Feelings and Emotions

March 17, 2025

Teach your students how to express emotions clearly, respond to others, and build emotional fluency in English

Language isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about expressing how we feel. Feelings and emotions vocabulary gives ESL learners the essential tools to do just that: describe their inner world, understand others, and participate in more meaningful conversations.

This vocabulary is especially important for beginner and intermediate learners who are still developing the confidence to speak about personal experiences. With words like happy, sad, angry, excited, and nervous, students can start expressing their emotions in a clear and simple way—something that instantly makes their English feel more real and personal.

As they grow more comfortable, students benefit from learning more nuanced vocabulary like disappointed, frustrated, anxious, and guilty. These words help learners move beyond surface-level descriptions and talk more deeply about their reactions to events, relationships, and challenges. It’s language that empowers emotional intelligence alongside fluency.

This pack also supports mental health and well-being. Teaching words like relaxed, content, tired, and bored allows students to talk about how they’re feeling physically and emotionally in daily life or in response to classroom situations. It’s especially helpful in building trust and encouraging open communication—both with teachers and peers.

In the classroom, this vocabulary makes space for role-plays, reflections, storytelling, and group discussions. Students can talk about proud moments, unexpected surprises, or times they felt embarrassed or ashamed. These aren’t just language-building moments—they’re chances to build connection and community.

Now is the perfect time to add this pack. This vocabulary helps students better understand themselves, express their needs, and connect with others—skills that matter just as much as grammar or pronunciation. Bring it into your lessons and give your students the words to speak from the heart.

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Pack	Vocab	Type	Definition	Usage
61	Happy	Adjective	Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.	She felt happy after hearing the good news. Happy people tend to have a positive outlook on life.
61	Sad	Adjective	Feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy.	He was sad to say goodbye to his friends. Sadness is a natural response to loss or disappointment.
61	Angry	Adjective	Feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.	She was angry when she found out about the mistake. Anger can sometimes lead to rash decisions if not managed properly.
61	Excited	Adjective	Very enthusiastic and eager.	The children were excited about going to the amusement park. Excitement can make people more energetic and talkative.
61	Nervous	Adjective	Easily agitated or alarmed; apprehensive or anxious.	He felt nervous before the job interview. Nervousness can cause physical symptoms like sweating and shaking.
61	Anxious	Adjective	Feeling worried or nervous about something uncertain.	She was anxious about her upcoming exam results. Anxiety can sometimes lead to difficulty concentrating or sleeping.
61	Relaxed	Adjective	Free from tension and anxiety; at ease.	He felt relaxed after a long day at the beach. Relaxation is important for mental and physical well-being.
61	Confident	Adjective	Feeling or showing confidence in oneself; self-assured.	She was confident in her ability to solve the problem. Confidence can help people take on challenges and succeed.
61	Fearful	Adjective	Feeling afraid; showing fear or anxiety.	The children were fearful of the dark. Fear can cause a person to avoid certain situations or people.
61	Surprised	Adjective	Feeling or showing surprise because something unexpected happened.	She was surprised to see her old friend at the party. Surprises can be pleasant or unpleasant, depending on the situation.
61	Disappointed	Adjective	Sad or displeased because someone or something has failed to fulfill one's hopes or expectations.	He was disappointed when the concert was canceled. Disappointment often arises from unmet expectations.
61	Frustrated	Adjective	Feeling upset due to challenges or inability to achieve something.	She felt frustrated with the slow progress of the project. Frustration can lead to feelings of helplessness or anger.
61	Content	Adjective	In a state of peaceful happiness.	He felt content after a relaxing day with his family. Contentment often comes from appreciating what one has.
61	Bored	Adjective	Feeling weary and impatient because one is unoccupied or lacks interest in one's current activity.	The lecture was so boring that she struggled to stay awake. Boredom often leads people to seek out new activities or distractions.
61	Tired	Adjective	In need of sleep or rest; weary.	He was tired after working all day. Being tired can affect concentration and productivity.
61	Joyful	Adjective	Feeling, expressing, or causing great pleasure and happiness.	The joyful reunion brought tears to her eyes. Joyfulness often spreads to those around you, creating a positive atmosphere.
61	Guilty	Adjective	Feeling responsible or regretful for a perceived offense or wrongdoing.	He felt guilty for lying to his friend. Guilt can lead to a desire to make amends or change behavior.
61	Ashamed	Adjective	Feeling embarrassed or guilty because of one's actions, characteristics, or associations.	She was ashamed of how she had acted. Shame often leads to a desire to hide or avoid certain situations.
61	Embarrassed	Adjective	Feeling self-conscious or awkward, especially in a social situation.	He was embarrassed when he tripped in front of everyone. Embarrassment can cause blushing, sweating, and a desire to escape the situation.
61	Proud	Adjective	Feeling satisfied with your or someone else's achievements.	She was proud of her son's achievements. Pride can be a motivating force, encouraging people to continue striving for excellence.