Which one should you use?
The phrase uses the verb estar because sickness is viewed as a temporary state rather than a permanent characteristic of a person.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you can use the alternatives ¿Te encuentras mal? or ¿Estás indispuesto/a? to ask if someone is sick. In Mexico, ¿Te sientes enfermo/a? is commonly used to ask if someone feels sick. In Argentina, ¿Estás engripado/a? is a way to ask if someone is having a cold.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on who you are addressing. Use ¿Estás enferma? if you are addressing a female, and use ¿Están enfermos? when addressing more than one person.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the verb ser in the phrase ¿Eres enfermo?, as this implies that being sick is a permanent part of your identity or personality.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying estoy mal can mean you are sick, but it can also mean you are feeling sad or are in a bad situation.
- The word enfermo comes from the Latin īnfirmus, which literally means 'not strong'.
- The English word 'infirm' is a direct linguistic cousin to the Spanish enfermo, both tracing back to the same concept of being 'not firm'.
Examples in context
- Perdóneme, señor/a. ¿Está usted enfermo/a? ¿Necesita ayuda?Excuse me, sir/madam. Are you sick? Do you need help?
- Disculpe, señor/a. ¿Se encuentra enfermo/a? ¿Necesita algo?Excuse me, sir/madam. Are you feeling sick? Do you need something?
- ¿Hola, qué tal? ¿Estás enfermo/a? Si necesitas algo, avísame.Hello, how are you? Are you sick? If you need anything, let me know.
- Oye, amigo/a. ¿Te sientes mal? ¿Necesitas que te lleve al médico?Hey, friend. Do you feel sick? Do you need me to take you to the doctor?
- Te ves mal, ¿estás enfermo?You look bad, are you sick?
- No viniste a clase, ¿estás enfermo?You didn't come to class, are you sick?
Example conversation
Daniel notices Elena is coughing during lunch.
- DanielElena, ¿estás enfermo?Elena, are you sick?
- ElenaSí, creo que tengo un resfriado.Yes, I think I have a cold.
- DanielDeberías ir a descansar a casa.You should go home to rest.
- ElenaTienes razón, me siento muy mal.You are right, I feel very bad.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enfermo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
