Which one should you use?
While empezar a sentir cosas captures the specific nuance of "catching feelings," the single verb enamorarse is the standard way to express that one has fallen in love. For a more direct way to say you have feelings for a specific person, you can use sentir algo por alguien.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you wish to be polite and formal, you can use the phrase Desarrollar sentimientos to express the idea of developing feelings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, people often use the phrase agarrar cariño to express catching feelings. In Argentina, the slang term engancharte is used for the same purpose.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase empezar a sentir cosas, the verb empezar must be followed by the preposition a before the infinitive sentir.
Did you know?
- In Argentina, if you tell someone you are enganchado with them, it sounds like you are literally 'hooked' or 'attached' to them, much like a fish on a hook.
- While empezar a sentir cosas describes the process, the verb sentir shares a common ancestor with the English word 'scent', relating to how one 'perceives' something through the senses.
- In Mexico, the phrase agarrar cariño uses the verb agarrar, which typically means 'to grab' or 'to seize'. This suggests that affection is something captured rather than just developed.
Examples in context
- Desarrollé sentimientos por ella después de pasar tiempo juntosI developed feelings for her after spending time together
- Me estoy empezando a enamorar de tiI'm starting to fall in love with you
- Estoy empezando a enamorarme de élI'm starting to fall in love with him
- Me estoy encariñando contigoI'm getting fond of you
- Empecé a agarrar cariño por élI started catching feelings for him
- Ya me enganché con vosI've already caught feelings for you
- Vivió una oleada de emociones cuando comenzó a sentir algo más que amistadHe experienced a wave of emotions when he started to feel something more than friendship
- No quiero empezar a sentir cosas por él.I don't want to start catching feelings for him.
- Me asusta empezar a sentir cosas por mi mejor amigo.It scares me to start catching feelings for my best friend.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a recent date over coffee.
- JavierCreo que voy a empezar a sentir cosas por ella.I think I'm going to start catching feelings for her.
- Lucía¡Ten cuidado, Javier, no te enamores tan rápido!Be careful, Javier, don't fall in love so fast!
- JavierLo sé, pero es difícil no empezar a sentir cosas.I know, but it's hard not to start catching feelings.
- LucíaSolo intenta ir con calma.Just try to take it slow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, empezar, sentir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
