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"Creer" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to believe", and "sentir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to feel". Learn more about the difference between "creer" and "sentir" below.
creer(
kreh
-
ehr
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to believe
Creo en un ser superior.I believe in a supreme being.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to think
Creo que podría estar enfermo.I think he might be sick.
a. to believe
Nadie me cree.No one believes me.
creerse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
reflexive verb
a. to believe
No me creo mejor que tú.I don't believe that I am better than you.
b. to think
¿Te crees tan guapo?You think you're so good-looking?
a. to believe
¿Pero tú piensas que se lo cree en serio?Do you think she really believes that?
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sentir(
sehn
-
teer
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to feel
Puedo sentir el latido de mi corazón en los dedos.I can feel my heartbeat in my fingers.
a. to feel
Sentí mucho frío mientras esperaba que me rescataran de la montaña.I felt really cold while I waited to be rescued from the mountain.
a. to feel
No me creía capaz de sentir pena por mi ex después de todo lo que pasó.I didn't think I was capable of feeling sorry for my ex after everything that happened.
4. (to perceive with the senses)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. to hear (with your ears)
¿Sentiste el estruendo?Did you hear that loud noise?
b. to smell (with your nose)
¿No sientes esa peste?Can't you smell that stench?
c. to taste (with your mouth)
Cuando estaba embarazada, a veces sentía un sabor metálico en la boca.When I was pregnant, sometimes I tasted a metallic taste in my mouth.
a. to be sorry for
Sentimos mucho su pérdida.We're very sorry for your loss.
b. to be sorry about
Siento mucho lo de tu empleo. Espero que te salga otra oportunidad pronto.I'm really sorry about your job. I hope something else comes up soon.
sentirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to feel
Ya hace unos meses que me siento bajo de ánimo.I've been feeling down for a few months now.
b. to be
Me siento siempre cansado y no tengo energías.I'm tired all the time and have no energy.
7. (to take offense)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
a. to get upset
El niño se sintió porque no pudo hacer lo que quería.The kid got upset because he couldn't do what he wanted to.
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