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"Sentir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to feel", and "querer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to want". Learn more about the difference between "sentir" and "querer" below.
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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querer(
keh
-
rehr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to want
Quiero comer chocolate.I want to eat chocolate.
a. to love
Ella todavía te quiere profundamente.She still loves you deeply.
b. to like
El perro te quiere mucho.The dog likes you a lot.
c. to be fond of
Quiero mucho a mis estudiantes.I am very fond of my students.
a. to mean
No sé si quisiste ofenderme, pero lo lograste.I don't know if you meant to offend me, but you did.
b. to try
Hace años que quiero ir a París, pero es demasiado caro.I've been trying to go to Paris for years, but it's too expensive.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. beloved
Llora por el hombre que fue su querer.She cries for the man that was her beloved.
b. love
El primer querer siempre es el más fuerte.First love is always the deepest.
a. love affair
Cuando salió a relucir su querer, el gobernador renunció.When his love affair was exposed, the governor resigned.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to want
Estaré en casa todo el fin de semana así que llama cuando quieras.I'll be home all weekend so call when you want.
quererse
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
reciprocal verb
a. to love each other
Dejaron de quererse.They no longer love each other.
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 love oneself
Necesitas empezar a quererte más.You need to learn to love yourself more.
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