Sentirlo

Sentirlo is a verb phrase used in Spanish and Italian that means to feel it or to hear it, depending on the context. It is formed by the verb sentir (Spanish) or sentire (Italian) followed by the masculine direct object pronoun lo. The pronoun lo functions as a one-word object reference for a masculine singular noun or concept.

Etymology and grammar

Both Spanish and Italian descend their verbs from Latin sentire, meaning to feel, sense, or perceive. The pronoun lo is a direct object pronoun that can attach to the infinitive form or to the conjugated verb in both languages. In Italian, as in Spanish, the infinitive form can carry the attached pronoun (sentirlo / sentirlo), producing phrases that translate to “to feel/hear it.” The phrase lo siento in Spanish is a well-known idiom meaning “I’m sorry,” illustrating how the literal sense of feeling is used in an empathetic or emotional expression.

Usage

Sentirlo covers physical sensations, perceptual feelings, and emotional awareness. In Spanish, examples include Quiero sentirlo (I want to feel/hear it) and No lo siento (I don’t feel it). In Italian, examples include Voglio sentirlo (I want to feel/hear it) and Lo sento (I feel/hear it). The construction can also appear with other auxiliary or modal verbs, where the pronoun remains attached to the infinitive.

Notes

The form is different from sentir-se (the reflexive sense of feeling oneself) or sentir as a noun in other constructions. The exact nuance—physical sensation, perception, or emotional reaction—depends on context and the verbs governing the phrase.