Spanish word

percibir

Pronunciation

IPA/peɾθiˈβiɾ/

Meaning

  • verbfeel

Example

No percibo dolor ahora.

I don't feel pain now.

Illustration for percibir (feel)

More examples

Los peatones percibieron el peligro y se apartaron.

The pedestrians perceived the danger and stepped aside.

Core concept

Noticing or detecting a stimulus with the senses or mind.

Common phrases

  • percibir el peligro

    perceive the danger

  • percibir una intención

    perceive an intention

Similar words

sentir: Feels bodily or emotional sensations like pain or joy directly.
notar: Notices external changes or particular visible features.
darse cuenta: Becomes aware of a fact or situation after directing attention.
captar: Grasps a meaning, nuance, or atmosphere through intuition or experience.

Definition in Spanish

Notar o captar algo mediante los sentidos o la mente, recibir una impresión o percepción.

Word origin

Derived from Latin percipere (per- 'thoroughly' + capere 'take'), the verb came to mean taking in a stimulus through the senses or the mind.

Usage tips

  • Although English perceive is a close equivalent, Spanish percibir often sounds more formal than sentir and is used when emphasizing detection or impression rather than everyday feelings.

Other meanings

  • noticeverb
  • receiveverb
  • perceiveverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word