je ne me sens pas bien
The English phrase "I am unwell" is expressed in French as je ne me sens pas bien.
This phrase is used to communicate that you are experiencing physical or mental discomfort or simply do not feel healthy.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I do not feel myself well".
Which one should you use?
je ne me sens pas bien expresses a general sense of discomfort. In contrast, je suis malade is a stronger statement used to say you are actually sick or ill.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal way to express being in poor health, you can use Je suis en mauvaise santé. If you want to sound more polite or soften the expression of your discomfort in a social context, you can say je ne me sens pas très bien. In informal settings, you might use Je suis pas bien or Je suis pas en forme to say you are not feeling well or are not in good shape.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the negative form of the reflexive verb se sentir (to feel oneself).
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, je ne me sens pas bien aujourd'hui.Excuse me, I don't feel well today.
- Salut, je suis pas en forme en ce moment.Hey, I'm not feeling well at the moment.
- Je ne me sens pas bien, je vais m'allonger.I don't feel well, I am going to lie down.
- Je ne me sens pas bien ce matin.I do not feel well this morning.
- Désolé, je ne me sens pas bien du tout.Sorry, I do not feel well at all.
- Je ne me sens pas bien, je vais me coucher.I do not feel well, I am going to bed.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are at a dinner party.
- ChloéGabriel, je ne me sens pas bien.Gabriel, I don't feel well.
- GabrielQu'est-ce qui t'arrive, Chloé ?What's happening, Chloé?
- ChloéJ'ai soudainement très mal à la tête.I suddenly have a very bad headache.
- GabrielOn devrait rentrer à la maison.We should go back home.
