Spanish · A1 · Family moment
Big feelings in Spanish
Helping your child navigate big emotions is an important part of parenting. In Spanish, we use the verb 'estar' to talk about how we feel in the moment, rather than who we are permanently.
What you'll learn
- Learn to identify basic emotions in Spanish
- Use the verb 'estar' to express feelings
- Provide comfort and reassurance to a child in Spanish
Spanish phrases for big feelings
¿Estás triste?
Are you sad?
Use a rising tone for the question.
Estoy aquí.
I am here.
'Estoy' means 'I am' when talking about location or feelings.
Está bien llorar.
It is okay to cry.
Literally: 'It is good to cry'.
¿Necesitas un abrazo?
Do you need a hug?
'Abrazo' is a masculine noun.
Estoy orgulloso de ti.
I am proud of you.
Change to 'orgullosa' if the speaker is female.
Respira profundo.
Take a deep breath.
A useful command for calming down.
Estás a salvo.
You are safe.
'A salvo' is an idiomatic way to say safe/secure.
Estoy feliz.
I am happy.
'Feliz' works for both boys and girls.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Estar
To be
Used for temporary states like emotions or locations.
Triste
Sad
This word does not change for gender.
Abrazo
Hug
From the verb 'abrazar'.
Using 'Estar' for Emotions
In Spanish, we use the verb 'estar' (not 'ser') for feelings because emotions are temporary states.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I am | Yo estoy (or just 'Estoy') | Estoy feliz. |
| You are (singular) | Tú estás (or just 'Estás') | ¿Estás triste? |
| He/She/It is | Él/Ella/Eso está | Está bien. |
More examples
No llores, estoy aquí.
Don't cry, I am here.
A comforting phrase for a child.
¿Estás feliz hoy?
Are you happy today?
A simple way to check in on feelings.