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sentir-se bem

A2 verb 16 min read

sentir-se bem

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sentir-se bem in 30 Seconds

Explanation sentir-se bem in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners focus on the most basic use of 'sentir-se bem' to describe their immediate physical state or mood. The primary goal is to learn the present tense conjugation for 'Eu' (I) and 'Você' (You). At this stage, students learn that 'Eu me sinto bem' is the way to say 'I feel good.' They might not yet fully understand the complexities of reflexive verbs, but they learn the phrase as a fixed chunk. They use it to answer simple questions like 'Como você está?' or 'Você está doente?'. The focus is on survival communication—being able to tell a teacher, a friend, or a doctor that they are okay. Simple modifiers like 'muito' (very) are introduced, such as 'Eu me sinto muito bem.' The distinction between 'bem' (well) and 'bom' (good) is a key teaching point here, as many beginners try to say 'Eu me sinto bom,' which is incorrect. Exercises at this level usually involve simple fill-in-the-blanks or matching the subject with the correct form of 'me sinto' or 'se sente.' The vocabulary is kept simple, focusing on everyday contexts like school, home, and basic health. By the end of A1, a student should be able to state their well-being and ask another person how they feel using this phrase.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'sentir-se bem' to include more subjects (nós, eles) and basic past and future tenses. They begin to understand that 'sentir-se' is a reflexive verb and start to apply the rules of pronoun placement more consciously, especially the difference between 'me sinto' (Brazil) and 'sinto-me' (Portugal). A2 students use the phrase to describe sensations in more detail, often adding reasons: 'Eu me sinto bem porque dormi muito' (I feel good because I slept a lot). They also learn the negative form 'não me sinto bem' to express discomfort or illness. This level introduces the use of the phrase in social contexts, like feeling good at a party or in a new city. The focus is on building sentences that describe a state of being over a short period. Students also start to encounter the phrase in simple texts, like emails or short stories. They should be able to participate in a basic conversation about their health and emotions using 'sentir-se bem' as a central expression. The exercises become slightly more complex, requiring students to choose the correct reflexive pronoun for different people and to recognize the phrase in different tenses.

At the B1 level, students use 'sentir-se bem' to discuss more abstract concepts like emotional health and life satisfaction. They move beyond simple physical reports to talk about 'sentir-se bem consigo mesmo' (feeling good about oneself). This level introduces the imperfect tense ('Eu me sentia bem') and the conditional ('Eu me sentiria bem'), allowing students to describe how they used to feel or how they would feel under certain conditions. B1 learners can use the phrase to express opinions on wellness and lifestyle, such as 'É importante se sentir bem no trabalho.' They also start to learn common idioms and collocations associated with the phrase. The focus shifts toward fluency and the ability to maintain a conversation about well-being. Students are expected to understand the phrase when used in more complex audio recordings, like interviews or podcasts. They also begin to distinguish between 'sentir-se bem' and more specific synonyms like 'sentir-se à vontade.' Exercises at this level often involve writing short paragraphs about personal experiences or reacting to hypothetical situations involving health and happiness. The goal is to make the use of 'sentir-se bem' feel natural and integrated into a broader range of topics.

At the B2 level, learners have a sophisticated command of 'sentir-se bem' and can use it in a variety of formal and informal contexts. They understand the nuances of pronoun placement in both European and Brazilian Portuguese and can switch between them if necessary. B2 students use the phrase to discuss complex emotional states, psychological well-being, and social dynamics. They can handle the subjunctive mood: 'Espero que você se sinta bem' (I hope you feel well). They also use the phrase in argumentative contexts, such as debating the merits of different healthcare systems or workplace environments. At this stage, students are familiar with literary uses of the phrase and can appreciate its role in songs and poetry. They can also use it to describe the atmosphere of a place: 'A cidade faz com que as pessoas se sintam bem.' The focus is on precision and the ability to use the phrase to convey subtle meanings. Exercises include analyzing texts, participating in debates, and writing formal essays where 'sentir-se bem' might be used to discuss quality of life or human rights. A B2 learner should be able to explain the difference between 'sentir-se bem' and its various synonyms with clarity and provide examples for each.

At the C1 level, 'sentir-se bem' is used with high precision and stylistic flair. Students can use it to explore philosophical or existential themes, such as the nature of happiness or the relationship between the body and mind. They are comfortable using the phrase in academic or professional writing, often in the context of psychology, sociology, or public policy. C1 learners can identify and use rare or archaic forms of reflexive placement if they encounter them in literature. They understand how the phrase can be used ironically or sarcastically. Their vocabulary is so enriched that they only use 'sentir-se bem' when it is the most appropriate choice, opting for more specific terms when necessary. They can discuss the cultural implications of 'feeling well' in different Lusophone countries and how it relates to concepts like 'malandro' in Brazil or 'fado' in Portugal. Exercises at this level involve high-level synthesis, such as summarizing a complex lecture on mental health or writing a critique of a film that explores emotional well-being. The goal is total mastery, where the phrase is just one of many tools used to express the human condition with depth and nuance.

At the C2 level, the learner's use of 'sentir-se bem' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They can use the phrase in any context, from the most technical medical discussion to the most abstract poetic work. They have a deep understanding of the etymological roots of the phrase and its evolution in the Portuguese language. C2 speakers can use 'sentir-se bem' to create complex metaphors or to play with language in creative writing. They are sensitive to the tiniest shifts in meaning that come from changing word order or adding subtle modifiers. They can lead discussions on the 'indústria do bem-estar' (wellness industry) and use the phrase to critique societal pressures to 'feel good' all the time. At this level, the learner doesn't just 'use' the phrase; they 'own' it, using it to express their unique voice in Portuguese. Exercises are professional-grade, such as translating complex psychological texts or delivering a keynote speech on human happiness. Total fluency means the phrase is used with effortless accuracy, reflecting a complete integration into the Lusophone linguistic and cultural world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sentir-se bem in 30 Seconds

A reflexive verb phrase meaning 'to feel good' or 'to feel well'.
Essential for describing both physical health and emotional happiness in Portuguese.
Requires proper conjugation of the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos).
Commonly used in daily greetings, medical contexts, and social interactions.

The Portuguese reflexive verb phrase sentir-se bem is a cornerstone of daily communication, serving as the primary way to express both physical well-being and emotional satisfaction. At its core, it translates to 'to feel good' or 'to feel well' in English. However, the nuances of its application in Portuguese culture are deep and varied. Unlike the simple English 'I am fine,' which often uses the verb 'to be' (estar), sentir-se bem focuses on the internal perception of one's state. It is a reflexive construction, meaning the action of feeling is directed back at the subject. This reflects a linguistic tendency in Romance languages to internalize states of health and emotion.

Physical Context: Used when recovering from an illness or describing one's general health status. For example, after taking medicine, a patient might say they are finally feeling better.
Emotional Context: Used to describe happiness, contentment, or a lack of stress. It often appears in conversations about life satisfaction or the result of a positive experience.
Social Context: Used to indicate comfort in a specific environment or with a group of people, similar to feeling 'at home' or 'at ease'.

In Brazil, you will frequently hear the pronoun placed before the verb (eu me sinto bem), whereas in Portugal, the pronoun often follows the verb with a hyphen (sinto-me bem). Understanding this distinction is crucial for learners aiming for regional authenticity. The phrase is also used in philosophical or psychological discussions. To feel good about oneself is sentir-se bem consigo mesmo, a phrase that carries significant weight in modern Portuguese discourse regarding mental health and self-esteem. It is not merely a superficial statement about mood; it is an assessment of one's existence at a particular moment.

Depois de uma longa caminhada na praia, eu costumo sentir-se bem e renovado.

Culturally, the concept of 'feeling well' in Portuguese-speaking countries is often linked to social connection and the environment. A Portuguese person might say they feel well because the weather is sunny or because they are surrounded by family. The phrase is ubiquitous in greetings. When someone asks 'Como você está?' (How are you?), responding with 'Sinto-me bem' provides a more descriptive and personal touch than a simple 'Tudo bem'. It implies a conscious reflection on one's state. Furthermore, it is used in professional settings to discuss workplace ergonomics or psychological safety. An employee might state they do not feel well in a high-pressure environment, using the negation não me sinto bem.

The phrase also extends into the realm of aesthetics and fashion. If someone tries on a new outfit and it fits perfectly and looks good, they might say 'Eu me sinto bem nesta roupa'. This indicates a boost in confidence. Similarly, it is used in medical consultations. A doctor will ask, 'Você se sente bem hoje?' to gauge a patient's progress. Because it covers such a wide range of human experience—from the biological to the social—mastering sentir-se bem is essential for reaching intermediate proficiency in Portuguese. It allows the speaker to move beyond basic adjectives and describe their internal reality with accuracy and emotional resonance.

É importante sentir-se bem no ambiente de trabalho para ser produtivo.

In literature and music, particularly in Fado or Bossa Nova, this expression is used to contrast with 'saudade' or sadness. While 'saudade' is a complex feeling of longing, sentir-se bem represents the resolution of that longing or the presence of peace. In the song 'Águas de Março' by Tom Jobim, the imagery of nature often evokes a sense of being well or being part of the flow of life. To conclude, this phrase is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between simple health reports and deep emotional disclosures, making it a vital part of the Portuguese linguistic landscape.

Using sentir-se bem correctly requires a firm grasp of reflexive verb conjugation and pronoun placement. In Portuguese, reflexive verbs indicate that the subject performs and receives the action. For 'sentir-se bem', the verb 'sentir' (to feel) must be accompanied by the appropriate reflexive pronoun. Let's examine the conjugation in the present tense: Eu me sinto bem, Tu te sentes bem, Ele/Ela/Você se sente bem, Nós nos sentimos bem, Eles/Elas/Vocês se sentem bem. Note how the pronoun changes with the person. This is often a hurdle for English speakers who are not used to reflexive constructions for states of being.

Present Tense (Eu): Eu me sinto bem quando estou com meus amigos. (I feel good when I am with my friends.)
Past Tense (Pretérito Perfeito): Ontem, eu me senti bem o dia todo. (Yesterday, I felt good all day long.)
Future Tense: Com este remédio, você se sentirá bem em breve. (With this medicine, you will feel well soon.)

Pronoun placement is another critical aspect. In Brazilian Portuguese (PT-BR), the pronoun usually precedes the verb in informal speech (me sinto bem). However, in formal writing or in European Portuguese (PT-PT), the pronoun often follows the verb (sinto-me bem), unless there is a 'attractor' word like a negative (não), a relative pronoun (que), or certain adverbs. For example: Não me sinto bem (I don't feel well) is standard in both variants because 'não' pulls the pronoun forward. Understanding these rules helps you sound more like a native speaker and prevents common grammatical errors.

Se você descansar, vai sentir-se bem amanhã cedo.

The phrase can also be modified by adverbs to express intensity. You can say sentir-se muito bem (to feel very well), sentir-se extremamente bem (to feel extremely well), or sentir-se um pouco bem (to feel a bit well). It is also common to use it in the conditional to express hypothetical states: Eu me sentiria bem se pudesse viajar (I would feel good if I could travel). This flexibility allows for precise communication of one's state. It's also worth noting that 'sentir-se bem' is often followed by a prepositional phrase to explain the cause: sentir-se bem com... (to feel good about/with...).

When using the infinitive form in a sentence with an auxiliary verb, the pronoun can be attached to the infinitive or the auxiliary. For example: Eu quero me sentir bem or Eu me quero sentir bem (though the former is much more common in Brazil). In European Portuguese, you would likely see Quero sentir-me bem. These variations are important for learners to recognize. Furthermore, 'sentir-se bem' is often used in the gerund form to describe an ongoing state: Estou me sentindo bem ultimamente (I have been feeling well lately). This construction is very frequent in daily conversations about health and lifestyle changes.

Ela não se sente bem em lugares muito barulhentos.

Finally, consider the negative form. To say you don't feel well, you simply add 'não' before the pronoun: Eu não me sinto bem. This is a vital phrase for travelers or anyone living in a Portuguese-speaking country, as it is the standard way to report illness or discomfort. Whether you are at a pharmacy, a hospital, or just talking to a friend, knowing how to manipulate the structure of 'sentir-se bem' is a key linguistic skill. It demonstrates an understanding of reflexive verbs, pronoun placement, and the cultural nuances of expressing personal well-being.

The phrase sentir-se bem is ubiquitous in the Lusophone world, appearing in contexts ranging from the most intimate conversations to formal medical settings. In the domestic sphere, it is a common part of morning routines. A parent might ask a child, 'Você se sente bem para ir à escola?' (Do you feel well enough to go to school?). This usage establishes the phrase as a basic tool for monitoring the health and readiness of family members. In social gatherings, it is often used to express hospitality. A host might say, 'Quero que você se sinta bem na minha casa' (I want you to feel good/comfortable in my home), which carries a deeper meaning of belonging and welcome.

The Doctor's Office: Physicians use it constantly to evaluate a patient's condition: 'O senhor se sente bem com a nova medicação?' (Do you feel well with the new medication?).
Gyms and Wellness Centers: Personal trainers and yoga instructors focus on the feeling: 'O objetivo é se sentir bem, não apenas perder peso.' (The goal is to feel good, not just lose weight.)
Workplace and HR: Discussions about corporate culture often revolve around whether employees feel well and motivated in their roles.

In the media, 'sentir-se bem' is a staple of advertising, particularly for products related to hygiene, beauty, and food. A shampoo commercial might promise that you will 'sentir-se bem com seu cabelo' (feel good with your hair). This commercial usage taps into the emotional aspiration of the phrase. In Brazilian soap operas (telenovelas), characters often use this phrase to discuss their complex emotional states, whether they are 'sentindo-se bem' after a romantic victory or 'não se sentindo bem' due to some dramatic conflict. The frequency in media reinforces its status as a high-frequency, essential expression.

Nas redes sociais, muitas pessoas postam fotos dizendo que estão sentindo-se bem de férias.

You will also hear it in the context of self-help and psychology. Podcasts and YouTube channels focused on 'bem-estar' (well-being) use 'sentir-se bem' as a central theme. They might discuss 'como se sentir bem sozinho' (how to feel good alone) or 'a importância de se sentir bem na própria pele' (the importance of feeling good in your own skin). This modern usage reflects a growing cultural awareness of mental health in Portuguese-speaking countries. It shows that the phrase has evolved from a simple health check to a complex descriptor of psychological health and self-acceptance.

In musical lyrics, the phrase is common in genres like MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) and Pop. Songs about sunshine, love, and simple pleasures often use 'sentir-se bem' to evoke a positive atmosphere. For instance, a song might describe the feeling of the sun on one's face and the resulting 'sentir-se bem'. This poetic usage elevates the phrase, connecting it to the sensory experiences of the Lusophone world. Whether it's the warmth of a Brazilian beach or the coziness of a Portuguese café, 'sentir-se bem' is the linguistic vessel for that positive sensory input.

Ouvir música clássica me faz sentir-se bem e relaxado.

Lastly, in formal speeches or interviews, leaders might use the phrase to talk about the 'bem-estar' of the population. They might say, 'Queremos que todos os cidadãos se sintam bem em nosso país.' Here, the phrase takes on a collective, societal meaning. It moves from the individual to the group, indicating a state of general prosperity and peace. Thus, from the doctor's office to the national stage, 'sentir-se bem' is a vital phrase that captures the essence of human contentment and health across the Portuguese-speaking world.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using sentir-se bem is omitting the reflexive pronoun. In English, we simply say 'I feel good.' In Portuguese, however, if you say 'Eu sinto bem,' it sounds incomplete or like you are 'feeling' (touching) something well. The reflexive pronoun 'me' (for 'eu') is essential to indicate that the feeling is an internal state. Forgetting this pronoun is a clear marker of a non-native speaker and can lead to confusion in more complex sentences. Always remember: if you are talking about your own state, you must use the reflexive form.

Mistake: Omitting the Pronoun: Incorrect: Eu sinto bem hoje. Correct: Eu me sinto bem hoje.
Mistake: Using 'Bom' instead of 'Bem': Incorrect: Eu me sinto bom. Correct: Eu me sinto bem. ('Bom' is an adjective, 'bem' is an adverb.)
Mistake: Wrong Pronoun Placement: Incorrect in Portugal: Me sinto bem. Correct in Portugal: Sinto-me bem. (Unless there is a preceding negative or question word.)

Another common error is confusing 'sentir-se bem' with 'estar bem'. While they are similar, 'estar bem' is more of a general status report ('I am well'), while 'sentir-se bem' focuses on the sensation or the process of feeling. For example, if someone asks how you are, 'Estou bem' is the standard answer. If they ask how you feel after an illness, 'Sinto-me bem' is more appropriate. Using 'estar' when you mean 'sentir' can make your speech sound a bit flat or less descriptive. Understanding the subtle difference between 'being' and 'feeling' is key to advanced Portuguese.

Muitos alunos dizem 'eu sinto bom', mas o correto é sempre usar 'bem' com o verbo sentir-se.

Confusing the conjugation of 'sentir' is also a frequent issue. Because it is an -ir verb with a stem change (e to i) in some persons, learners often struggle. For instance, 'Eu me sento' means 'I sit down' (from the verb sentar), while 'Eu me sinto' means 'I feel' (from the verb sentir). This one-letter difference is a major source of confusion for beginners. Mixing up 'feeling' and 'sitting' can lead to some very funny or awkward situations. It is vital to practice the conjugation of 'sentir' specifically to avoid this 'sento' vs 'sinto' trap.

In European Portuguese, learners often struggle with 'ênclise' (pronoun after the verb). They might say 'Me sinto bem' because it's easier, but in Portugal, starting a sentence with a reflexive pronoun is grammatically incorrect in formal contexts. One must say 'Sinto-me bem'. Conversely, in Brazil, 'Sinto-me bem' sounds overly formal for a casual conversation. Learners need to decide which variant they are focusing on and apply the pronoun placement rules consistently. Mixing the two can sound disjointed, like using British slang with an American accent.

Não confunda: 'Eu sinto o perfume' (transitive) com 'Eu me sinto bem' (reflexive).

Finally, learners sometimes use 'sentir-se bem' when they should use 'sentir saudades' or other specific emotional verbs. While 'sentir-se bem' is a great general phrase, Portuguese has many specific verbs for different feelings. Overusing 'sentir-se bem' can make your vocabulary seem limited. However, as long as you remember the reflexive pronoun, use 'bem' instead of 'bom', and pay attention to regional pronoun placement, you will avoid the most glaring errors associated with this important phrase.

While sentir-se bem is a versatile and common phrase, Portuguese offers a rich array of alternatives that can provide more specific meaning or fit different registers. Depending on whether you are talking about health, comfort, or intense happiness, you might choose a different expression. For example, if you want to emphasize that you are in excellent health, you might use gozar de boa saúde (to enjoy good health). This is more formal and often found in medical or biographical contexts. If you are talking about feeling comfortable in a social situation, sentir-se à vontade (to feel at ease/at home) is a perfect choice.

Estar bem vs. Sentir-se bem: 'Estar bem' is a general state of being, often used for 'I am okay.' 'Sentir-se bem' is more about the internal sensation or perception of that state.
Sentir-se disposto: This means to feel 'disposed' or energetic. It is specifically used when you feel like you have the energy to do things, often after a good night's sleep.
Sentir-se realizado: This means 'to feel fulfilled.' It goes beyond just feeling good; it implies a sense of achievement in one's life or career.

In more informal or slang-heavy contexts, especially in Brazil, you might hear estar de boa. While it literally translates to 'being of good,' it means 'to be chilling' or 'to be relaxed and well.' It’s a very common alternative to 'me sinto bem' in casual youth culture. Another informal option is estar numa boa. On the other hand, if the feeling of 'well-being' is more about peace and tranquility, you might use sentir-se em paz (to feel at peace). This carries a more spiritual or deep emotional weight than the standard 'sentir-se bem'.

Em vez de apenas dizer que está bem, você pode dizer que está sentindo-se pleno para expressar total satisfação.

For physical health, sentir-se recuperado (to feel recovered) is used specifically after an illness or injury. If you want to say you feel 'refreshed,' you could use sentir-se renovado. In a professional context, if you want to say you are comfortable with a decision, you might say sentir-se confortável com.... This is a direct cognate and very useful. Another interesting alternative is sentir-se satisfeito (to feel satisfied), which is often used after a meal or after completing a task. Each of these synonyms adds a layer of precision that 'sentir-se bem' lacks.

When comparing these terms, it's important to look at the 'register'. 'Sentir-se bem' is neutral and can be used anywhere. 'Estar de boa' is very informal. 'Gozar de boa saúde' is very formal. 'Sentir-se à vontade' is social and welcoming. By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your Portuguese to the situation. For example, in a job interview, saying you feel 'realizado' in your work is much more powerful than saying you just feel 'bem'. Vocabulary enrichment is about finding these specific tools for specific jobs.

Para expressar um bem-estar extremo, os brasileiros costumam dizer que estão se sentindo nas nuvens.

In conclusion, while 'sentir-se bem' is your 'go-to' phrase for general well-being, don't be afraid to explore its more specialized cousins. Whether it's the energy of 'sentir-se disposto', the peace of 'sentir-se em paz', or the social comfort of 'sentir-se à vontade', each alternative helps you paint a more vivid picture of your internal state. As you progress in Portuguese, these nuances will become the hallmark of your fluency, allowing you to express the full spectrum of human wellness and satisfaction.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'sentir' is the same one that gave us words like 'sense', 'sentiment', and 'sensation' in English. The reflexive use is a common feature of Romance languages to express internal states.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sẽˈtiɾ.si bẽj̃/

US /sẽˈtʃiɾ.si bẽj̃/

The primary stress is on the second syllable of 'sentir' (TIR) and on 'bem'.

Rhymes With

mentir partir sorrir pedir além também vém detém

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'bem' like English 'ben' instead of using the nasal vowel.
Failing to palatalize the 'ti' in a Brazilian accent (pronouncing it like 'tea').
Over-emphasizing the reflexive 'se' which should be a weak clitic.
Pronouncing the final 'r' too strongly in Brazilian dialects where it's soft.
Confusing the nasal 'en' in 'sentir' with a non-nasal 'en' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though reflexive pronouns can be tricky for beginners.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct conjugation and pronoun placement, which varies by region.

Speaking 3/5

Requires remembering the reflexive pronoun and the stem change in 'sinto'.

Listening 2/5

High frequency makes it easy to spot in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

sentir bem me se estar

Learn Next

sentir-se mal sentir saudades sentir falta bem-estar confortável

Advanced

plenitude realização gozar de saúde introspecção

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronoun Agreement

Eu **me** sinto, Nós **nos** sentimos.

Stem Change in 'Sentir'

Eu **sinto** (not sento), mas Nós **sentimos**.

Pronoun Placement in Negatives

Não **me** sinto bem (The 'não' attracts the pronoun).

Adverbial Modification

Sentir-se **muito** bem, sentir-se **mal**.

Subjunctive Usage

Espero que você **se sinta** bem.

Examples by Level

Eu me sinto bem hoje.

I feel good today.

Focus on 'me sinto' (I feel).

Você se sente bem?

Do you feel well?

Question form using 'se sente'.

Ela se sente bem em casa.

She feels good at home.

Third person singular 'se sente'.

Nós nos sentimos bem aqui.

We feel good here.

First person plural 'nos sentimos'.

Eu não me sinto bem agora.

I don't feel well now.

Negative form with 'não'.

Eles se sentem bem na escola.

They feel good at school.

Third person plural 'se sentem'.

Você se sente bem com o café?

Do you feel good with the coffee?

Using 'com' to show the cause.

Sinto-me bem, obrigado.

I feel well, thank you.

European Portuguese placement 'Sinto-me'.

Depois de dormir, eu me senti bem.

After sleeping, I felt good.

Pretérito Perfeito 'me senti'.

Espero que você se sinta bem amanhã.

I hope you feel well tomorrow.

Present Subjunctive 'se sinta'.

Nós não nos sentíamos bem no frio.

We didn't feel good in the cold.

Imperfect tense 'nos sentíamos'.

Você vai se sentir bem se comer frutas.

You will feel good if you eat fruits.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Ela se sente bem quando faz sol.

She feels good when it's sunny.

Conditional clause with 'quando'.

Eles se sentiram bem após a prova.

They felt good after the exam.

Past tense 'se sentiram'.

Eu me sinto bem nesta cidade nova.

I feel good in this new city.

Prepositional phrase 'nesta cidade'.

Sinto-me bem com a minha família.

I feel good with my family.

European Portuguese style.

É fundamental sentir-se bem consigo mesmo para ser feliz.

It is fundamental to feel good about oneself to be happy.

Infinitive 'sentir-se' with reflexive 'consigo mesmo'.

Se eu tivesse mais tempo, me sentiria bem melhor.

If I had more time, I would feel much better.

Conditional 'me sentiria'.

Ela tem se sentido bem desde que começou a meditar.

She has been feeling well since she started meditating.

Present Perfect Continuous 'tem se sentido'.

Muitos jovens não se sentem bem com a pressão social.

Many young people don't feel good with social pressure.

Negative with plural subject.

Apesar do cansaço, ele se sente bem com o trabalho feito.

Despite the tiredness, he feels good with the work done.

Concessive clause 'Apesar de'.

Queremos que todos os funcionários se sintam bem aqui.

We want all employees to feel good here.

Subjunctive mood after 'querer que'.

Você se sentiria bem se morasse no exterior?

Would you feel good if you lived abroad?

Conditional question.

Sinto-me bem ao ouvir esta música antiga.

I feel good when hearing this old song.

Infinitive construction 'ao ouvir'.

O segredo da longevidade é sentir-se bem física e mentalmente.

The secret to longevity is feeling good physically and mentally.

Adverbs 'física e mentalmente'.

Caso ele não se sinta bem, deve procurar um médico imediatamente.

In case he doesn't feel well, he should see a doctor immediately.

Conditional 'Caso' + subjunctive.

Ela se sente bem ao ajudar os outros na comunidade.

She feels good when helping others in the community.

Gerund-like infinitive construction.

Não é fácil sentir-se bem em um ambiente tão competitivo.

It is not easy to feel good in such a competitive environment.

Negative infinitive construction.

Sempre que viajo para o campo, sinto-me bem e em paz.

Whenever I travel to the countryside, I feel good and at peace.

Temporal clause 'Sempre que'.

Embora estivesse doente, ele se sentia bem o suficiente para ler.

Although he was sick, he felt good enough to read.

Concessive 'Embora' + imperfect subjunctive.

Você se sente bem com as decisões que tomou na vida?

Do you feel good about the decisions you made in life?

Reflexive question about life choices.

É gratificante ver como eles se sentem bem após o projeto.

It is rewarding to see how they feel good after the project.

Exclamatory 'como' construction.

A busca incessante por sentir-se bem pode tornar-se uma obsessão moderna.

The incessant search for feeling good can become a modern obsession.

Abstract noun phrase as subject.

Raramente me sinto bem em eventos sociais de grande porte.

I rarely feel good in large-scale social events.

Adverb 'Raramente' affecting pronoun placement.

Sentir-se bem é um estado subjetivo que varia de cultura para cultura.

Feeling good is a subjective state that varies from culture to culture.

Infinitive as a philosophical subject.

Duvido que ele se sinta bem após ter sido confrontado daquela forma.

I doubt that he feels good after being confronted that way.

Subjunctive after 'Duvido que'.

A plenitude consiste em sentir-se bem mesmo diante das adversidades.

Fullness consists of feeling good even in the face of adversities.

Preposition 'em' + infinitive.

Ela se sentia tão bem que parecia flutuar sobre o chão.

She felt so good that she seemed to float above the floor.

Consecutive 'tão... que' clause.

Não há nada como sentir-se bem na própria pele.

There is nothing like feeling good in one's own skin.

Idiomatic expression 'na própria pele'.

Se nos sentíssemos bem, não teríamos procurado ajuda profissional.

If we felt good, we wouldn't have sought professional help.

Mixed conditional construction.

A fenomenologia do sentir-se bem transcende a mera ausência de dor.

The phenomenology of feeling good transcends the mere absence of pain.

Technical/Philosophical register.

Oxalá todos se sintam bem e encontrem o seu propósito.

May everyone feel well and find their purpose.

Use of 'Oxalá' (I hope/May) with subjunctive.

O autor descreve o sentir-se bem como uma harmonia efêmera com o cosmos.

The author describes feeling good as an ephemeral harmony with the cosmos.

Literary analysis register.

Não obstante os problemas, sinto-me bem com o rumo que as coisas tomaram.

Notwithstanding the problems, I feel good with the direction things took.

Formal connector 'Não obstante'.

Há quem defenda que sentir-se bem é um dever ético para com a sociedade.

There are those who argue that feeling good is an ethical duty toward society.

Complex relative clause structure.

Sentir-me-ia bem se pudesse, finalmente, desvincular-me destas obrigações.

I would feel good if I could, finally, detach myself from these obligations.

Mesoclisis 'Sentir-me-ia' (very formal/literary).

A complexidade de se sentir bem em um mundo em constante mutação é vasta.

The complexity of feeling good in a world in constant mutation is vast.

Gerund-like infinitive in a complex subject.

Ao sentir-se bem, o indivíduo torna-se mais resiliente às intempéries da vida.

Upon feeling good, the individual becomes more resilient to life's storms.

Infinitive as a temporal/causal marker.

Common Collocations

sentir-se muito bem

sentir-se bem consigo mesmo

sentir-se bem fisicamente

sentir-se bem emocionalmente

não se sentir bem

fazer alguém sentir-se bem

sentir-se bem de novo

sentir-se bem em algum lugar

sentir-se bem com alguém

sentir-se bem o suficiente

Common Phrases

Como você se sente?

— The standard way to ask someone about their well-being or health.

Oi, Maria! Como você se sente hoje?

Espero que se sinta bem.

— A polite way to wish someone a good recovery or mood.

Fique em casa e descanse. Espero que se sinta bem logo.

Não me sinto nada bem.

— Emphatic way to say you feel very sick or very upset.

Acho que comi algo estragado, não me sinto nada bem.

Faz-me sentir bem.

— Expressing that something or someone improves your mood.

Ouvir o som do mar faz-me sentir bem.

Sinto-me bem melhor.

— Used when comparing your current state to a previous, worse state.

Obrigado pelo remédio, já sinto-me bem melhor.

Para se sentir bem...

— A common opening for advice on health or happiness.

Para se sentir bem, você deve dormir oito horas por noite.

Sentir-se bem é o que importa.

— A common saying emphasizing well-being over other concerns.

Não se preocupe com o dinheiro, sentir-se bem é o que importa.

Você se sente bem com isso?

— Asking for someone's comfort level regarding a decision or situation.

Vamos mudar o plano. Você se sente bem com isso?

Sempre me sinto bem aqui.

— Expressing consistent comfort in a specific environment.

Esta biblioteca é ótima, sempre me sinto bem aqui.

Ela nunca se sente bem no avião.

— Describing a recurring physical discomfort (motion sickness).

Ela precisa de remédio, pois nunca se sente bem no avião.

Often Confused With

sentir-se bem vs sentar-se

Means 'to sit down'. 'Eu me sento' (I sit) vs 'Eu me sinto' (I feel).

sentir-se bem vs estar bem

'Estar bem' is a general state; 'sentir-se bem' is the internal perception.

sentir-se bem vs sentir bem

Without the 'se', it means to perceive a touch or a smell accurately.

Idioms & Expressions

"sentir-se nas nuvens"

— To feel extremely happy or 'on cloud nine'.

Desde que ganhei o prêmio, me sinto nas nuvens.

informal

"sentir-se um peixe fora d'água"

— To feel out of place (opposite of feeling good/comfortable).

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

informal

"sentir-se o rei da cocada preta"

— To feel overly important or arrogant (a negative way of 'feeling good').

Depois da promoção, ele está se sentindo o rei da cocada preta.

informal/slang (Brazil)

"sentir-se em casa"

— To feel completely comfortable and relaxed.

Pode entrar e se sinta em casa!

neutral

"sentir-se com a alma lavada"

— To feel relieved and cleansed after a difficult situation.

Depois de contar a verdade, sinto-me com a alma lavada.

informal

"sentir-se com o rei na barriga"

— To feel superior to others.

Ela se sente com o rei na barriga desde que ficou rica.

informal

"sentir-se um nada"

— To feel completely worthless (deep negative state).

A crítica foi tão dura que eu me senti um nada.

informal

"sentir-se por cima"

— To feel successful and confident.

O time ganhou o jogo e agora os jogadores se sentem por cima.

informal

"sentir-se de mãos atadas"

— To feel helpless (opposite of the control of 'feeling well').

Sem dinheiro, eu me sinto de mãos atadas.

neutral

"sentir-se um trapo"

— To feel exhausted or physically very bad.

Trabalhei 12 horas seguidas e agora me sinto um trapo.

informal

Easily Confused

sentir-se bem vs sinto vs sento

Only one letter difference.

'Sinto' is from sentir (to feel); 'sento' is from sentar (to sit).

Eu me sinto bem (I feel good) vs Eu me sento aqui (I sit here).

sentir-se bem vs bem vs bom

Both translate to 'good/well' in English.

'Bem' is an adverb (used with verbs); 'bom' is an adjective (used with nouns).

Eu me sinto bem (I feel well) vs Ele é um bom homem (He is a good man).

sentir-se bem vs sentir-se vs sentir

Reflexive vs transitive.

Reflexive is for internal states; transitive is for external objects.

Eu me sinto bem (I feel well) vs Eu sinto o cheiro (I feel/smell the scent).

sentir-se bem vs mal vs mau

Opposites of bem/bom.

'Mal' is the opposite of 'bem'; 'mau' is the opposite of 'bom'.

Sinto-me mal (I feel bad) vs Ele é um mau exemplo (He is a bad example).

sentir-se bem vs estar vs sentir-se

Both describe states.

'Estar' is about the fact of being; 'sentir-se' is about the feeling of being.

Estou bem (I am fine) vs Sinto-me bem (I feel good).

Sentence Patterns

Eu me sinto bem.

Eu me sinto bem hoje.

Você se sente bem [preposition] [noun]?

Você se sente bem nesta casa?

Se eu [subjunctive], eu me sentiria bem.

Se eu dormisse mais, eu me sentiria bem.

É importante que [subject] se sinta bem.

É importante que o paciente se sinta bem.

Sentir-se bem é [noun phrase].

Sentir-se bem é o objetivo da terapia.

[Adverb], sinto-me bem com [abstract concept].

Inexoravelmente, sinto-me bem com o passar do tempo.

Any

Não me sinto bem.

Desculpe, não me sinto bem.

Any

Fazer [pronoun] sentir-se bem.

Isso me faz sentir-se bem.

Word Family

Nouns

sentimento (feeling/emotion)

sensação (sensation)

bem-estar (well-being)

sentido (sense/meaning)

Verbs

sentir (to feel - transitive)

pressentir (to have a premonition)

assentir (to agree)

dissentir (to disagree)

Adjectives

sensível (sensitive)

sentimental (sentimental)

sensorial (sensory)

sentido (felt/aggrieved)

saúde

felicidade

conforto

ânimo

disposição

How to Use It

frequency

Very High. One of the top 500 most used verb phrases in Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Eu sinto bem. → Eu me sinto bem.
You must use the reflexive pronoun 'me' because the feeling is internal.
Eu me sinto bom. → Eu me sinto bem.
'Bem' is the adverb required for the verb 'sentir-se'. 'Bom' is an adjective.
Eu me sento bem. → Eu me sinto bem.
'Sento' means 'I sit'. 'Sinto' means 'I feel'.
Nós se sentimos bem. → Nós nos sentimos bem.
The reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject 'nós' (we).
Eu não sinto-me bem. → Eu não me sinto bem.
Negative words like 'não' attract the pronoun to the position before the verb.

Tips

Don't Forget the Reflexive

Always pair 'sentir' with a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos) when talking about how someone feels. Without it, the sentence is incomplete.

Bem vs. Bom

Always use 'bem' with 'sentir-se'. Think of 'bem' as 'well' and 'bom' as 'good'. You feel 'well', you don't feel 'good' (adjective).

Brazilian Placement

In Brazil, put the pronoun before the verb: 'Eu me sinto bem'. It sounds more natural and less formal.

European Placement

In Portugal, put the pronoun after the verb with a hyphen: 'Sinto-me bem'. This is the standard grammatical rule there.

The Nasal 'EM'

The 'em' in 'bem' is a nasal sound. Try to let the air come out of your nose, almost like you are starting to say an 'ng' sound but not quite.

Medical Context

If a doctor asks 'Como se sente?', they are specifically asking about your physical symptoms.

Emotional Context

Use 'sentir-se bem' to talk about happiness. It's more descriptive than just saying 'estou feliz'.

Greetings

Replying 'Sinto-me bem, obrigado' is a very polite and clear way to respond to a health inquiry.

Negative Sentences

In negative sentences, the 'não' always pulls the pronoun to the front: 'Não me sinto bem' (Both Brazil and Portugal).

Sentir vs. Sentar

Remember: S**i**nto = feel, S**e**nto = sit. Think of the 'i' in 'feel' (s**i**nto) and the 'e' in 'bench' (s**e**nto).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Sensation' + 'Self' + 'Benefit'. You are having a sensation for yourself that is a benefit (bem).

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on a mountain peak, arms wide open, breathing in fresh air—this is the peak of 'sentir-se bem'.

Word Web

Saúde Alegria Paz Corpo Mente Conforto Equilíbrio Satisfação

Challenge

Try to use 'sentir-se bem' in three different tenses today: once for how you feel now, once for how you felt yesterday, and once for how you hope to feel tomorrow.

Word Origin

From the Latin verb 'sentire', meaning to perceive by the senses, to feel, or to hear. The adverb 'bem' comes from the Latin 'bene', meaning well.

Original meaning: To perceive oneself as being in a good state.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

Always be mindful that 'sentir-se bem' is subjective; avoid assuming someone feels well just because they look healthy.

English speakers often use 'to be' (I am well), whereas Portuguese speakers prefer 'to feel' (sentir-se) for internal states.

The song 'Sinto-me Bem' by various Portuguese artists. Wellness magazines in Brazil titled 'Bem-Estar'. Common phrases in Telenovelas describing a character's recovery.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Health and Medicine

Não me sinto bem.
Você se sente bem hoje?
Sinto-me melhor agora.
Quando vou me sentir bem?

Social Comfort

Sinto-me bem aqui.
Sinta-se bem em nossa casa.
Eu me sinto bem com você.
Ele não se sente bem em festas.

Self-Esteem

Sinto-me bem comigo mesmo.
É preciso se sentir bem na própria pele.
Ela se sente bem com seu corpo.
Quero me sentir bem com minhas escolhas.

Daily Greetings

Como você se sente?
Sinto-me bem, e você?
Tudo bem, sinto-me ótimo.
Espero que se sinta bem.

Work/Productivity

Sinto-me bem para trabalhar.
Não me sinto bem com este projeto.
Ele se sente bem na nova equipe.
Sentir-se bem no escritório é vital.

Conversation Starters

"Você se sente bem morando nesta cidade ou prefere o interior?"

"O que você faz para se sentir bem quando está estressado?"

"Você se sente bem trabalhando em casa ou prefere o escritório?"

"Como você se sente depois de praticar exercícios físicos?"

"Você se sente bem com as mudanças climáticas da região?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um momento em que você não se sentiu bem e o que fez para melhorar.

O que significa 'sentir-se bem' para você em termos de saúde mental?

Descreva um lugar onde você sempre se sente bem e por quê.

Como a sua rotina ajuda você a se sentir bem ao longo do dia?

Reflita sobre a importância de se sentir bem consigo mesmo antes de ajudar os outros.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both are correct! 'Me sinto bem' is standard in Brazil, while 'Sinto-me bem' is standard in Portugal. However, if there is a 'não' before, both say 'não me sinto bem'.

No, that is incorrect. You should always use 'bem' with the verb 'sentir-se'. 'Bom' is an adjective used to describe nouns, not feelings.

It is 'Nós nos sentimos bem'. Don't forget the 'nos'!

For 'I', it is 'Eu me senti bem'. For 'you/he/she', it is 'Você se sentiu bem'.

Use 'estar bem' for a quick, general answer to 'How are you?'. Use 'sentir-se bem' when you want to emphasize your internal health or mood.

Yes, it is very common in medical contexts to describe how you feel physically.

Absolutely. It is the primary way to say you are in a good mood or happy.

The phrase is 'Eu me sinto bem comigo mesmo' (for males) or 'comigo mesma' (for females).

It means 'it makes me feel good'. It is used for things like music, sunshine, or a kind word.

When describing a state of being (how you feel), yes, it must be reflexive.