Sentire vs. sentirsi
The Italian verbs sentire and sentirsi are related but have distinct uses. The core difference is that sentire is a transitive verb used to perceive something external with the senses, while sentirsi is a reflexive verb used to describe one's own internal state or condition.
Sentire
A1This verb means to perceive something with your senses. It translates to to hear a sound, to feel a physical sensation or emotion towards something, to smell an odor, or to taste a flavor.
Sento un rumore strano provenire dalla cucina.
(I hear a strange noise coming from the kitchen.)
Senti che freddo fa fuori?
(Do you feel how cold it is outside?)
Quando entro in quella pasticceria, sento un profumo meraviglioso.
(When I enter that pastry shop, I smell a wonderful aroma.)
Sento una grande gioia per la tua promozione.
(I feel great joy for your promotion.)
Sento la mancanza dei miei amici.
(I feel the absence of my friends (I miss my friends).)
Assaggia la zuppa e senti se manca il sale.
(Taste the soup and feel if it's missing salt.)
Sentirsi
A2This reflexive verb describes how a person feels internally, regarding their health, mood, or general well-being. It answers the question How do you feel? and is usually followed by an adjective or adverb.
Oggi mi sento molto energico.
(Today I feel very energetic.)
Come ti senti dopo l'operazione?
(How do you feel after the surgery?)
Si sente un po' triste perché parte.
(He feels a little sad because he is leaving.)
Ci sentiamo a nostro agio in questa casa.
(We feel at ease in this house.)
Non mi sento pronto per l'esame.
(I don't feel ready for the exam.)
Vi sentite offesi dalle mie parole?
(Do you feel offended by my words?)
Summary
In summary, use sentire when you perceive something external with your senses (e.g., sento un suono - I hear a sound; sento freddo - I feel cold). Use sentirsi to describe your own internal condition, be it physical or emotional (e.g., mi sento bene - I feel well; mi sento felice - I feel happy). A simple rule is that sentire is often followed by a noun, while sentirsi is followed by an adjective or adverb describing your state.