Feelings Vocabulary in Spanish
A comprehensive collection of words in Spanish related to different types of feelings and emotions.
estar asustado
be scared.
The Spanish phrase 'estar asustado' translates to 'be scared' in English. It is typically used to express fear or fright as a result of a particular environment or situation. It is an emotional state verb characterized by concerns, worries, or nervousness. The direct interpretation of 'estar' is 'to be' while 'asustado' means 'scared'. It's a state of being that could change depending on the situation at hand.
estar como loco
being crazy.
'Estar como loco' is a Spanish phrase that is translated into English as 'being crazy'. This term is often used to describe someone who is acting in a nonsensical, irrational, or unpredictable manner. It can be used both in a literal sense, in reference to actual mental instability, or in a metaphorical sense, to describe someone who is wildly excited or energetic, or who behaves in a way that is considered outside the norms of regular, sensible behavior.
estar como un flan
being like a flan
The Spanish phrase 'estar como un flan' is an idiomatic expression that can be translated to 'being like a flan' in English. It is used to describe someone being nervous or jittery, drawing a comparison to the wiggly and shaky nature of a flan dessert which is soft and jiggly.
estar contento
Be happy
The Spanish phrase 'estar contento' translates to 'be happy' in English. It is used to express a state of happiness, satisfaction, or joy. This phrase is a state of being that can change, depending on the subject's emotions or circumstances. It is important to note that 'estar contento' is used for temporary or changeable states, in contrast to 'ser feliz', which is used for more permanent states of happiness.
estar de pena
to be sorry
The Spanish phrase 'estar de pena' translates as 'to be sorry' in English. It is generally used to convey the speaker's regret or sorrow over a particular incident or situation. However, it's worth noting that the phrase doesn't exactly match up with the English concept of 'being sorry'. In some contexts, it can also imply feeling embarrassed or disgraceful depending on the context.
estar decaído
being decayed (down)
The Spanish phrase 'estar decaído' translates to 'being down' or 'feeling down' in English. It is used to express a state of feeling low or being mentally or emotionally depressed. The phrase is often used in the context of conversation to convey one's emotional dynamics. Note that it does not mean 'being decayed', which would correspond to a different Spanish verb 'estar en descomposición'. Understanding these nuances is crucial in learning Spanish language.
Example sentences with estar decaído →estar deprimido
being depressed
The Spanish phrase 'estar deprimido' translates to 'being depressed' in English. This is a state of feeling sad, lost, or empty over a prolonged period. It can refer to a clinical condition that requires treatment, or it can refer to temporary feelings of sadness or emotional exhaustion. As with many emotional concepts, the exact meaning can vary somewhat depending on context.
estar desolado
to be desolate
The Spanish phrase 'estar desolado' translates to 'to be desolate' in English. 'Estar' is a verb in Spanish that broadly means 'to be'. It is used in various contexts, especially to describe conditional and temporary states. 'Desolado', on the other hand, is an adjective which means 'desolate'. It is derived from the verb 'desolar' which means 'to devastate' or 'to lay waste'. Hence, 'estar desolado' is an expression used to describe a state of being desolate or devastated, which could refer to a physical place, but most often refers to a state of feeling or emotion.
estar distraído
being distracted
The Spanish phrase 'estar distraído' translates to 'being distracted' in English. It is generally used to describe a state of not paying attention to what one should be or usually is attentive to. This could be caused by a lack of interest in the present activity or preoccupation with other thoughts or happenings.
Example sentences with estar distraído →estar enamorado
being in love
The phrase 'estar enamorado' in Spanish translates to 'being in love' in English. It is most commonly used to express romantic sentiment towards someone, reflecting deep affection and strong admiration for that person. It's an expression of intense emotional attachment characterized by passion, intimacy, and commitment.
estar enfadado
being angry
The phrase 'estar enfadado' translates to 'being angry' in English. This is a common phrase used to describe someone's emotional state in Spanish. It is formed by the verb 'estar', meaning 'to be' in a temporary way (used for conditions, locations, emotions, etc.), coupled with the adjective 'enfadado', which means 'angry'. This phrase possesses an important nuance - it suggests a temporary condition, not a permanent state, fostering the idea that emotions change and are not fixed states of being.
estar estresado
Being stressed
The Spanish phrase 'estar estresado' translates to 'being stressed' in English. It is used to express a state of mental or emotional strain or tension, usually resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. Similar to its English counterpart, this phrase can be used in a variety of contexts, such as personal stress due to workload, relationship issues, or general life pressures. This phrase is typically used in conversational and descriptive Spanish.
estar eufórico
being euphoric
The phrase 'estar eufórico' in Spanish translates to 'being euphoric' in English. This is typically used to describe a state of extreme happiness or excitement. It may be used in a variety of contexts, but is most commonly found in social or emotional dialogues or descriptions. It is a verb phrase, with 'estar' being a verb referring to a state of being, and 'eufórico' being an adjective that modifies this state.
estar hasta el gorro
to the hat
The Spanish phrase 'estar hasta el gorro' is an idiom that, although it directly translates to 'to the hat' in English, it does not maintain the same meaning. In English speaking context it is used to illustrate intense frustration, and would best be translated to 'to be fed up' or 'to have had it up to here'. It illustrates being tired, exasperated, or annoyed with a situation, a person, or even something about oneself.
estar hasta las narices
to be at the core.
'Estar hasta las narices' is a Spanish idiomatic expression which does not translate directly into English but the equivalent might be to say that you are 'fed up' or 'to have had it up to here'. It is not meant to literally mean 'be at the core'. It is typically used to show a high level of frustration or annoyance, usually directed at a specific situation or person. Translated word-for-word in English it means 'to be up to the noses', which makes little sense in English, hence it is clearly idiomatic in nature.
estar hecho polvo
being made dust
The Spanish phrase 'estar hecho polvo' is a colloquial idiomatic expression in English it translates literally to 'to be made dust'. However, that is not its figurative meaning. Instead, it is commonly used to mean when someone is extremely tired or exhausted, both physically and emotionally. It could also mean to be destroyed or ruined in certain contexts.
estar maravillado
to be wonderful
The phrase 'estar maravillado' in Spanish typically translates to 'to be amazed' or 'to be in wonder' in English. It describes a state of awe, delight, or great pleasure. It can be used to express significant admiration for something or someone. However, it does not directly translate to 'to be wonderful', as that would suggest the subject itself is wonderful.
estar negro
Being black
The Spanish term 'estar negro' cannot be directly translated to 'being black' in English. Although 'negro' literally means black, and 'estar' means to be, the term 'estar negro', when used metaphorically in Spanish, has a more nuanced meaning. It can be used to express a state akin to being really upset, being in a bad mood, or facing a dire situation. Accurate translations might include being in a tight spot, having a bad time or seeing red. It is an idiomatic phrase in Spanish language and its comprehension requires an understanding of the cultural context.
estar nervioso
be nervous.
The Spanish phrase 'estar nervioso' translates to 'be nervous' in English. It is used to express a feeling of unease, anxiety, or worry about something that is happening or may happen. This can include feeling jittery, tense, or apprehensive. This phrase can be used in a variety of situations such as before taking a test, giving a speech, or during a high-stress situation.
estar preocupado
worried.
'Estar preocupado' is a Spanish phrase used to express the state of being worried, anxious or concerned about something or someone. This phrase is an example of the verb 'estar' being used to indicate temporary states or feelings. In English, it directly translates to 'to be worried'.
estar triste
being sad
The Spanish phrase 'estar triste' translates to 'being sad' in English. This phrase is often used to describe someone's emotional state at a particular moment in time. 'Estar' is a verb that means 'to be' and 'triste' is an adjective that means 'sad'. So 'estar triste' in English can be understood as 'to be sad'. In Spanish, feelings are described using 'estar' rather than 'ser', which is generally used for more permanent states of being.
estrés
stress
The Spanish word 'estrés' is translated into English as 'stress'. This term often refers to a feeling of emotional or physical tension, which can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry or nervous. Stress is a normal part of life and can be beneficial in some situations, providing a boost of energy or helping to meet daily challenges. But if it becomes chronic, it can become harmful and lead to significant health problems.
estresarse
Stress
The Spanish word 'estresarse' is a word that refers to the psychological reaction to excess pressure or demands. In English, it is translated as 'to get stressed' or 'to stress'. It is a reflexive verb that implies an action which is performed onto oneself. Therefore, 'estresarse' does not simply mean 'stress', but it describes the action of causing oneself to experience stress.
experimentar angustia
experience distress
The Spanish phrase 'experimentar angustia' translates to 'experience distress' in English. It refers to the feeling of extreme worry, anxiety, or pain over a particular situation or circumstance. This phrase may be used in various contexts where emotional or psychological discomfort is discussed.
experimentar dolor
experience pain
The Spanish phrase 'experimentar dolor' translates to 'experience pain' in English. This phrase conveys the act of personally undergoing or feeling physical discomfort or suffering as a result of an injury or illness, or emotional distress from a particular situation.
experimentar miedo
experience fear
The Spanish term 'experimentar miedo' translates to 'experience fear' in English. It is often used in situations where fear is provoked in an individual, whether from external factors such as a scary movie or situation, or from internal elements such as anxiety or personal fears. It describes the act and feeling of going through fear or a scary situation. Therefore, if someone tells you 'No quiero experimentar miedo', they are saying they do not want to experience fear.
experimentar una emoción increíble
experience incredible emotion
The Spanish phrase 'experimentar una emoción increíble' translates to 'experience incredible emotion' in English. It can be used in various contexts where someone is undergoing an intense, often positive, emotional experience. This could be due to an exceptional event, achievement, or observation that evokes strong feelings of joy, amazement, awe, or euphoria. So, when someone says they 'experimentar una emoción increíble', they mean they are having an incredible, profound emotional experience.
experimentar una sensación intensa
experience an intense sensation
The Spanish phrase 'experimentar una sensación intensa' translates to 'experience an intense sensation' in English. This phrase is often used when one is attempting to describe a particularly strong or profound feeling - this could be emotional, physical or even spiritual. The word 'experimentar' suggests a direct, personal experiencing of something, while 'sensación intensa' emphasizes the overpowering or overwhelming nature of this experience.
fascinado
fascinated
The Spanish word 'fascinado' translates to 'fascinated' in English. To be 'fascinado' is to be intensely interested and attracted by something, that it captivates you completely and draws your absolute attention. It could be a concept, a person, a place, an event, or even an idea. Just like in English, this word has the same context in Spanish wherein it is typically used to express extreme interest and attention towards something.
fascinar
fascinate
The word 'fascinar' in English is 'fascinate'. This word is typically used as a verb in Spanish to express a sense of strong interest or admiration for someone or something. It is also used to denote being awed by a person or something that is extremely interesting or captivating. In English, 'to fascinate' carries the same meaning and can be used interchangeably in similar contexts.