´sentir´ v ´sentirse´

Question

Hi everyone

It´s been quite a while since I´ve posted on this forum, but even after learning Spanish for many years, I still have problems with small nuances, one of which is the use of ´sentir´ v ´sentirse´ forms. I am sorry that this post is long winded, but I really need clarification from anyone who can help.

Having gone through this online dictionary many times, I have simplified the rules so that I use the non-reflexive form in the sense of: sentir i. to feel (percibir, notar) Sentimos mucha alegría-pena al enteramos. This has an emotional rather than physical connotation.

ii. to regret, to feel sorry about. Sentimos mucho la muerte de su amigo. Siento que no puedas venir.

iii. to hear Sentí un ruido.

iv. with reference to the senses siento mal olor.

sentirse

i. to feel (notarse- brings connotation of physical feeling). Me siento mareada.* *¿Te sientes mal-bien?

However, I am reading Ingrid Betancourt´s autobiography, No Hay Silencio Que No Termine and notices several uses of sentir-sentirse that raised my eyebrows. I´m inviting comment before.

1. p166 Sentí náuseas en ese mismo instante. To me, this sentence gives the impression of a physical feeling, rather than like examples i. or iv. before. Would it be more correct to say ´Me sentí náuseas....´. ?

2. p171 ´Sentí como si me hubiera caído un baldado de agua fría´. Would it be possible to use ´Me sentí...´? Does this refer to the senses like in example iv.?

3. p170 Y lo peor es que se sintió ofendida ante nuestra falta de interés.´. Why is the reflexive form rather than the non-reflexive form used here?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Good post Roofman :) - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 10, 2012

Answer 1

This lesson might help you

Sentir vs Sentirse

Hi, Kiwi-Girl. I know the link wasn't meant specifically for me, but I've had the same question as the original poster. Thank you so much for this lesson! Now it's so clear. - GraceM, Sep 9, 2012

kewl bananas, glad to have helped :) - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 9, 2012

Such a simple, succinct lesson. That really helped me, as well! :) - PumpkinCalabaza, Sep 9, 2012

Thanks Pumpkin :) - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 9, 2012

Good link! :)) - Noetol, Sep 9, 2012

Thanks Noetol - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 9, 2012

Answer 2

I am not a Grammarian, but here's my two cents:

1) Sentí náuseas en ese mismo instante. Náuseas is a noun (direct object of the verb sentir) not an adjective like mareada (which requires the reflexive after sentir).

2) Sentí como si me hubiera caído un baldado de agua fría´. Both sentí and me sentí could apply here. I felt as if… There are two possible interpretations:

Me sentí como si me hubiera caído.., – Deep inside I felt as if (it’s more intimate and describes a very personal experience close to your heart)

Sentí como si me hubiera caído…I experienced this (as a fact, not as dramatic as Me sentí)

3) Y lo peor es que se sintió ofendida ante nuestra falta de interés.´. Why is the reflexive form rather than the non-reflexive form used here?

Sentir is followed by an adjective (ofendida) and the action of feeling insulted is being done by her (herself). If you had said “Y lo peor es que sintió mucha rabia cuando no le prestamos atención”, sentir would be followed by a noun (direct object – rabia) thus not requiring the reflexive.

Thanks Franco that's very interesting, I think my lesson may need a little tweak in light of this insight :) - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 9, 2012

I've sent you a pm :) - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 10, 2012