Forum Rocket Italian Italian Grammar How describe feelings in the past

How describe feelings in the past

David.

David.

Hi. Can someone advise me please?

 

How do I say: “I felt ill yesterday”

 

I've seen examples using passato prossimo like “Mi sono sentito male ieri”

 

However, since we are describing a state of mind, not a completed action I thought the imperfect would be more suitable, ie. “Mi sentivo male ieri”

 

Can you tell me which is correct, or more natural please?

 

Thanks!

caterina-rocket-italian-tutor

caterina-rocket-italian-tutor

Hi David, 

 

Thanks for your question! 

 

Both are correct but might imply slightly different things.

 

If you use passato prossimo “mi sono sentito male ieri”, you are referring to a specific timeframe or moment. For instance, let's say you were having dinner and, after a few minutes, you started to feel ill. In such case, on the next day, you would say “Mi sono sentito male ieri, mentre ero a cena."

 

Instead, you can use the imperfect to refer to a wider timeframe, rather than to a specific moment. For instance, let's say you felt ill throughout the day (e.g. fever, cold, tiredness etc.), you would say “Ieri mi sentivo male, quindi non sono andato a lavoro.”

 

Hope this helps, feel free to let me know in case I can provide more details! :) 

David.

David.

Hi Caterina,

 

I understand perfectly now! Your explanations are so good..

 

Thanks for your help

Ask a question or post a response

If you want to ask a question or post a response you need to be a member.

If you are already a member login here.
If you are not a member you can become one by taking the free Rocket Italian trial here.