Mi sento
The English phrase "I am feeling" is expressed in Italian as Mi sento.
A phrase used to describe one's current physical or emotional state.
Which one should you use?
Use Mi sento to describe an internal state (e.g., Mi sento felice – I feel happy), whereas Sento without the reflexive pronoun is used for perceiving external stimuli (e.g., Sento un rumore – I hear/feel a noise).
Did you know?
- When expressing a feeling of health or wellness, Mi sento can be swapped for Mi trovo. For example, Mi trovo bene qui suggests a feeling of comfort or belonging in a specific place.
- Using Mi sento with an adjective like stanco (tired) is common, but for many physical states, Italians prefer the verb avere (to have), such as Ho fame for 'I feel hungry'.
- If an Italian says Sento che…, they are not talking about a physical sensation but an intuition. It is the equivalent of saying 'I have a feeling that' or 'I suspect that'.
Examples in context
- Mi sento stancoI feel tired
- Mi sento molto felice oggi.I am feeling very happy today.
- Mi sento un po' stanca.I am feeling a little tired.
- Mi sento meglio adesso, grazie.I am feeling better now, thanks.
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are talking on the phone after work.
- SofiaCiao Alessandro, come stai?Hi Alessandro, how are you?
- AlessandroBene, ma mi sento molto stanco.Fine, but I am feeling very tired.
- SofiaTi senti male o è solo il lavoro?Are you feeling sick or is it just work?
- AlessandroSolo un po' di stanchezza.Just a little tiredness.
