Sentimiento vs. emoción
While both 'sentimiento' and 'emoción' are Spanish words that can be translated to the English word 'feeling', they are not always interchangeable as they convey slightly different connotations.
Sentimiento
Sentimiento refers to a deep, lasting emotional state. It tends to imply a more sustained and profound emotion, often linked to love, sorrow, or other intense emotions. It involves a cognitive process, often developed over time.
Tengo un sentimiento de tristeza desde que te fuiste.
(I have a feeling of sadness since you left.)
Su sentimiento de amor por ella se ha vuelto más fuerte con los años.
(His feeling of love for her has become stronger over the years.)
En su corazón había un sentimiento de culpa persistente.
(There was a persistent feeling of guilt in his heart.)
Emoción
Emoción, on the other hand, usually refers to a more immediate or temporary emotional response. This is typically used when talking about reactions that are brief, volatile or reactionary in nature.
Cuando me dieron la noticia, no pude contener la emoción.
(When I received the news, I couldn't contain the emotion.)
Siento una gran emoción al ver este paisaje impresionante.
(I feel great emotion when I see this awe-inspiring landscape.)
La emoción del momento le sobrecogió.
(The emotion of the moment overwhelmed him.)
Summary
'Sentimiento' and 'emoción' both refer to feelings in Spanish but are used differently based on the depth and duration of these feelings. 'Sentimiento' is used when referring to profound, enduring emotions while 'emoción' is used for immediate and temporary feelings.