j'étais malade
The English phrase "I was sick" is translated into French as j'étais malade.
This phrase is a statement used to say that you were unwell in the past.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), étais (was) and malade (sick).
Which one should you use?
j'étais malade is used to describe a continuous state or condition in the past, whereas j'ai été malade (passé composé) is used to describe a specific, completed period of illness.
Did you know?
- While malade usually means 'sick', in a romantic context it can mean 'crazy' or 'madly' in love, similar to the English 'sick with love'.
- The adjective malade is gender-neutral in its spelling and pronunciation, regardless of whether the speaker is male or female.
- The Latin root of malade, 'male habitus', literally means 'badly kept', suggesting that being sick is a matter of not being well-maintained.
Examples in context
- Je ne suis pas allée car j'étais malade.I didn't go because I was sick.This sentence is useful for explaining why you did not go somewhere using j'étais malade.Tatoeba #7466932 by Micsmithel, translation #9730372 by DJ_Saidez
- Comme j'étais malade, je n'allai pas à l'école.Since I was sick, I didn't go to school.This sentence is useful for explaining that you did not go to school because you were sick using j'étais malade.Tatoeba #1461165 by sacredceltic, translation #1457056 by CK
- Même si j'étais malade, j'ai fait de mon mieux.Although I was sick, I did my best.This sentence is useful for stating that you did your best despite being sick using j'étais malade.Tatoeba #5363313 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #5360770 by AlanF_US
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is explaining her absence to Nathan.
- EmmaJe n'ai pas pu venir hier car j'étais malade.I couldn't come yesterday because I was sick.
- NathanOh non, j'espère que tu vas mieux maintenant.Oh no, I hope you are feeling better now.
- EmmaOui, ça va mieux, mais j'étais malade toute la nuit.Yes, it's better, but I was sick all night.
- NathanRepose-toi bien, Emma.Rest well, Emma.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries malade, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
