風邪をひいています
kaze o hiite imasu
To say "I have a cold" in Japanese, use 風邪をひいています (kaze o hiite imasu).
Meaning: I have a cold (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 風邪 (kaze, cold), を (o, object marker) and ひいています (hiite imasu, the continuous form of the verb to catch/contract).
How do you pronounce it?
kaze o hiite imasu
Did you know?
- If you want to say you are recovering from a cold, you use the verb なおる (naoru), which literally means 'to be repaired' or 'to be fixed'.
- In Japan, people often wear surgical masks not only to prevent spreading a cold but as a social courtesy to avoid bothering others with their breath or appearance.
- The verb used in 風邪をひく is the same one used for 'pulling' or 'drawing' something, as if you are physically pulling the cold into your body.
Examples in context
- 上司：お元気ですか？ (Joushi: Ogenki desu ka?) あなた：風邪をひいております。 (Anata: Kaze wo hiiteorimasu.)Boss: How are you? You: I have caught a cold.
- 風邪をひいています。kaze o hiite imasu.I have a cold.
- 少し風邪をひいています。sukoshi kaze o hiite imasu.I have a slight cold.
- 昨日から風邪をひいています。kinou kara kaze o hiite imasu.I have had a cold since yesterday.
Example conversation
At the office, a colleague checks on a coworker.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔さんは大丈夫ですか？Hiroto-san wa daijoubu desu ka?Are you okay, Hiroto?
- 大翔 Hirotoいえ、風邪をひいています。ie, kaze o hiite imasu.No, I have a cold.
- 美咲 Misakiお大事にしてくださいね。odaiji ni shite kudasai ne.Please take care of yourself.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとうございます。arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
