In a nutshell, the verb sentirsela means to feel up to doing something, or to have the courage or willingness to do something. It’s often used when someone feels unsure or hesitant about taking on a task or challenge.
One of my students recently came across the verb sentirsela and, recognising it wasn’t just a basic form of sentire (to feel or hear), bravely tried to use it in conversation. The meaning was technically right, but the context was all wrong-unsurprisingly, it didn’t quite land! It’s a great example of how even more advanced learners can stumble when it comes to these nuanced expressions.
Let’s delve into this verb and its various meanings so you can start using it like a native!
In this blog, we’ll explore what sentirsela means, in detail, how to use it correctly in sentences, common mistakes to avoid, and practical examples to help you master this useful verb.
1. What Does “Sentirsela” Mean?
Sentirsela means “to feel up to” doing something, “to have the courage,” or “to be willing” to do something. It expresses whether someone feels emotionally or mentally ready to take an action. In some contexts, it can also imply being “physically able or up to doing something.”
“To feel up to”
- Oggi non me la sento di uscire: preferisco restare a casa e rilassarmi.
(Today I don’t feel up to going out: I’d rather stay at home and relax.)
Here, non me la sento communicates an emotional or mental reluctance, not because of fear or inability, but simply because the speaker doesn’t feel willing or inclined. - Non me la sento di uscire stasera perché sono troppo stanca.
(I don’t feel like going out tonight, because I am too tired.)
In this example, you are saying you don’t have the energy to do it.
“Not to have the heart to”
- Non me la sono sentita di dire la verità, avrebbe causato problemi a mia sorella.
(I didn’t have the heart to tell the truth; it would have caused problems for my sister.)
Here, the person did not have the heart to tell the truth as it would have negative consequences.
“To have the courage”
- Te la senti di parlare con il direttore e spiegargli tutto?
(Do you feel up to talking to the director and explaining everything?)
This asks if the other has the courage or confidence to talk to the director.
“To be willing”
- Luca ha detto che non se la sente di trasferirsi in un’altra città adesso.
(Luca said he’s not willing to move to another city right now.)
Here, the person is simply not willing to do something.
“To be physically able”
- Dopo l’intervento, non me la sento ancora di camminare per troppo tempo.
(After the surgery, I still don’t feel physically up to walking for too long.)
2. How to Use “Sentirsela”
At first glance, sentirsela might look complicated, but it’s not difficult if you learn its conjugation. It’s a pronominal verb, which means it includes the basic verb sentire plus two pronouns, one reflexive combined with the pronoun la which doesn’t change.
Here is how to conjugate it in the present tense:
The structure of sentirsela is:
[Reflexive pronoun + la] + sentirsi + di + [infinitive verb]
For example: me la sento di andare alla manifestazione. (I feel up to going to the demonstration.)
Here is the present tense
Other conjugations:
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many learners confuse sentirsela with the simpler verb sentire (to hear or to feel). Remember:
- Sentire alone means “to hear” or “to feel” physically or emotionally.
- Sentirsela is a pronominal verb used specifically to express feeling up to doing something, willingness, or courage.
Also, don’t forget the reflexive pronoun and the particle la – they are essential parts of the verb. Omitting them changes the meaning or makes the sentence incorrect.
With passato prossimo remember the form se la è sentita = se l’è sentita.
Finally, always follow sentirsela with di and an infinitive verb to indicate the action you feel like doing or not doing.
Conclusion
Sentirsela is a versatile and important verb in Italian that helps you express your emotional readiness, willingness, or courage to do something. By understanding its meaning, structure, and common uses, you can add a natural and expressive tool to your Italian vocabulary.
If you want to truly master sentirsela and other pronominal verbs, we offer specialized courses where you can practice these expressions in context. Whether you are at a B1, B2, or even C2 level, our courses are designed to help you gain confidence and fluency through interactive lessons and real-life conversation practice.
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Practice Exercise:
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of sentirsela + di + infinitive
- Io non __________ (sentirsela) __________ uscire stasera, sono troppo stanco.
- Tu __________ (sentirsela) __________ parlare davanti a tutta la classe?
- Lei non __________ (sentirsela) __________ dire la verità.
- Noi __________ (sentirsela) __________ affrontare questo problema insieme.
- Voi __________ (sentirsela) __________ aiutarmi con il trasloco?
- Loro non __________ (sentirsela) __________ viaggiare in questo momento.
- Dopo la corsa, io non __________ (sentirsela) __________ continuare.
- Tu __________ (sentirsela) __________ chiedere un aumento al capo?
- Marco non __________ (sentirsela) __________ trasferirsi all’estero adesso.
- Noi __________ (sentirsela) __________ partecipare alla manifestazione domani?
Buona fortuna e buon studio!
Answer Key
- Io non me la sento di uscire stasera, sono troppo stanco.
- Tu te la senti di parlare davanti a tutta la classe?
- Lei non se la sente di dire la verità.
- Noi ce la sentiamo di affrontare questo problema insieme.
- Voi ve la sentite di aiutarmi con il trasloco?
- Loro non se la sentono di viaggiare in questo momento.
- Dopo la corsa, io non me la sento di continuare.
- Tu te la senti di chiedere un aumento al capo?
- Marco non se la sente di trasferirsi all’estero adesso.
- Noi ce la sentiamo di partecipare alla manifestazione domani?
