Being able to talk about your feelings is one of the first steps to making real connections in any language. This vocabulary list covers the most essential, high-frequency words you'll need to express emotions and physical states in Spanish. You'll use these words every day, from answering the simple question "¿Cómo estás?" (How are you?) to sharing that you're excited, tired, or hungry. For A1 learners, it's crucial to notice a key pattern: most temporary emotions and feelings use the verb 'estar' (to be), as in "Estoy feliz" (I am happy). However, many common physical states that are expressed with 'to be' in English use the verb 'tener' (to have) in Spanish, such as "Tengo hambre" (I am hungry, literally 'I have hunger'). Mastering this distinction is a fundamental step in sounding natural. This list focuses on vocabulary common throughout Latin America. While most of these words are universal, we prioritize the terms you're most likely to hear from Mexico to Argentina. You'll find many helpful cognates (words that look and mean the same) like 'feliz' and 'nervioso' to help you learn faster.
well, fine
—¿Cómo estás? —Estoy bien, gracias. — 'How are you?' 'I'm well, thank you.'
badly, not well
Hoy me siento un poco mal. — I feel a little unwell today.
so-so, okay
No estoy bien, pero tampoco mal. Estoy más o menos. — I'm not great, but not bad either. I'm so-so.
happy
Ella está muy feliz con su nuevo trabajo. — She is very happy with her new job.
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happy, content
Estamos contentos de estar aquí. — We are happy to be here.
sad
¿Por qué estás triste? — Why are you sad?
angry, mad
Mi papá está enojado porque el tráfico está horrible. — My dad is angry because the traffic is horrible.
tired
Después de trabajar todo el día, estoy muy cansada. — After working all day, I am very tired.
excited
¡Estoy emocionada por el viaje a Colombia! — I'm excited for the trip to Colombia!
worried
Él está preocupado por el examen de mañana. — He is worried about tomorrow's exam.
bored
Los niños están aburridos porque llueve. — The children are bored because it's raining.
nervous
Siempre estoy nervioso antes de una presentación. — I'm always nervous before a presentation.
calm, relaxed
Me gusta leer en la playa para estar tranquilo. — I like to read on the beach to be calm.
surprised
Ella está sorprendida por el regalo. — She is surprised by the gift.
in love (with)
Javier está enamorado de Sofía. — Javier is in love with Sofia.
confused
Estoy confundido, no entiendo la pregunta. — I'm confused, I don't understand the question.
to be hungry
No he comido nada. ¡Tengo mucha hambre! — I haven't eaten anything. I'm very hungry!
to be thirsty
Después de correr, siempre tengo sed. — After running, I'm always thirsty.
to be sleepy
Son las once de la noche y tengo mucho sueño. — It's eleven at night and I'm very sleepy.
to be hot
En verano, siempre tengo calor. — In the summer, I'm always hot.
to be cold
¿Puedes cerrar la ventana? Tengo frío. — Can you close the window? I'm cold.
to be scared (of)
El niño tiene miedo de la oscuridad. — The boy is scared of the dark.
to be in a hurry
Lo siento, no puedo hablar ahora, tengo prisa. — I'm sorry, I can't talk now, I'm in a hurry.