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Sentir vs. sentirse

Word practice demo
The Spanish verbs sentir and sentirse both translate to to feel in English but are used in slightly different contexts.

Sentir

A1
The verb sentir is a transitive verb that requires a direct object. It is used to express physical sensations or emotions that someone feels towards something or someone.
Siento frío.
(I feel cold.)
Sentimos mucha alegría al verte.
(We feel a lot of joy seeing you.)
¿Sientes dolor en el brazo?
(Do you feel pain in your arm?)
Ella siente tristeza por la noticia.
(She feels sadness about the news.)

Sentirse

A2
Sentirse is a reflexive verb, meaning it reflects back to the subject. It is often used to describe the subject's internal state or how they perceive their own feelings or physical condition.
Me siento bien hoy.
(I feel good today.)
Nos sentimos cansados después de trabajar.
(We feel tired after working.)
¿Te sientes mejor?
(Do you feel better?)
Él se siente feliz con su nuevo trabajo.
(He feels happy with their new job.)

Summary

Sentir and sentirse both mean to feel, but they are used differently. Sentir is a transitive verb requiring a direct object and expresses feelings towards external things, while sentirse is reflexive and describes one's internal emotional or physical state.