Emotions: Upper-intermediate Spanish vocabulary

18 Spanish words about emotions at upper-intermediate level. Each entry links to the full meaning, a real example sentence, and usage notes written for English speakers.

• tensionnounstrain, tension — a state of mental stress; also conflict or friction between parties
• sentimientonounsentiment, feeling — an emotion or opinion based on feeling rather than reason
• reaccionnounreaction, response — an action performed in response to something; also a chemical process
• sombranounshadow, shade — dark area produced by blocking light; also a metaphorical cloud or doubt
• triunfonountriumph, victory — a great success or achievement
• verguenzanounshame, embarrassment — the feeling of distress caused by wrong or foolish behaviour
• tristezanounsorrow, sadness — deep distress or grief
• alarmanounalarm — state of collective concern or fear; also an alarm device or signal
• empatianounempathy, sympathy — the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
• genionountemper, temperament
• venganzanounrevenge, vengeance — the action of hurting someone in return for hurt done to you
• alientonounbreath
• entusiasmonounenthusiasm, eagerness — strong interest in and positive feeling about something
• ternuranouna gentle, affectionate feeling towards someone; especially someone vulnerable
• admiraciónnouna feeling of respect and approval for someone or something impressive
• bachenouna hole or dip in the surface of a road, caused by wear or weather
• contagiarverbto pass an illness or infection on to someone else
• simpatíanounsympathy, warmth — likeability or warmth; false friend with English 'sympathy'