sinto-me na obrigação de ajudar. (I feel obligated to help.)

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Top 100 most used verbs in Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Eu sinto feliz hoje. → Eu me sinto feliz hoje.
When describing a state of being with an adjective (feliz), you must use the reflexive pronoun 'me'. You are feeling 'yourself' happy.
Eu sento muito pelo seu cachorro. → Eu sinto muito pelo seu cachorro.
Confusing the conjugation of 'sentar' (to sit - eu sento) with 'sentir' (to feel - eu sinto). 'Sinto muito' is the correct phrase for 'I am sorry'.
Eu sinto que o Brasil é um país grande. → Eu acho que o Brasil é um país grande.
Using 'sentir' to state a factual opinion. 'Achar' (to think) is the correct verb for expressing thoughts or opinions that aren't based on gut intuition.
Nós sentimos cansados depois do trabalho. → Nós nos sentimos cansados depois do trabalho.
Forgetting the reflexive pronoun 'nos' for the first person plural. Adjectives describing states require the reflexive form.
Eu sinto a sua falta. → Eu sinto sua falta. / Eu sinto falta de você.
While 'sinto a sua falta' is sometimes used, 'sinto sua falta' or 'sinto falta de você' are much more natural and grammatically standard ways to say 'I miss you'.

Tips

The Reflexive Rule

Always link 'sentir' with a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos) when an adjective follows. Eu me sinto cansado. Ela se sente feliz. This is non-negotiable for natural Portuguese.

Apologizing like a Native

Memorize 'Sinto muito'. It is your universal tool for saying 'I'm sorry', whether you bumped into someone or are offering condolences at a funeral.

The Brazilian 'T'

If you are learning Brazilian Portuguese, practice the 't' in 'sentir'. It sounds like the 'ch' in 'cheese'. Sen-CHEER. This will instantly make your accent sound better.

Sinto vs. Sento

Never say 'Eu sento muito' when you mean to apologize. You are saying 'I sit a lot'. Always ensure the vowel is an 'i': 'Eu sinto muito'.

Missing Someone

To say you miss someone, use 'sentir falta de'. 'Sinto falta da minha mãe' (I miss my mom). It's the most common phrasing.

Opinions vs. Feelings

Don't overuse 'Eu sinto que...' for opinions. Use 'Eu acho que...' (I think that...). Reserve 'sentir' for true emotions or strong gut intuitions.

Feeling Smells

Remember that in Portuguese, you 'feel' smells and tastes. 'Sinto cheiro de café' (I smell coffee). 'Sinto gosto de alho' (I taste garlic).

Doctor Visits

If you need a doctor in a Portuguese-speaking country, prepare to answer 'O que você sente?'. Practice saying 'Sinto dor em...' (I feel pain in...).

Butterflies in the Stomach

To express nervousness or excitement, use the idiom 'sentir um frio na barriga' (to feel a coldness in the belly). It's very colloquial and natural.

No Articles with Nouns

When using 'sentir' with basic physical states, drop the article. Say 'Sinto fome' (I feel hunger), not 'Sinto a fome'. Say 'Sinto frio', not 'Sinto o frio'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are SENDING a TEAR (sen-tir) because you FEEL sad. Sending a tear = sentir = to feel.

Visual Association

Visualize a giant heart with the word 'SENTIR' written across it. Imagine touching the heart and feeling it beat, connecting the physical touch with the emotional symbol.

Word Web

sentir frio (cold) dor (pain) feliz (happy) triste (sad) sinto muito (sorry) sentimento (feeling) sentir-se (to feel oneself)

Challenge

For one whole day, every time you feel a physical sensation (cold, hot, hungry) or an emotion (happy, stressed), say the Portuguese sentence out loud: 'Eu sinto [noun]' or 'Eu me sinto [adjective]'.

Word Origin

From the Latin verb 'sentire', which meant 'to feel, perceive, sense, discern, hear, or see'. It is a deeply rooted Romance language word.

Original meaning: The Latin root encompassed both physical perception through the five senses and mental perception or forming an opinion.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Western Romance > Ibero-Romance > Portuguese

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'sentir' when you mean to physically touch someone inappropriately. Use 'tocar' for the physical action of touching.

English speakers often hide behind 'I think' when they mean 'I feel'. In Portuguese, if it's an emotion, boldly use 'sentir'. Don't be afraid of the reflexive 'me sinto'.

The song 'Sentir' by the famous Brazilian singer-songwriter Djavan. Fernando Pessoa's famous quote: 'Sentir é criar' (To feel is to create). The classic Bossa Nova theme of 'sentir saudade' (feeling longing) found in countless songs by Tom Jobim and João Gilberto.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor's Office

O que você está sentindo?
Sinto dor aqui.
Não me sinto bem.
Sinto tontura.

Apologizing

Sinto muito.
Sinto muito pelo atraso.
Sinto muito pela sua perda.
Não queria fazer você se sentir mal.

Expressing Emotions

Eu me sinto feliz.
Ela se sente triste.
Nós nos sentimos orgulhosos.
Sinto um amor enorme.

Talking about the Weather/Environment

Sinto frio.
Sinto calor.
Sinto cheiro de chuva.
Sinto que vai chover.

Missing Someone

Sinto sua falta.
Sinto falta de casa.
Eles sentem muita saudade.
Vai fazer falta.

Conversation Starters

"Como você está se sentindo hoje?"

"Você sente falta de alguma coisa do seu país?"

"O que você sente quando ouve essa música?"

"Você já sentiu um frio na barriga antes de uma apresentação?"

"Você sente que a tecnologia está nos afastando?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você se sentiu extremamente feliz. O que causou esse sentimento?

Escreva sobre algo ou alguém de quem você sente muita falta e por quê.

Como você se sente em relação ao seu progresso no aprendizado de português?

Relate uma situação em que você teve que dizer 'sinto muito'.

Descreva as sensações físicas (o que você sente) quando está muito nervoso ou ansioso.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In Portuguese, when you describe your own state of being with an adjective (like happy, sad, tired), the verb 'sentir' must be reflexive. You are literally saying 'I feel myself happy'. If you just say 'Eu sinto feliz', it sounds grammatically incomplete, as if you are missing the object you are feeling.

'Sinto' is the first person singular of 'sentir' (I feel). 'Sento' is the first person singular of 'sentar' (I sit). This is a very common mistake because 'sentir' is an irregular verb. Always remember: 'i' for inside feelings (sinto), 'e' for external sitting (sento).

Yes, you can say 'Eu sinto que isso é uma má ideia'. However, this implies a strong intuition or gut feeling. If it is purely a logical opinion based on facts, it is much more natural to use the verb 'achar' (to think): 'Eu acho que isso é uma má ideia'.

The standard and most natural way to say 'I miss you' in Portuguese is 'Eu sinto falta de você' (literally: I feel the lack of you). You can also use the noun 'saudade' and say 'Eu sinto saudade de você' or 'Eu sinto sua falta'.

No. While 'sinto muito' is the standard way to say 'I am sorry' for a mistake, it is also the primary way to express condolences or sympathy. If someone tells you their relative passed away or they lost their job, you say 'Sinto muito' (I am very sorry for your loss/situation).

Yes! In Portuguese, you often 'feel' smells and tastes. You say 'sentir o cheiro' (to feel the smell) and 'sentir o gosto' (to feel the taste). While verbs like 'cheirar' and 'provar' exist, using 'sentir' is extremely common for sensory perception.

This is the standard medical greeting in Portuguese, translating to 'What are you feeling?' or 'What are your symptoms?'. You reply by stating your physical ailments: 'Sinto dor de cabeça' (I feel a headache) or 'Sinto náuseas'.

'Sentir na pele' is a very common idiom that translates literally to 'to feel on the skin'. It means to experience something firsthand, usually a difficult or painful situation, rather than just hearing about it from others.

Both are correct, but they depend on the region and formality. In Brazil, 'Eu me sinto' (próclise) is the standard in spoken and informal written language. In Portugal, and in very formal Brazilian writing, 'Sinto-me' (ênclise) is preferred. As a learner, 'Eu me sinto' is generally safer and widely understood.

Absolutely. It conjugates like any other verb. 'Nós sentimos' (we feel), 'Eles sentem' (they feel). Just remember to match the reflexive pronouns if needed: 'Nós nos sentimos', 'Eles se sentem'.