tiene sentido
/tjene sentido/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'makes sense' is translated into Spanish as tiene sentido.
The phrase tiene sentido is used both to describe the logical coherence of an argument and to express that an action is reasonable or practical.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tiene sentido literally translates to 'it has sense'.
Which one should you use?
While tiene sentido is the standard way to say something makes sense, you can also use Es lógico to mean 'It's logical'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying hace sentido. While this is a literal translation of the English 'makes sense', it is incorrect in Spanish. Instead, use tiene sentido.
Did you know?
- To describe something that is completely nonsensical, Spanish speakers often use the phrase no tiene ni pies ni cabeza, meaning it has 'neither feet nor head'.
- In Spanish, sentido can also refer to a physical 'direction' or 'sense' in a way that 'sense' (meaning logic) cannot in English. For example, you might say a street has one 'sentido' (one way), but you wouldn't say a street has one 'sense'.
- The word sentido comes from the verb 'sentir', which means 'to feel'. This links the concept of logical 'sense' directly to the physical or emotional ability to perceive and feel sensations.
Examples in context
- Lo que Tom dice tiene sentido.What Tom says makes sense.This sentence is useful for showing how to use tiene sentido to describe what someone says.Tatoeba #1434483 by marcelostockle, translation #1023771 by CK
- ¿Crees que tiene sentido hacer un cuaderno de vocabulario?Do you think it makes sense to make a vocabulary textbook?This sentence is useful for asking if an action, such as making a notebook, is reasonable using tiene sentido.Tatoeba #9445898 by ignacio, translation #9445935 by DJ_Saidez
- Tiene sentido.Makes sense.This sentence is useful for a short, standalone way to say tiene sentido.Tatoeba #9990288 by manufrutos, translation #7094398 by wess
- La explicación del profesor tiene sentido.The professor's explanation makes sense.
- Creo que tu propuesta tiene sentido.I think your proposal makes sense.
- No puedes hablar con fluidez si no practicas, es lógico.You can't speak fluently if you don't practice, it makes sense.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing a plan for their project.
- ElenaPodemos terminar el informe mañana.We can finish the report tomorrow.
- DanielSí, eso tiene sentido para mí.Yes, that makes sense to me.
- Elena¿Quieres que yo escriba la introducción?Do you want me to write the introduction?
- DanielPerfecto, así sería más rápido.Perfect, that way it would be faster.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sentido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
