What does it mean word for word?
The word 体調 (taichō) literally means 'physical condition' or 'state of the body'.
Which one should you use?
While 体調悪いの？ focuses on the state of one's physical condition, 具合が悪いの？ is a very common alternative that focuses more on the 'feeling' or 'condition' of the body.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
元気ないの？ is a casual way to ask if someone is not feeling well or is sick. 具合悪い？ is an informal way to ask if someone is feeling unwell. For a more formal version used with superiors or strangers, use 体調が悪いのですか？ For a polite way to inquire about someone's general well-being or if they are sick, you can use お具合はいかがですか？ In a formal context, adding the honorific prefix お to the beginning of お病気ですか？ adds politeness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle の at the end of 体調悪いの？ is an explanatory particle used for questions. It adds a nuance of seeking an explanation or expressing concern based on an observation.
How do you pronounce it?
taichō warui no?
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 病気なの？ when you simply mean someone feels unwell. In Japanese, 病気 (byōki) refers specifically to having a diagnosed medical disease or illness rather than just feeling poorly.
When do people say it?
When someone is unwell, a common thing to say is 早く良くなりますように, which means "I hope you get better soon".
Did you know?
- In a professional setting, a Japanese employee might apologize for being sick by saying they 'caused trouble' for the team, rather than just stating they are unwell.
- The word 具合 (guai) used in 具合が悪いの？ originally referred to the 'fit' or 'adjustment' of a mechanical part or a tool.
- When someone is sick, people may offer おかゆ (okayu), a traditional rice porridge, which is viewed as the quintessential comfort food for recovery.
Examples in context
- 熱でもあるの？元気ないの？Do you have a fever? Are you not feeling well?
- どうしたの？具合悪い？What happened? Are you feeling sick?
- 顔色が悪いけど、体調悪いの？kaoiro ga warui kedo, taichou warui no?You look pale, are you feeling unwell?
- 無理しないで。体調悪いの？muri shinai de. taichou warui no?Don't push yourself. Are you feeling sick?
- さっきからずっと、体調悪いの？sakki kara zutto, taichou warui no?Have you been feeling unwell for a while now?
Example conversation
Kenta notices Himari looking tired at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵、顔色が悪いけど、体調悪いの？Himari, kaoiro ga warui kedo, taichou warui no?Himari, you look pale, are you feeling unwell?
- 陽葵 Himariちょっと、熱があるみたい。chotto, netsu ga aru mitai.I think I have a slight fever.
- 健太 Kenta今日は早く帰って休みなよ。kyou wa hayaku kaette yasumi na yo.You should go home early and rest today.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう。そうするね。arigatou. sou suru ne.Thank you. I will do that.
