Meaning

1. “Sentir” (Non-Reflexive): The verb “sentir” is primarily used to describe physical sensations or perceptions. It can convey the sense of smelling, tasting, or feeling something physically, such as a scent, taste, or a physical touch.

• Je sens la rose. (I smell the rose.)
• Elle sent le parfum. (She smells the perfume.)
• Il sent le froid. (He feels the cold.)

1. “Se Sentir” (Reflexive): On the other hand, “se sentir” is a reflexive verb that pertains to one’s emotional or physical state, how one feels mentally or physically. It expresses emotions, moods, and general well-being.

• Je me sens heureux. (I feel happy.)
• Elle se sent fatiguée. (She feels tired.)
• Ils se sentent coupables. (They feel guilty.)

“Sentir” vs “Se Sentir”

The key distinction between “sentir” and “se sentir” lies in the context and the object of the verb. “Sentir” focuses on external sensations or perceptions, whereas “se sentir” is inward, concerned with one’s emotional and physical state.

Conjugation

Let’s take a look at how “sentir” and “se sentir” are conjugated in the present tense and passé composé.

Present Tense:

• “Sentir” (Non-Reflexive):
• Je sens (I smell/feel)
• Tu sens (You smell/feel)
• Il/Elle sent (He/She smells/feels)
• Nous sentons (We smell/feel)
• Vous sentez (You smell/feel)
• Ils/Elles sentent (They smell/feel)

• “Se Sentir” (Reflexive):
• Je me sens (I feel)
• Tu te sens (You feel)
• Il/Elle se sent (He/She feels)
• Nous nous sentons (We feel)
• Vous vous sentez (You feel)
• Ils/Elles se sentent (They feel)

Passé Composé:

• “Sentir” (Non-Reflexive):
• J’ai senti (I smelled/felt)
• Tu as senti (You smelled/felt)
• Il/Elle a senti (He/She smelled/felt)
• Nous avons senti (We smelled/felt)
• Vous avez senti (You smelled/felt)
• Ils/Elles ont senti (They smelled/felt)

• “Se Sentir” (Reflexive):
• Je me suis senti(e) (I felt)
• Tu t’es senti(e) (You felt)
• Il/Elle s’est senti(e) (He/She felt)
• Nous nous sommes senti(e)s (We felt)
• Vous vous êtes senti(e)(s) (You felt)
• Ils/Elles se sont senti(e)s (They felt)

Etymology

The word “sentir” comes from the Latin verb “sentire,” which means “to feel” or “to perceive.” Over time, it evolved into Old French as “sentir.” It has kept the same spelling in modern French.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. Sentir le sapin: This idiomatic expression means “to feel that one’s death is imminent.” It originates from the scent of pine trees often used for coffins.
2. Se sentir comme un poisson dans l’eau: Translated as “to feel like a fish in water,” this phrase denotes feeling completely at ease and comfortable in a particular situation.
3. Ne pas se sentir dans son assiette: Literally, “not feeling in one’s plate,” this idiom is used to express feeling unwell or out of sorts.