j'ai mal
The English phrase "I am in pain" is expressed in French as j'ai mal.
Use this phrase to express that you are experiencing physical suffering or discomfort. While j'ai mal focuses on the person experiencing the sensation, you can also use ça me fait mal to describe a specific stimulus or action that causes you pain.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I have bad/pain" because it uses the verb avoir (to have) rather than être (to be).
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify the location of the pain, you must follow j'ai mal with the preposition à and the appropriate definite article (au, à la or aux) for the body part, forming j'ai mal à/au/aux.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying je suis mal. While this sounds like a direct translation of "I am [in] pain", it actually means "I am bad" or "I am uncomfortable". Use j'ai mal instead to express physical suffering.
Did you know?
- While j'ai mal describes pain, the phrase avoir mal au cœur specifically means to feel nauseous rather than having a literal heartache.
- In French, the word mal is used in the phrase faire du mal, which can mean both to cause physical pain and to do something morally wrong or evil.
- While j'ai mal is for physical pain, French uses the phrase avoir du chagrin to describe the specific 'pain' of deep emotional sorrow.
Examples in context
- J'ai mal.I am in pain.This sentence is useful for stating that you are in pain using the form j'ai mal.Tatoeba #12773650 by lbdx, translation #1789059 by jonlam
- Excusez-moi, je suis vraiment désolé, mais j'ai mal. Pourriez-vous m'aider s'il vous plaît?Sorry, I'm really sorry, but I'm in pain. Could you please help me?
- Aïe, ça fait mal!Ouch, that hurts!
- J'ai mal au dos.I have a pain in my back.
- J'ai mal à la tête.I have a headache.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are at home after a long day of hiking.
- HugoJ'ai mal aux jambes.My legs are in pain.
- ChloéTu devrais te reposer, Hugo.You should rest, Hugo.
- HugoOui, je vais m'allonger.Yes, I am going to lie down.
- ChloéJe t'apporte un verre d'eau.I'll bring you a glass of water.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
