Estoy enfermo
/estoi enfeɾmo/from spelling rules
To say "I am sick" in Spanish, you use Estoy enfermo.
This phrase is used to state that you are currently suffering from an illness or poor health. It can also be used figuratively to express that you are fed up or tired of something by adding the preposition de after the adjective, as in Estoy enfermo de…
Which one should you use?
The phrase uses the verb estar to describe a state of being, which is essential for describing a temporary health condition rather than a permanent characteristic.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, the adjective must change from enfermo to enferma to become Estoy enferma. If you wish to say "you are sick" to a single person, change the verb from estoy to estás to say Estás enfermo.
Did you know?
- The word enfermo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'firm'.
- If you use Estoy enfermo de… to describe a person's behavior rather than their health, you are calling them 'crazy' or 'morally sick'.
- Spanish has a specific word convaleciente for someone who is technically no longer enfermo but is still recovering their strength.
Examples in context
- Dile que estoy enfermo.Tell her that I am sick.This sentence is useful for relaying a message about one's health using Estoy enfermo.Tatoeba #1745915 by marcelostockle, translation #1740436 by Amastan
- Estoy enfermo de sus alardes.I am sick to death of his boasts.This sentence demonstrates the figurative use of Estoy enfermo to express being fed up with something.Tatoeba #1207593 by marcelostockle, translation #286545 by Dejo
- No puedo fumar. Estoy enfermo.I cannot smoke. I am sick.This sentence shows how to state one's illness using Estoy enfermo as a reason for an action.Tatoeba #5003756 by DarkHollow, translation #1688791 by Amastan
- Disculpe, pero estoy enfermo y no podré asistir a la reunión mañana.Excuse me, but I am sick and won't be able to attend the meeting tomorrow.
- Hola, no me siento bien. ¿Podría por favor llamar a un médico?Hello, I don't feel well. Could you please call a doctor?
- Amigo, estoy enferma y no puedo ir al cine hoy.Friend, I am sick and can't go to the movies today.
- Mamá, me siento mal. ¿Puedes hacerme una sopa caliente?Mom, I feel bad. Can you make me some hot soup?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro calls Elena to explain why he cannot go to the party.
- ElenaHola Alejandro, ¿vienes a la fiesta hoy?Hello Alejandro, are you coming to the party today?
- AlejandroNo puedo, Elena. Estoy enfermo.I can't, Elena. I am sick.
- Elena¿Te sientes muy mal?Do you feel very bad?
- AlejandroSí, necesito descansar mucho.Yes, I need to rest a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enfermo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
