je me sens mieux
The English phrase "I feel better" is translated into French as je me sens mieux.
This phrase is used to state that your physical or emotional health has improved.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from je (I), me (myself), sens (feel) and mieux (better).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb sentir is used in its reflexive form se sentir to express how one feels physically or emotionally.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say je me sens bon to mean "I feel good/well". However, bon refers to taste or quality. You should use mieux or bien instead to describe your health and well-being.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'feel' for both sensations and emotions, the French verb sentir is also the standard word for 'to smell'.
- The word mieux shares a common ancestor with the English word 'much', as both trace back to the same Proto-Indo-European roots involving measurement and degree.
- The French word sens can mean 'direction' or 'meaning' just as easily as it refers to the physical 'senses' or 'feelings'.
Examples in context
- Je me sens mieux.I feel better.Tatoeba #2416680 by sacredceltic, translation #2245739 by CK
- Je me sens mieux que jamais.I feel better than ever.Tatoeba #6574318 by GB3, translation #4904913 by CK
- Je me sens mieux aujourd'hui.I feel better today.Tatoeba #337339 by sysko, translation #242822 by CK
- Après mon repos, je vais mieux. Merci de vous en préoccuper.After my rest, I feel better. Thank you for your concern.
- Je vais mieux depuis que j'ai pris mon médicament.I feel better since I took my medicine.
- Ça fait du bien de voir ton sourire, ça va mieux tout de suite.It feels good to see your smile, it instantly makes me feel better.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is recovering from a cold and talking to Lucas.
- EmmaComment vas-tu aujourd'hui, Lucas ?How are you doing today, Lucas?
- LucasJe me sens mieux, merci beaucoup.I feel better, thank you very much.
- EmmaC'est une bonne nouvelle pour toi.That is good news for you.
- LucasOui, je peux enfin sortir demain.Yes, I can finally go out tomorrow.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, me, mieux, sens, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
