237 profound ways to talk about feelings and emotions in Spanish

Learning to talk about your feelings and emotions in Spanish is one of the easiest ways to take your Spanish to the next level.

While the first stages of learning Spanish focus on communicating the essentials–like saying hi, counting, and telling the time–talking about feelings and emotions is one of the clearest signs that you’re progressing into intermediate Spanish.

While beginner Spanish classes will teach you some simple phrases that deal with emotions, these will usually be just the bare essentials, like how to say happy in Spanish or how to communicate that you’re sad. These do not reflect the wide range of human emotions, so you won’t be able to have an honest conversation about your feelings until you dig a little deeper.

True mastery of the feelings and emotions in Spanish will allow you to:

  • Make deeper connections by expressing your feelings more accurately.
  • Set personal and professional boundaries by communicating how you really feel.
  • Ask someone how they’re doing.
  • Describe objects and situations in terms of how they make you feel.
  • Explain your actions based on your feelings.
  • Compliment or describe someone based on character traits.

And the list goes on and on and on! In short, knowing how to express emotions and feelings will unlock many new ways of expressing yourself and describing everything around you.

Are you excited to get started? ¡Vámonos!

Learn to express your feelings in Spanish with this free 10 page booklet.

How to talk about feelings and emotions in Spanish

Talking about feelings in Spanish can be just as difficult as in any other language, but you shouldn’t let the language barrier make things even harder! Our comprehensive guide will cover over 190 ways to express emotions and feelings so you’re as prepared as you can be.

Let’s start with the bare essentials: how do you actually say feelings and emotions in Spanish?

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
FeelingsLos sentimientossɛ̃ntiˈmjɛ̃ntossen-tee-me-ehn-toes
EmotionsLas emocionesemoˈsjoneseh-mo-see-oh-nes

The difference between feelings and emotions is a subtle but important one. Emotions are much harder to express as they’re not something we can directly control or explain–they just happen. Feelings, on the other hand, are usually conscious and heavily influenced by our thoughts.

Regardless, we’re gonna cover both of them in this article, so do not fret. But before we get started, we need to talk about an important matter: the difference between the verb ser and the verb estar.

Difference between “ser” and “estar” in Spanish

One of the biggest differences between talking about emotions in English and Spanish is the verb “to be.” As you may have already learned in your Spanish classes, there are two different verbs to express “to be”: ser and estar.

Although they both translate into the same verb, they mean slightly different things. And this difference is extremely important to master in order to talk about feelings in Spanish.

For example, there’s a difference between being happy and being happy right now. When someone says “I am happy” in English, there’s no way to tell if the person is happy in general or just at that moment.

In Spanish, you can tell exactly what the person means based on which verb they use. The verb estar implies something temporary–something that is happening right now. The verb ser implies something immutable–something that won’t change. That’s why you would say “soy americano” when saying you’re American instead of “estoy americano”–your nationality is not bound to change anytime soon.

Here are some more examples to help you grasp the difference between ser and estar:

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I am an aquariusSoy acuarioˈsoj aˈkwaɾjosoy ah-coo-ah-re-oh
I am in MexicoEstoy en Méxicoɛsˈtoj ɛ̃m ˈmexikoes-toy en meh-he-co
I am sickEstoy enfermoɛsˈtoj ɛ̃mˈfɛɾmoes-toy en-fer-mo
I am tallSoy altoˈsoj ˈaltosoy al-toe
I am tiredEstoy cansadoɛsˈtoi̯ kãnˈsaðoes-toy can-sa-doh

How to say happy in Spanish

Now that you know the important distinction between ser and estar, let’s get into all the different feelings and emotions! Let’s start with one of the most important ones: happiness. Although saying happy in Spanish is quite easy, there are many different ways to say it.

There are also different ways to wish someone a happy something, like saying happy birthday or happy new year in Spanish. We’ll include many of those here as well!

How to say happy in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m happyEstoy felizɛsˈtoi̯ feˈlises-toy feh-lees
You’re happyEstás felizɛsˈtas feˈlises-tas feh-lees
He’s happyÉl está felizˈɛl ɛsˈta feˈliselle es-ta feh-lees
She’s happyElla está felizˈeʝa ɛsˈta feˈliseh-ya es-ta feh-lees
They’re happyEllos están felicesˈeʝos ɛsˈtãm feˈliseseh-yos es-tahn feh-lee-sehs
We’re happyEstamos felicesɛsˈtamos feˈliseses-tah-mos feh-lee-sehs
Happy Birthday!¡Feliz cumpleaños!feˈlis kũmpleˈaɲos ‖feh-lees coom-pleh-ah-nyos
Happy Anniversary!¡Feliz aniversario!feˈlis aniβɛɾˈsaɾjo ‖feh-lees ah-nee-ver-sah-re-oh
Happy New Year!¡Feliz año nuevo!feˈlis ˈaɲo ˈnweβo ‖feh-lees ah-nyo noo-eh-vo
Happy Friday!¡Feliz viernes!feˈlis̬ ˈβjɛɾnes ‖feh-lees vee-air-nes
Happy holidays!¡Felices fiestas!feˈlises ˈfjɛstas ‖feh-lee-sehs fee-es-tas
Merry christmas!¡Feliz navidad!feˈlis̬ naβiˈðað ‖feh-lees na-ve-dad
Happy Valentine's Day!¡Feliz día de San Valentín!feˈlis̬ ˈðia ðe ˈsãm balɛ̃nˈtĩn ‖feh-lees dee-ah deh san vah-len-teen

​​Synonyms for happy in Spanish

On top of the typical ways of saying happy in Spanish, there are a few synonyms and other ways to express that you are happy in Spanish. Here are some of the most common ones, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the distinction between ser and estar!

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m thrilledEstoy encantadoɛsˈtoj ɛ̃nkãnˈtaðoes-toy en-can-ta-doh
I’m overjoyed!Estoy lleno de alegríaɛsˈtoi̯ ˈʝeno ðe aleˈɣɾiaes-toy yeh-no deh ah-leh-gree-ah
What joy!¡Qué alegría!ˈke aleˈɣɾia ‖keh ah-leh-gree-ah
He’s delightedEstá maravilladoɛsˈta maɾaβiˈʝaðoes-ta ma-ra-ve-ya-doh
How blissfulQué dichosoˈke ðiˈʧosokeh dee-cho-so
I am very happySoy muy felizˈsoi̯ mwi feˈlissoy mooy feh-lees
I am very fortunateSoy muy afortunadoˈsoi̯ mwj afoɾtuˈnaðosoy mooy ah-fore-too-na-doh
I’m pleasedMe siento satisfechome ˈsjɛ̃nto satisˈfeʧomeh see-ehn-toe sa-tees-feh-cho
I am amusedEstoy entretenidoɛsˈtoj ɛ̃ntɾɛteˈniðoes-toy en-fa-da-doh
I am contentEstoy contentoɛsˈtoi̯ kõnˈtɛ̃ntoes-toy con-ten-to
I’m so joyousEstoy tan gozosoɛsˈtoi̯ ˈtãn ɡoˈsosoes-toy tan go-so-so
I’m ecstaticEstoy en éxtasisɛsˈtoj ɛn ˈɛkstasises-toy en ex-ta-sees

Example sentences using “happy” in Spanish

Here are some example sentences for using happy in Spanish. Although there are many synonyms of happy, each one has its own nuances and they’re not all interchangeable. The best way to learn these subtle differences is by increasing your exposure to the language! Try to read in Spanish as much as you can, or watch Spanish-language TV shows and movies!

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m so happy because I just got a promotion.Estoy muy contento porque me acaban de dar un ascenso.ɛsˈtoi̯ mwi kõnˈtɛ̃nto ˈpoɾke me aˈkaβãn de ˈðaɾ un aˈsɛ̃nso ‖es-toy mooy con-ten-toe pore-keh meh ah-ca-ban deh dar oon ah-sen-so
He is so content because his girlfriend is here.Está muy contento porque su novia está aquí.ɛsˈta mwi kõnˈtɛ̃nto ˈpoɾke su ˈnoβja ɛsˈta aˈki ‖es-ta mooy con-ten-toe pore-keh soo no-ve-ah es-ta ah-key
That movie made me so happy because I could relate to so many scenes.Esa película me puso muy feliz porque podía relacionarme con muchas escenas.ˈesa peˈlikula me ˈpuso mwi feˈlis ˈpoɾke poˈðia relasjoˈnaɾme kõm ˈmuʧas eˈsenas ‖eh-sa peh-lee-coo-la meh poo-so mooy feh-lees pore-keh poh-dee-ah reh-la-see-oh-nar-meh con moo-chas eh-seh-nas

How to say peaceful in Spanish

Who doesn’t love being peaceful? Whether your idea of pure bliss involves a fun day in Cancún or a relaxing afternoon at a vineyard in Chile, we’ve got some great ways for you to say you’re peaceful in Spanish!

How to say peaceful in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m so peacefulSoy tan tranquiloˈsoi̯ ˈtãn tɾãnˈkilosoy tan tran-key-lo
I’m at peaceEstoy en pazɛsˈtoj ɛ̃m ˈpases-toy en pas
You’re so peacefulEres tan tranquiloˈɛɾes ˈtãn tɾãnˈkiloeh-res tan tran-key-lo
He’s peacefulÉl es tranquiloˈɛl ˈɛs tɾãnˈkiloelle es mooy tran-key-lo
It’s very peacefulEstá muy tranquiloɛsˈta mwi tɾãnˈkiloes-ta mooy tran-key-lo
They are at peaceEllos están en pazˈeʝos ɛsˈtan ɛ̃m ˈpaseh-yos es-tan ehn paz
We are at peaceEstamos en pazɛsˈtamos ɛ̃m ˈpases-ta-mos ehn paz
Peace be with you!¡Que la paz esté contigo!ˈke la ˈpas ɛsˈte kõnˈtiɣo ‖keh la paz es-teh con-tee-go
International Day of PeaceDía Internacional de la Pazˈdia ĩ̯ntɛɾnasjoˈnal de la ˈpasdee-ah een-tear-nah-see-oh-nal deh la paz

Synonyms for peaceful in Spanish

Beyond peaceful, there are many ways to convey the feeling of serenity and tranquility in Spanish. Here are a few of the most common words and phrases you will need when trying to convey that you–or even your pets–are peaceful.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
It’s so sereneEstá tan serenoɛsˈta ˈtãn sɛˈɾenoes-tah tan seh-reh-no
It’s so calmEstá tan calmadoɛsˈta ˈtãn kalˈmaðoes-tah tan cal-ma-doh
What tranquility!¡Qué tranquilidad!ˈke tɾãnkiliˈðað ‖keh tran-key-lee-dad
How peacefulQué pacíficoˈke paˈsifikokeh pah-see-fee-coh
I’m a very peaceful personSoy una persona muy pacíficaˈsoj ˈuna pɛɾˈsona mwi paˈsifikasoy oo-na per-so-nah mooy pah-see-fee-ca
It’s so quietEstá muy calladoɛsˈta mwi kaˈʝaðoes-ta mooy kah-ya-doh
My dog is very calmMi perro es muy tranquilomi ˈpɛro ˈɛs̬ mwi tɾãnˈkilomi peh-ro es mooy tran-key-lo

​​Example sentences using “peaceful” in Spanish

Don’t forget the difference between the verbs ser and estar! In this case, the difference is akin to saying someone is a peaceful person and saying someone is at peace. Here are some example sentences using peaceful in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m so peaceful because all my kids are home.Estoy muy tranquila porque todos mis hijos están en casa.ɛsˈtoi̯ mwi tɾãnˈkila ˈpoɾke ˈtoðos̬ mis ˈixos ɛsˈtan ɛ̃n ˈkasa ‖es-toy mooy tran-key-la pore-keh toh-dos mees eh-hos es-tan ehn kah-sa
He is so peaceful because he meditates every morning.Él es muy tranquilo porque medita todas las mañanas.ˈɛl ˈɛs̬ mwi tɾãnˈkilo ˈpoɾke meˈðita ˈtoðas̬ las̬ maˈɲanas ‖elle es mooy tran-key-lo pore-keh meh-de-ta toe-das las ma-nya-nas
This scenery is so peaceful thanks to the river’s flowing water.Este paisaje es muy tranquilo gracias al agua que fluye en el río.ˈɛste pai̯ˈsaxe ˈɛs̬ mwi tɾãnˈkilo ˈɣɾasjas al ˈaɣwa ˈke ˈfluʝɛ ɛn ɛl ˈrio ‖es-teh pah-e-sah-heh es mooy tran-key-lo gra-see-as al ah-goo-ah keh floo-yeh en el ree-oh

How to say sad in Spanish

Unfortunately, sadness is one of the most common human emotions. There are many things that can make us sad, but perhaps experiencing sadness only helps us appreciate what true happiness is. In any case, you’re very likely going to need to know how to say sad in Spanish.

How to say sad in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m sadEstoy tristeɛsˈtoi̯ ˈtɾistees-toy trees-teh
You’re sadEstás tristeɛsˈtas ˈtɾistees-tas trees-teh
She is sadElla está tristeˈeʝa ɛsˈta ˈtɾisteeh-ya es-ta trees-teh
It’s sadEso es muy tristeˈeso ˈɛs̬ mwi ˈtɾisteeh-so es mooy trees-teh
He’s sadÉl está tristeˈɛl ɛsˈta ˈtɾisteelle es-ta trees-teh
We’re sadEstamos tristesɛsˈtamos ˈtɾisteses-ta-mos trees-tes
They’re sadEstán tristesɛsˈtãn ˈtɾisteses-tan trees-tes
How sadQué tristeˈke ˈtɾistekeh trees-teh
How sadQué tristezaˈke tɾisˈtesakeh trees-teh-sa

Synonyms for sad in Spanish

Just as sadness is one of the most common human emotions, it’s also one of the most complex. There’s a big difference between being downright depressed and simply being disappointed! Here are some of the most common synonyms for sad in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
It’s so depressingEs muy deprimenteˈɛs̬ mwi ðepɾiˈmɛ̃ntees mooy deh-pre-men-teh
He is unhappyÉl es infelizˈɛl ˈɛs ĩmfeˈliselle es in-feh-lees
She is in low spiritsElla está desanimadaˈeʝa ɛsˈta ðesaniˈmaðaeh-ya es-ta des-ah-nee-ma-da
That’s very disappointingEso es muy decepcionanteˈeso ˈɛs̬ mwi ðesɛpsjoˈnãnteeh-so es mooy deh-sep-see-oh-nan-teh
I’m very discontentEstoy muy descontentoɛsˈtoi̯ mwi ðɛskõnˈtɛ̃ntoes-toy mooy des-con-ten-toe
I feel very afflictedMe siento muy afligidome ˈsjɛ̃nto mwj afliˈxiðomeh see-ehn-toe mooy ah-flee-he-doh
I’m feeling very apatheticMe siento muy apáticome ˈsjɛ̃nto mwj aˈpatikomeh see-ehn-toe mooy ah-pa-tee-koh
I’m feeling crushedMe siento aplastadome ˈsjɛ̃nto ap̚lasˈtaðomeh see-ehn-toe ah-plas-ta-doh
He’s very melancholicEs muy melancólicoˈɛs̬ mwi melãnˈkolikoes mooy meh-lan-koh-lee-ko
I feel very discouragedMe siento muy desanimadome ˈsjɛ̃nto mwi ðesaniˈmaðomeh see-ehn-toe mooy des-ah-nee-ma-doh
I’m depressedEstoy deprimidoɛsˈtoi̯ ðepɾiˈmiðoes-toy deh-pre-me-do
She’s miserableElla es miserableˈeʝa ˈɛs̬ misɛˈɾaβleeh-ya es me-seh-ra-bleh

Example sentences using “sad” in Spanish

You have to be extra careful with using the correct verb (ser or estar) here! If someone else is sad, you definitely want to use the verb estar. Otherwise, you’d be calling them a sad person! Here are some example sentences using sad in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m so sad because you’re leaving!¡Estoy muy triste porque ya te vas!ɛsˈtoi̯ mwi ˈtɾiste ˈpoɾke ʝa te ˈβas ‖es-toy mooy trees-teh pore-keh ya teh vas
He is sad because he didn’t get the job he wanted.Él está muy triste porque no le dieron el trabajo que quería.ˈɛl ɛsˈta mwi ˈtɾiste ˈpoɾke ˈno le ˈðjɛɾon ɛl tɾaˈβaxo ˈke kɛˈɾia ‖elle es-ta mooy trees-teh pore-keh no leh dee
That movie was so sad because a dog died.Esa película estuvo muy triste porque se murió un perro.ˈesa peˈlikula ɛsˈtuβo mwi ˈtɾiste ˈpoɾke se muˈɾjo ũ̯m ˈpɛro ‖eh-sa peh-lee-coo-la es-too-vo mooy trees-teh pore-keh seh moo-re-oh oon peh-ro

How to say angry in Spanish

Anger is a very normal human emotion, but it’s important to know how to manage it. Knowing how to say angry in Spanish will help you communicate your feelings, check in on your friends, and even point out things that upset you.

How to say angry in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m angryEstoy enojadoɛsˈtoj enoˈxaðoes-toy eh-no-ha-doh
You’re angryEstás enojadoɛsˈtas enoˈxaðoes-tas eh-no-ha-doh
She is angryElla está enojadaˈeʝa ɛsˈta enoˈxaðaeh-ya es-ta eh-no-ha-da
He is angryÉl está enojadoˈɛl ɛsˈta enoˈxaðoelle es-ta eh-no-ha-do
We’re angryEstamos enojadosɛsˈtamos enoˈxaðoses-ta-mos eh-no-ha-dos
They’re angryEstán enojadosɛsˈtan enoˈxaðoses-tan eh-no-ha-dos
That made me mad.Eso me hizo enojarˈeso me ˈiso enoˈxaɾeh-so meh e-so meh-hore

Synonyms for angry in Spanish

You’ve probably heard of the angry Latina stereotype. There is, unfortunately, some truth to this, as there is an almost embarrassingly large number of synonyms for angry in Spanish! In fact, some of the best Spanish slang is all about saying you’re angry!

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
How infuriatingQué corajeˈke koˈɾaxekeh ko-ra-heh
I’m so madEstoy tan enojadoɛsˈtoi̯ ˈtan enoˈxaðoes-toy tan eh-no-ha-doh
I’m furiousEstoy furiosoɛsˈtoi̯ fuˈɾjosoes-toy foo-re-oh-so
I’m pissed offEstoy picadoɛsˈtoi̯ piˈkaðoes-toy pe-ca-doh
You’re so grumpyEres muy gruñónˈɛɾes̬ mwi ɣɾuˈɲõneh-res mooy groo-nyon
I’m over itEstoy enfadadoɛsˈtoj ɛ̃mfaˈðaðoes-toy en-fa-da-doh
I’m really pissed off (vulgar)Estoy encabronadoɛsˈtoj ɛ̃nkaβɾoˈnaðoes-toy en-ca-bro-nah-doh
I’m annoyedEstoy molestoɛsˈtoi̯ moˈlɛstoes-toy mo-les-toe
I’m in a bad moodEstoy de mal humorɛsˈtoi̯ ðe ˈmal uˈmoɾes-toy deh mal oo-more
That’s so aggravatingEso es tan agravanteˈeso ˈɛs ˈtan aɣɾaˈβãnteeh-so es tan ah-gra-van-teh
I’m frustratedEstoy frustradoɛsˈtoi̯ fɾusˈtɾaðoes-toy froos-tra-doh
You’re very moodyEres muy malhumoradoˈɛɾes̬ mwi malumoˈɾaðoeh-res mooy mal-ooh-mo-ra-do
I’m irritatedEstoy irritadoɛsˈtoi̯ iriˈtaðoes-toy een-tee-me-dah-doh
How infuriatingQué cóleraˈke ˈkolɛɾakeh coh-leh-ra
You’re so irritatingEres tan irritanteˈɛɾes ˈtan iriˈtãnteeh-res tan e-re-tan-teh
I’m outragedEstoy muy indignadoɛsˈtoi̯ mwi ĩndiɣˈnaðoes-toy mooy in-dig-na-doh
I’m so angry I could explodeEstoy que explotoɛsˈtoi̯ ˈke ɛksˈplotoes-toy keh ex-plo-toe
He gets angry easilyEs de mecha cortaˈɛs̬ ðe ˈmeʧa ˈkoɾtaes deh meh-cha core-tah
It annoys meMe revientame reˈβjɛ̃ntameh reh-vee-en-tah
It makes me angryMe saca de mis casillasme ˈsaka ðe mis kaˈsiʝasmeh sa-cah deh mees cah-see-yas
It makes me extremely angryMe da rabiame ˈða ˈraβjameh da rah-be-ah
It throws me offMe saca de ondame ˈsaka ðe ˈõndameh sah-cah deh on-dah
I’m sick of itMe tiene hartome ˈtjene ˈaɾtomeh tee-eh-neh ar-toe
It makes my blood boilMe hierve la sangreme ˈʝɛɾβe la ˈsãnɡɾemeh e-air-veh la san-greh
It made me go wildMe puse como fierame ˈpuse ˈkomo ˈfjɛɾameh poos-eh coh-moh fee-air-ah

Example sentences using “angry” in Spanish

There’s nothing wrong with getting angry, as long as you know how to manage it correctly. Keeping your feelings bottled up is not a sustainable way to live, so the best you can do when someone upsets you is to communicate it to them to reach an understanding. Here are some example sentences using angry in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m so angry because I got unfairly written up at work.Estoy muy enojado porque me regañaron injustamente en el trabajo.ɛsˈtoi̯ mwj enoˈxaðo ˈpoɾke me reɣaˈɲaɾon ĩnxustaˈmɛ̃ntɛ ɛn ɛl tɾaˈβaxo ‖es-toy mooy eh-no-ha-doh pore-keh meh reh-ga-nya-ron in-whos-ta-men-teh en elle tra-ba-jo
He is angry because he didn’t get what he wanted.Él está enojado porque no se salió con la suya.ˈɛl ɛsˈta enoˈxaðo ˈpoɾke ˈno se saˈljo kõn la ˈsuʝa ‖elle es-tah eh-no-hah-do pore-keh no seh sa-lee-oh con la soo-ya
That article made me angry because there is so much injustice in the world.Ese artículo me hizo enojar porque hay mucha injusticia en el mundo. ˈese aɾˈtikulo me ˈiso enoˈxaɾ ˈpoɾke ˈai̯ ˈmuʧa ĩ̯nxusˈtisja ɛn ɛl ˈmũndo ‖eh-seh ar-tee-coo-lo meh e-so eh-no-har pore-keh ay moo-cha in-whose-tee-see-ah en elle moon-doh

How to say relaxed in Spanish

Letting people know when you’re relaxed and calm can be pretty helpful. If you’ve just started introducing yourself to people and making new friends, letting someone know that you’re relaxed is a good way to earn their trust. Here are a few ways to say relaxed in Spanish.

How to say relaxed in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m relaxedEstoy relajadoɛsˈtoi̯ relaˈxaðoes-toy reh-la-ha-doh
You are relaxedEstás relajadoɛsˈtas̬ relaˈxaðoes-tas reh-la-ha-doh
He’s relaxedÉl está relajadoˈɛl ɛsˈta relaˈxaðoelle es-ta reh-la-ha-doh
She’s relaxedElla está relajadaˈeʝa ɛsˈta relaˈxaðaeh-ya es-ta reh-la-ha-da
We’re relaxedEstamos relajadosɛsˈtamos̬ relaˈxaðoses-ta-mos reh-la-ha-dos
They’re relaxedEstán relajadosɛsˈtãn relaˈxaðoses-tan reh-la-ha-dos

Synonyms for relaxed in Spanish

As you probably expected, there are many synonyms for saying relaxed in Spanish. There are different levels to being relaxed: relaxed in terms of being stress-free, in terms of not caring about rules, or even in terms of being a free spirit. Here are some of the most common synonyms for relaxed in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
It’s chillEstá tranquiloɛsˈta tɾãnˈkiloes-ta tran-key-lo
It’s casualEs casualˈɛs kaˈswales cah-soo-al
It’s zenEs zenˈɛs ˈsɛ̃nes zen
I’m relievedMe siento aliviadome ˈsjɛ̃nto aliˈβjaðomeh see-ehn-toe ah-lee-ve-ah-doh
He’s very easygoing.Él es muy alivianadoˈɛl ˈɛs̬ mwj aliβjaˈnaðoelle es mooy ah-lee-vee-ah-na-doh
It’s very serene.Es muy serenoˈɛs̬ mwi sɛˈɾenoes mooy seh-reh-no
He’s very free.Él es muy libreˈɛl ˈɛs̬ mwi ˈliβɾeelle es mooy lee-breh
Let’s take a leisurely strollHay que tomar un paseo sin prisaˈai̯ ˈke toˈmaɾ ũm paˈseo sĩm ˈpɾisaay keh to-mar oon pa-seh-oh seen pre-sa

Example sentences using “relaxed” in Spanish

Learning the synonyms for relaxed in Spanish is not enough–you need to learn how to use them. Although enough practice and exposure to the language will help you naturally understand how to use them, here are three example sentences using “relaxed” in Spanish to get you started.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m so relaxed because I don’t have any exams this week.Estoy relajado porque no tengo ningún examen esta semana.ɛsˈtoi̯ relaˈxaðo ˈpoɾke ˈno ˈtɛ̃nɡo nĩnˈɡun ɛkˈsamɛn ˈɛsta seˈmana ‖es-toy reh-la-ha-do pore-keh no ten-go neen-goon ex-ah-men
He is relaxed because he is finally a homeowner.Él está relajado porque por fin es dueño de su casa.ˈɛl ɛsˈta relaˈxaðo ˈpoɾke poɾ ˈfin ˈɛs̬ ˈðweɲo ðe su ˈkasa ‖elle es-ta reh-la-ha-do pore-keh pore-feen es do-eh-nyo deh sue cah-sa
That spa bath really helped me relax.Ese baño de spa en verdad me ayudó a relajarme.ˈese ˈβaɲo ðe ˈspa ɛ̃m bɛɾˈðað me aʝuˈðo a relaˈxaɾme ‖eh-seh bah-nyo de spa en vear-dad meh ah-yoo doh ah reh-la-har-meh

How to say afraid / scared in Spanish

We all have things we’re scared of. Ghosts, scary movies, the IRS, or maybe even family members like your mother-in-law. No matter what it is you’re afraid of, you need to be able to communicate it in Spanish. Here’s how to say afraid or scared in Spanish.

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EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m afraid / scaredEstoy asustadoɛsˈtoj asusˈtaðoes-toy ah-soos-da-doh
You are afraid / scaredEstás asustadoɛsˈtas asusˈtaðoes-tas ah-soos-ta-dah
He’s afraid / scaredÉl está asustadoˈɛl ɛsˈta asusˈtaðoelle es-tah ah-soos-tah-doh
She’s afraid / scaredElla está asustadaˈeʝa ɛsˈta asusˈtaðaeh-ya es-tah ah-soos-ta-da
We’re afraid / scaredEstamos asustadosɛsˈtamos asusˈtaðoses-ta-mos ah-soos-ta-dos
They’re afraid / scaredEstán asustadosɛsˈtan asusˈtaðoses-tan ah-soos-tah-dos
Don’t be scared.No te asustesˈno te aˈsustesno teh ah-soos-tes
Did I scare you?¿Te asusté?te asusˈte ‖teh ah-soos-teh
That’s very scary.Eso da mucho miedoˈeso ˈða ˈmuʧo ˈmjeðoeh-so da moo-cho mee-eh-doh
That’s scary to me.Eso me da miedoˈeso me ˈða ˈmjeðoeh-so meh da me-eh-do
I get scared easilySoy muy miedosoˈsoi̯ mwi mjeˈðososoy mooy me-eh-do-so

Synonyms for afraid / scared in Spanish

There are many different levels to being scared. It’s not the same to be a little uneasy around spiders than to be a full-blown arachnophobic. Check out the following synonyms for saying afraid / scared in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m terrifiedEstoy aterradoɛsˈtoj atɛˈraðoes-toy ah-teh-ra-do
I’m worried / concernedEstoy preocupadoɛsˈtoi̯ pɾeokuˈpaðoes-toy preh-oh-coo-pah-doh
I’m uneasyEstoy inquieto ɛsˈtoi̯ ĩnˈkjɛtoes-toy in-key-eh-to
I’m unsettledEstoy intranquiloɛsˈtoi̯ ĩntɾãnˈkiloes-toy in-tran-key-lo
He’s very fearful.Él es muy temerosoˈɛl ˈɛs̬ mwi temɛˈɾosoelle es mooy teh-meh-ro-so
Don’t be scared.No seas miedosoˈno ˈseas̬ mjeˈðosono seh-as me-eh-doh-so
I’m terrified.Estoy aterrorizadoɛsˈtoj atɛroɾiˈsaðoes-toy ah-teh-ro-re-sah-doh
I’m panicked.Estoy en pánico.ɛsˈtoj ɛ̃m ˈpanikoes-toy ehn pah-nee-co
I jumped aghast.Salté despavoridosalˈte ðɛspaβoˈɾiðosal-teh des-pah-vo-re-doh
I’m frightenedEstoy espantadoɛsˈtoj ɛspãnˈtaðoes-toy es-pan-ta-doh
He’s clearly shaken.Él claramente está estremecidoˈɛl klaɾaˈmɛ̃ntɛ ɛsˈta ɛstɾemeˈsiðoelle cla-ra-men-teh es-ta es-treh-meh-see-doh

Example sentences using “afraid” in Spanish

There are many, many ways to say afraid in Spanish. The best way to learn them all? Reading a spooky novel, of course! Why not take this as an opportunity to read Carlos Ruiz Safon’s La Sombra del Viento, one of the best-selling Spanish books of all time? This spooky page-turner is sure to have you hooked from the start (and perhaps a bit frightened, too!).

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m so afraid because of climate change.Tengo mucho miedo por el calentamiento global.ˈtɛ̃nɡo ˈmuʧo ˈmjeðo poɾ ɛl kalɛ̃ntaˈmjɛ̃nto ɣloˈβal ‖ten-go moo-cho me-eh-doh pore el cah-len-tah-me-en-toh glo-bal
He is scared because he watched a scary movie before bed.Él tiene mucho miedo porque vio una película de miedo antes de dormir.ˈɛl ˈtjene ˈmuʧo ˈmjeðo ˈpoɾke ˈβjo ˈuna peˈlikula ðe ˈmjeðo ˈãntes̬ ðe ðoɾˈmiɾ ‖elle tee-eh-neh moo-cho me-eh-do pore-keh vee-oh oo-na peh-lee-coo-la deh mee-eh-do an-tes deh dore-meer
That scene was very scary.Esa escena estuvo muy tenebrosa.ˈesa eˈsena ɛsˈtuβo mwi teneˈβɾosa ‖eh-sa eh-seh-na es-too-voh mooy teh-neh-bro-sa

How to say surprised in Spanish

Surprise is one of the most wonderful human emotions. Getting surprised with flowers, a surprise birthday party, or even a surprise visit from a loved one can be one of the best feelings in the world. On the other hand, surprises can also be terrifyingly… surprising. Either way, here’s how to say surprised in Spanish.

How to say surprised in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m surprisedEstoy sorprendidoɛsˈtoi̯ soɾpɾɛ̃nˈdiðoes-toy sor-pren-dee-doh
You’re surprisedEstás sorprendidoɛsˈtas soɾpɾɛ̃nˈdiðoes-tas sor-pren-dee-doh
She’s surprisedElla está sorprendidaˈeʝa ɛsˈta soɾpɾɛ̃nˈdiðaeh-ya es-ta sor-pren-dee-da
He’s surprisedÉl está sorprendidoˈɛl ɛsˈta soɾpɾɛ̃nˈdiðoelle es-tah sor-pren-dee-doh
We’re surprisedEstamos sorprendidosɛsˈtamos soɾpɾɛ̃nˈdiðoses-ta-mos sor-pren-dee-dos
They’re surprisedEstán sorprendidosɛsˈtãn soɾpɾɛ̃nˈdiðoses-tan sor-pren-dee-dos
Happy Surprise Birthday Party!¡Feliz fiesta sorpresa de cumpleaños!feˈlis ˈfjɛsta soɾˈpɾesa ðe kũmpleˈaɲos ‖feh-lees fee-es-ta sor-preh-sa deh coom-pleh-ah-nyos
You surprised me!¡Me sorprendiste!me soɾpɾɛ̃nˈdiste ‖meh sor-pren-dees-teh
What a surprise!¡Qué sorpresa!ˈke soɾˈpɾesa ‖keh sor-preh-sa

Synonyms for surprised in Spanish

Spanish is famously a very expressive language. From explosive telenovelas to loud day-to-day interactions, it’s no surprise (*wink*) that there are many words for expressing surprise in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
What a shock!¡Qué shock!ˈke ˈsok̚k ‖keh shock
Are you joking!¡Es broma!ˈɛs̬ ˈβɾoma ‖es broh-ma
Oh my goodness!¡Ay Dios mío!ˈai̯ ˈðjos̬ ˈmio ‖ay dee-os me-oh
I’m in aweEstoy asombradoɛsˈtoj asõmˈbɾaðoes-toy ha-som-bra-doh
I’m hallucinating (figuratively)Estoy alucinadoɛsˈtoj alusiˈnaðoes-toy ah-loo-see-nan-doh
I’m marveledEstoy maravilladoɛsˈtoi̯ maɾaβiˈʝaðoes-toy mah-ra-ve-ya-doh
I’m stunnedEstoy pasmadoɛsˈtoi̯ pas̬ˈmaðoes-toy pas-ma-doh
You’re gonna be blown awayTe vas a caer de espaldaste ˈβas a kaˈɛɾ ðɛ ɛsˈpaldasteh vas a ca-air deh es-pal-das
I’m impressedEstoy impresionadoɛsˈtoi̯ ĩmpɾesjoˈnaðoes-toy im-preh-see-oh-na-doh
I’m a little disconcertedEstoy un poco desconcertadoɛsˈtoj ũm ˈpoko ðɛskõnsɛɾˈtaðoes-toy oon po-co des-con-ser-tah-doh
My jaw dropped.Me quedé boquiabiertome keˈðe βokjaˈβjɛɾtomeh keh-deh bo-key-a-bee-air-toe
It took my breath away.Me dejó sin alientome ðeˈxo sin aˈljɛ̃ntomeh deh-ho seen ah-lee-en-toe
I can hardly believe what I see.No puedo creer lo que veoˈno ˈpweðo kɾeˈɛɾ lo ˈke ˈβeono lo poo-eh-doh cree-air
I can’t believe it.¿Pero qué me cuentas?ˈpɛɾo ˈke me ˈkwɛ̃ntas ‖peh-ro keh meh es-tas dee-see-en-doh
Gosh!¡Caramba!kaˈɾãmba ‖cah-ram-bah
Dear mother of God!¡Madre mía!ˈmaðɾe ˈmia ‖ma-dreh mee-ah
That was unexpected.Eso fue muy inesperadoˈeso ˈfwe mwi inɛspɛˈɾaðoeh-so foo-eh mooy in-es-pear-ah-doh

Example sentences using “surprised” in Spanish

The best way to learn how to express surprise in Spanish is by watching telenovelas. Hands down. If you’ve never seen a Latin American soap opera, we definitely recommend that you pick up that habit as soon as possible. Not only are they wildly entertaining (and even escandalosas!), but they will do wonders for your Spanish level.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m so surprised because I didn’t think I’d like this movie.Estoy muy sorprendido porque no pensé que me fuera a gustar esta película.ɛsˈtoi̯ mwi soɾpɾɛ̃nˈdiðo ˈpoɾke ˈno pɛ̃nˈse ˈke me ˈfwɛɾa a ɣusˈtaɾ ˈɛsta peˈlikula ‖es-toy mooy sore-pren-dee-doh pore-keh no pen-seh keh meh foo-air-ah ah goose-tar es-ta peh-lee-coo-la
He is surprised because he didn’t expect to see me here.Él está sorprendido porque no esperaba verme aquí.ˈɛl ɛsˈta soɾpɾɛ̃nˈdiðo ˈpoɾke ˈno ɛspɛˈɾaβa ˈβɛɾme aˈki ‖elle es-ta sore-pren-dee-doh pore-keh no es-pear-ah-bah ver-meh ah-key
That scene was surprising and unexpected.Esa escena fue sorprendente e inesperada.ˈesa eˈsena ˈfwe soɾpɾɛ̃nˈdɛ̃nte ˈe i̯nɛspɛˈɾaða ‖eh-sa eh-seh-na foo-eh sore-pren-den-teh eh in-es-pear-ah-da

How say stressed in Spanish

These days, it seems that it’s easier to find someone who is stressed than someone who isn’t. Stress plays a big role in our daily lives, whether it comes from school, work, finances, or even relationships. No matter what, you’ll likely need to talk about stress in Spanish at some point.

How say stressed in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m stressedEstoy estresadoɛsˈtoj ɛstɾeˈsaðoes-toy es-treh-sa-doh
You’re stressedEstás estresadoɛsˈtas ɛstɾeˈsaðoes-tas es-treh-sah-doh
He’s stressedÉl está estresadoˈɛl ɛsˈta ɛstɾeˈsaðoElle es-ta es-treh-sa-doh
She’s stressedElla está estresadaˈeʝa ɛsˈta ɛstɾeˈsaðaeh-ya es-ta es-treh-sa-da
We’re stressedEstamos estresadosɛsˈtamos ɛstɾeˈsaðoses-ta-mos es-treh-sa-dos
They’re stressedEstán estresadosɛsˈtan ɛstɾeˈsaðoses-tan es-treh-sa-dos
What stress!¡Qué estrés!ˈke ɛsˈtɾes ‖keh es-tres
That was stressful!¡Qué estresante estuvo eso!ˈke ɛstɾeˈsãntɛ ɛsˈtuβo ˈeso ‖keh es-treh-san-teh es-too-voh eh-so

Synonyms for stress in Spanish

One of the best ways to deal with stress is to talk about it. Sometimes, just getting something off our chest can help us feel a million times better. But, in order to do that, you need to know the right way to talk about your particular type of stress. Here are some of the most common synonyms for stress in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m under a lot of pressureEstoy bajo mucha presiónɛsˈtoi̯ ˈβaxo ˈmuʧa pɾeˈsjõnes-toy ba-ho moo-cha preh-see-on
My shoulders are tenseMis hombros están muy tensosmis ˈõmbɾos ɛsˈtãm mwi ˈtɛ̃nsosmis om-bros es-tan mooy ten-sos
I’m anxiousEstoy ansiosoɛsˈtoj ãnˈsjosoes-toy an-see-oh-so
I’m nervousEstoy nerviosoɛsˈtoi̯ nɛɾˈβjosoes-toy ner-vee-oh-so
I have a lot of anxietyTengo mucha ansiedadˈtɛ̃nɡo ˈmuʧa ãnsjeˈðaðten-go moo-cha an-see-eh-dad
I’m very distressedEstoy muy angustiadoɛsˈtoi̯ mwj ãnɡusˈtjaðoes-toy mooy an-goose-tee-ah-do
I’m so overwhelmedEstoy muy agobiadoɛsˈtoi̯ mwj aɣoˈβjaðoes-toy mooy ah-goh-bee-ah-doh

Example sentences using “stressed” in Spanish

We certainly hope that you don’t get many chances to use “stressed” in Spanish, but you should be prepared for when you do. Here are some example sentences that will help you understand how to use the word stress in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m so stressed because I have finals next week.Estoy muy estresado porque tengo exámenes finales la próxima semana.ɛsˈtoi̯ mwj ɛstɾeˈsaðo ˈpoɾke ˈtɛ̃nɡo ɛkˈsamenes fiˈnales̬ la ˈpɾoksima seˈmana ‖es-toy-mooy es-treh-sa-doh pore-keh ten-go ex-ah-meh-nes fee-nah-les la prox-e-ma seh-ma-na
He is stressed because he lost his job last week.Él está estresado porque perdió su trabajo la semana pasada.ˈɛl ɛsˈta ɛstɾeˈsaðo ˈpoɾke pɛɾˈðjo su tɾaˈβaxo la seˈmana paˈsaða ‖elle es-ta es-treh-sa-doh pore-keh pear-dee-oh soo tra-bah-ho la seh-ma-na pah-sa-da
That meeting was stressful because the director was there.Esa junta fue muy estresante porque el director estuvo ahí.ˈesa ˈxũnta ˈfwe mwj ɛstɾeˈsãnte ˈpoɾkɛ ɛl diɾek̚ˈtoɾ ɛsˈtuβo aˈi ‖eh-sa hoon-ta foo-eh mooy es-treh-san-teh pore-keh elle dee-rec-tor es-too-vo ah-e

Free downloadable emotions booklet

Don't hold back your emotions any longer, it's not good for your health! Learn to express your feelings in Spanish with this free 10 page booklet.

Free downloadable Spanish emotions booklet.

Expressing emotions in Spanish by text message

Texting is one of the most common means of communication, especially in Spain and Latin America. If you come from the US, you may or may not be familiar with WhatsApp already. If you’re not–you need to download it on your phone immediately. It’s what everybody uses to communicate through text messages all over Latin America and Spain!

Once you’re ready to start chatting with your Spanish-speaking friends, you’ll want to know how to text like a native. Besides using the text message slang we covered in our other blog, you should try using the following acronyms for expressing emotions in Spanish by text message. You’re sure to surprise your friends with your knowledge!

Man expressing emotions in Spanish by text message.

EnglishSpanish acronymSpanishIPAPronunciation
I really like youtkmTe kiero muchote ˈkjɛɾo ˈmuʧoteh key-air-oh moo-cho
I really like youtqmTe quiero muchote ˈkjɛɾo ˈmuʧoteh key-air-oh moo-cho
You can always count on meccptCuenta conmigo para todoˈkwɛ̃nta kõmˈmiɣo ˈpaɾa ˈtoðocoo-en-ta con-me-go pa-ra toe-doh
I wish you the besttdlmTe deseo lo mejorte ðeˈseo lo meˈxoɾteh deh-seh-oh lo meh-hor
How funnyk risaQué risaˈke ˈrisakeh re-sa
Don’t worryntpNo te preocupesˈno te pɾeoˈkupesno teh preh-oh-coo-pes
WownpwNo pues wowˈno ˈpwes ˈwowno poo-es wow
I don’t caremdiMe da igualme ˈða i̯ˈɣwalmeh da e-goo-al
It’s okaynpnNo pasa nadaˈno ˈpasa ˈnaðano pa-sa nah-da

Other common words to describe emotions in Spanish

The whole gamut of human emotions is too complicated to be expressed with just a handful of words–or even over 200, which is what we’ve included in this post! Perhaps that’s where poetry and art come in, as they help us express that which language cannot.

Fortunately, the Spanish language can accurately express a wide range of emotions. Here are some other common words to describe emotions in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I’m boredEstoy aburridoɛsˈtoj aβuˈriðoes-toy ah-boo-re-doh
I’m fatiguedEstoy fatigadoɛsˈtoi̯ fatiˈɣaðoes-toy fah-tee-gah-doh
I’m restlessMe siento inquietome ˈsjɛ̃nto ĩ̯nˈkjɛtomeh see-ehn-toe een-key-eh-toe
I’m energeticEstoy energéticoɛsˈtoj enɛɾˈxɛtikoes-toy eh-ner-heh-tee-coh
I’m refreshedMe siento refrescadome ˈsjɛ̃nto refɾɛsˈkaðomeh see-ehn-toe reh-fres-kah-doe
I admire youTe admirote aðˈmiɾoteh ad-me-ro
I adore youTe adorote aˈðoɾoteh ah-doh-ro
TendernessTernuratɛɾˈnuɾater-noo-ra
I’m in loveEstoy enamoradoɛsˈtoj enamoˈɾaðoes-toy eh-na-mo-ra-doh
I appreciate youTe apreciote aˈpɾesjoteh ah-preh-see-oh
I’m sillySoy medio tontoˈsoi̯ ˈmeðjo ˈtõntosoy meh-dee-oh ton-toe
I’m okayMe siento bienme ˈsjɛ̃nto ˈβjɛ̃nmeh see-en-toe bee-ehn
I’m feeling very awakeMe siento muy despiertome ˈsjɛ̃nto mwi ðɛsˈpjɛɾtomeh see-en-toe mooy des-pee-air-toe
You’re very curiousEres muy curiosoˈɛɾes̬ mwi kuˈɾjosoeh-res mooy coo-ree-oh-so
He’s very cynicalÉl es muy cínicoˈɛl ˈɛs̬ mwi ˈsinikoelle es mooy see-nee-coh
I’m enthralledEstoy cautivadoɛsˈtoi̯ kau̯tiˈβaðoes-toy cah-ooh-tee-va-doe
I’m gratefulEstoy agradecidoɛsˈtoj aɣɾaðeˈsiðoes-toy ah-gra-deh-see-doh
I’m confusedEstoy confundidoɛsˈtoi̯ kõmfũnˈdiðoes-toy con-foon-dee-doh
I’m disgustedEstoy disgustadoɛsˈtoi̯ ðis̬ɣusˈtaðoes-toy dis-goose-tah-doh
I’m drainedEstoy agotadoɛsˈtoj aɣoˈtaðoes-toy ah-go-ta-doh
I’m feeling accomplishedMe siento consumadome ˈsjɛ̃nto kõnsuˈmaðomeh see-en-toe con-soo-ma-doh
You’re acting crazyEstás actuando como locoɛsˈtas ak̚ˈtwãndo ˈkomo ˈlokoes-tas ac-too-an-doh coh-mo lo-co
I’m in painMe duele me ˈðwelemeh doo-eh-leh
I’m hurtingEstoy sufriendoɛsˈtoi̯ suˈfɾjɛ̃ndoes-toy soo-free-en-doh
I’m having funMe estoy divirtiendomɛ ɛsˈtoi̯ ðiβiɾˈtjɛ̃ndomeh es-toy dee-veer-tee-en-doh
I’m having a good timeMe la estoy pasando bienme la ɛsˈtoi̯ paˈsãndo ˈβjɛ̃nmeh la es-toy pah-san-doh bee-en
I’m enjoying myselfLo estoy disfrutandolo ɛsˈtoi̯ ðisfɾuˈtãndolo es-toy dees-froo-tan-doh
I’m lazySoy flojoˈsoi̯ ˈfloxosoy flo-ho
I’m hopefulSoy optimistaˈsoj op̚tiˈmistasoy op-tee-mees-ta
I’m very gigglySoy muy risueñoˈsoi̯ mwi riˈsweɲosoy mooy re-soo-eh-nyo
You’re so flirtyEres muy coquetaˈɛɾes̬ mwi koˈkɛtaeh-res mooy coh-keh-ta
I’m jealousEstoy celosoɛsˈtoi̯ seˈlosoes-toy seh-loh-so
I’m enviousEstoy envidiosoɛsˈtoj ɛ̃mbiˈðjosoes-toy en-ve-dee-oh-so
I’m excitedEstoy emocionadoɛsˈtoj emosjoˈnaðoes-toy eh-mo-see-oh-na-doh
I feel rejuvenatedMe siento rejuvenecidome ˈsjɛ̃nto rexuβeneˈsiðomeh see-ehn-toe reh-who-veh-neh-see-doh
I’m nostalgicEstoy nostálgicoɛsˈtoi̯ nosˈtalxikoes-toy nos-tal-he-co
I’m satisfiedEstoy satisfechoɛsˈtoi̯ satisˈfeʧoes-toy sa-tis-feh-cho
I’m hyperSoy hiperˈsoi̯ iˈpɛɾsoy e-per
I’m mellowSoy melosoˈsoi̯ meˈlososoy meh-lo-so
I’m moroseSoy taciturnoˈsoi̯ tasiˈtuɾnosoy ta-see-toor-no
I feel rejectedMe siento rechazadome ˈsjɛ̃nto reʧaˈsaðomeh see-en-toe reh-cha-sa-doe
I’m sympatheticTengo simpatíaˈtɛ̃nɡo sĩmpaˈtiaten-go seem-pah-tee-ah
I’m empathicTengo empatíaˈtɛ̃nɡo ɛ̃mpaˈtiaten-go em-pah-tee-ah
I’m embarrassedEstoy avergonzadoɛsˈtoj aβɛɾɣõnˈsaðoes-toy ah-ver-gon-za-doh

How to ask someone how they’re feeling in Spanish

Life can be incredibly difficult for a number of reasons. Checking in on our friends and loved ones regularly is one of the best ways we can help keep each other safe and happy. If you’re wondering how to ask someone how they’re feeling in Spanish, either because something seems off or just as a check-in, take a look at the examples we’ve put together below!

Doctor asking her patient how they're feeling in Spanish.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
How are you?¿Cómo estás?ˈkomo ɛsˈtas ‖koh-mo es-tas
How are you, really?¿Cómo estás en verdad?ˈkomo ɛsˈtas ɛ̃m bɛɾˈðað ‖koh-mo es-tas ehn vair-dad
How have you been?¿Cómo has estado?ˈkomo ˈas ɛsˈtaðo ‖koh-mo as es-tah-doh
How’s it going?¿Cómo te está yendo?ˈkomo tɛ ɛsˈta ˈʝɛ̃ndo ‖koh-mo teh es-tah yen-doh
Everything okay?¿Todo bien?ˈtoðo ˈβjɛ̃n ‖toh-doh bee-ehn
How are you feeling?¿Cómo te sientes?ˈkomo te ˈsjɛ̃ntes ‖koh-mo teh see-ehn-tes
How are you? You don’t look so well.¿Cómo estás? No te ves muy bien.ˈkomo ɛsˈtas ‖ ˈno te ˈβes̬ mwi ˈβjɛ̃n ‖koh-mo es-tas no teh ves moo-ey bee-ehn
Do you want to talk about anything?¿Quieres platicarme algo?ˈkjɛɾes platiˈkaɾme ˈalɣo ‖key-air-es pla-tee-car-meh al-go
Is there any way I can support you right now?¿Hay alguna manera en la que te pueda apoyar en estos momentos?ˈaj alˈɣuna maˈnɛɾa ɛ̃n la ˈke te ˈpweða apoˈʝaɾ ɛn ˈɛstos̬ moˈmɛ̃ntos ‖ay al-goo-nah ma-neh-ra en la keh teh poo-eh-da ah-po-yar en es-tos mo-men-tos
Are you feeling down?¿Te sientes mal?te ˈsjɛ̃ntes̬ ˈmal ‖teh see-en-tes mal
You know you can lean on me if you need to, right?Sabes que puedes contar conmigo si lo necesitas, ¿verdad?ˈsaβes ˈke ˈpweðes kõnˈtaɾ kõmˈmiɣo si lo neseˈsitas | bɛɾˈðað ‖sah-bes keh poo-eh-des con-tar con-me-go see lo neh-seh-see-tas ver-dad

Considerations when discussing moods in Spanish

Using the Spanish subjunctive to express emotions

Expressing emotions in Spanish may be slightly challenging for English speakers, as the subjunctive tense is very commonly used. English doesn’t have a unique subjunctive tense, which is why learning how to use this in Spanish will take a little bit of practice.

The Spanish subjunctive deals with things that may or may not happen. It is normally used to express desires, wishes, possibilities, and even emotions. So, anytime you want to express your wish for someone to feel a certain way, you’d use the subjunctive.

If you haven’t studied this verb tense yet, do not worry. This is more intermediate or even advanced Spanish level, so don’t worry about it too much yet. Here are some example sentences to help you start getting used to it.

EnglishSpanishIPAPronunciation
I hope you like it!¡Ojalá te guste!oxaˈla te ˈɣuste ‖oh-hah-la teh goose-teh
I hope it makes you happy.Espero que te haga feliz.ɛsˈpɛɾo ˈke te ˈaɣa feˈlis ‖es-pear-oh keh teh ah-ga feh-lees
I want you to be happy.Quiero que seas feliz.ˈkjɛɾo ˈke ˈseas feˈlis ‖key-air-oh keh seh-as feh-lees
I hope he doesn’t suffer a lot.Espero que no sufra mucho.ɛsˈpɛɾo ˈke ˈno ˈsufɾa ˈmuʧo ‖es-pear-oh keh no soo-fra moo-cho
I hope everyone is relaxed.Espero que todos estén relajados. ɛsˈpɛɾo ˈke ˈtoðos ɛsˈtɛ̃n relaˈxaðos ‖es-pear-oh keh toh-dos es-ten reh-la-ha-dos

Using poner with an emotion

In English, you make someone angry. You make them excited. You make them giddy. But in Spanish, you don’t make them–you put them.

In Spanish, most times you want to talk about something making you or someone else feel a certain type of way, you’ll want to use the verb poner instead of the verb make. In other words, you put someone in a certain mood. Here are some example sentences.

EnglishSpanishIPA Pronunciation
Traveling makes me very happy.Viajar me pone muy contento.bjaˈxaɾ me ˈpone mwi kõnˈtɛ̃nto ‖vee-ah-har meh po-neh mooy con-ten-toe
Injustice makes me very upset.La injusticia me pone muy enojado.la ĩ̯nxusˈtisja me ˈpone mwj enoˈxaðo ‖la een-whose-tee-see-ah meh po-neh mooy eh-no-ha-doh
Traffic makes me angry.El tráfico me pone de malas.ɛl ˈtɾafiko me ˈpone ðe ˈmalas ‖elle tra-fee-koh meh poh-neh deh ma-las
Eating always makes me happy.Comer siempre me pone feliz.koˈmɛɾ ˈsjɛ̃mpɾe me ˈpone feˈlis ‖coh-mer see-em-preh meh poh-neh feh-lees
Knowing that you’re home safe makes me calm.Saber que llegaste a casa me pone tranquila.saˈβɛɾ ˈke ʝeˈɣaste a ˈkasa me ˈpone tɾãnˈkila ‖sah-ber keh yeh-gas-teh bee-en meh poh-neh tran-key-la

Using dar with an emotion

Similarly, someone or something can give you a particular mood or feeling. To use this construction, you simply have to use an indirect object pronoun plus the verb dar and a noun. Here are some examples.

EnglishSpanishIPA Pronunciation
That makes me sad.Eso me da mucha tristeza.ˈeso me ˈða ˈmuʧa tɾisˈtesa ‖eh-so meh da moo-cha trees-teh-za
Traveling makes me happy.Viajar me da felicidad.bjaˈxaɾ me ˈða felisiˈðað ‖vee-ah-har meh da feh-lee-see-dad
Traffic makes me lazy.El tráfico me da flojera.ɛl ˈtɾafiko me ˈða floˈxɛɾa ‖elle tra-fee-coh meh dah flo-heh-ra
That movie is so cute.Esa película siempre me da mucha ternura. ˈesa peˈlikula ˈsjɛ̃mpɾe me ˈða ˈmuʧa tɛɾˈnuɾa ‖eh-sa peh-lee-coo-la see-ehm-preh meh da moo-cha tehr-noo-rah
My mom embarasses me a lot sometimes.Mi mamá a veces me da mucha vergüenza.mi maˈma a ˈβeses̬ me ˈða ˈmuʧa βɛɾˈɣwɛ̃nsa ‖me mah-ma ah veh-sehs meh da moo-cha ver-goo-en-za

We’re sad to see you go!

This is the end of the article, and though we’re sad to see you go, we hope you had a good time learning all about the emotions and feelings in Spanish! Though talking about feelings can get complicated, it’s always best to address the issues early so that they don’t grow into something bigger.

Plus, if you don’t have a way to address your emotions and feelings in Spanish, you’ll just keep bottling them up. Repressing your feelings is never a good idea, so you should use that as an excuse to start practicing!

We’re sad this (extensive) article is over, but you don’t have to let the happy times come to an end! Check out our Spanish blog for even more awesome (and free!) Spanish study resources!

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