لا أشعر أنني بخير
la ash'uru annani bi-khayr
The English phrase "I am not feeling well" is translated into Arabic as لا أشعر أنني بخير (la ash'uru annani bi-khayr).
This phrase is used to express a general sense of malaise or physical discomfort rather than a specific diagnosis.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of la (not), ash'uru (I feel), anna (that), ni (me/I) and bi-khayr (with goodness/well).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase أنا لست بخير is a more direct and formal way to state "I am not well". In formal contexts, you might use أنا لست في حالة جيدة to say "I am not in a good condition" or لست بصحة جيدة to say "I'm not in good health". Conversely, in informal settings, you can say أنا مش بخير to mean "I am not okay" or "I'm not fine".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is gender-neutral in its written form. A female speaker would use the same phrase because the verb ash'uru (I feel) is the same for both genders in the first person.
How do you pronounce it?
la ash'uru annani bi-khayr
Did you know?
- While the phrase لا أشعر أنني بخير describes a general feeling, Arabic has a specific concept called عين (ayn) or 'the evil eye' that people often blame when they suddenly feel unwell without a clear medical cause.
- In many Arabic cultures, when someone says la ash'uru annani bi-khayr, listeners often respond with salamtak for men or salamtik for women. This translates to 'your safety' and is a standard way to wish someone a recovery.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, if you say you are not feeling well, it is common for the listener to reply shifak Allah, which means 'may God heal you'.
Examples in context
- أنا مش بخير، عندي صداعI'm not feeling well, I have a headache.
- لا أشعر أنني بخير اليوم.lā ash'uru annanī bi-khayr al-yawm.I am not feeling well today.
- أعتذر عن الحضور، لا أشعر أنني بخير.a'tadhiru 'an al-hudūr, lā ash'uru annanī bi-khayr.I apologize for not coming, I am not feeling well.
- هل يمكنك مساعدتي؟ لا أشعر أنني بخير.hal yumkinuka musā'adatī? lā ash'uru annanī bi-khayr.Can you help me? I am not feeling well.
Example conversation
Sarah tells Ziad that she feels sick and cannot go out.
- سارة Saraيا زياد، لا أشعر أنني بخير.yā Ziyād, lā ash'uru annanī bi-khayr.Ziad, I am not feeling well.
- زياد Ziadهل أنتِ مريضة يا سارة؟hal anti marīda yā Sārah?Are you sick, Sarah?
- سارة Saraنعم، أشعر ببعض التعب.na'am, ash'uru bi-ba'd al-ta'ab.Yes, I feel a bit tired.
- زياد Ziadيجب أن ترتاحي الآن.yajibu an tartāhī al-ān.You must rest now.
