To feel vs. smell

D. T.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

To feel vs. smell

What would be the difference between “I smell nothing” and I feel nothing”. I thought to feel in this case might require a reflexive construction?

Asked 1 year ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

I feel nothing -- Je ne ressens rien.
I smell nothing. -- Je ne sens rien.

Ressentir is used when referring to feelings (mostly emotional but also physical), so it removes the ambiguity of sentir, which can also refer to smelling.

CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour D,

Chris is correct! 

Take a look here for the use of "se sentir" (emotional): How to use sentir bon versus se sentir bien

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

C. 🥥.A0Kwiziq community member

To feel is sentir, comme je me sens ou plus!

D. T. asked:

To feel vs. smell

What would be the difference between “I smell nothing” and I feel nothing”. I thought to feel in this case might require a reflexive construction?

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