sentir vs goûter

Heike B.A2Kwiziq community member

sentir vs goûter

Bonsoir,

I think there is a mistake in the translation of "tu sens ça? I translated it as Do you smell that?, Do you feel that? but had it only partially correct. Your answer also noted Do you taste that? To taste is normally translated as goûter - so why are you using sentir instead? It does not sound right. Please explain. Thanks !

Asked 3 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

You have to be careful, because there is a difference between goûter and sentir. Goûter is normally used to say "taste" in the sense of trying or sampling something (but not exclusively). If the sensory impression is what you're after, then sentir is the more appropriate verb.

Je peux goûter de ton vin? -- Can I try/taste your wine?
Je peux sentir ton vin. -- I can smell/taste your wine.

Heike B. asked:

sentir vs goûter

Bonsoir,

I think there is a mistake in the translation of "tu sens ça? I translated it as Do you smell that?, Do you feel that? but had it only partially correct. Your answer also noted Do you taste that? To taste is normally translated as goûter - so why are you using sentir instead? It does not sound right. Please explain. Thanks !

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