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"Tener hambre" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to be hungry", and "sentir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to feel". Learn more about the difference between "tener hambre" and "sentir" below.
tener hambre(
teh
-
nehr
ahm
-
breh
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. to be hungry
Tengo hambre pero no sé lo que quiero comer.I'm hungry but I don't know what I want to eat.
sentir(
sehn
-
teer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
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) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
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.
5. (to regret)
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.).
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.
