風邪をひいていました
kaze o hiite imashita
In Japanese, "I was sick" is expressed as 風邪をひいていました (kaze o hiite imashita).
The phrase 風邪をひいていました is used specifically to state that you had a common cold.
Which one should you use?
The form 風邪をひいていました emphasizes the continuous state of being sick. In contrast, the phrase 風邪をひきました focuses on the specific moment when the cold was caught.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai dialect, you can say 私は病気やったわ。 to mean "I was sick."
How do you pronounce it?
kaze o hiite imashita
What mistakes should you avoid?
When describing a common cold, avoid using 病気でした to mean "was sick" in the sense of a minor ailment. English speakers often mistakenly use byouki (illness) for a cold, but in Japanese, byouki usually refers to more serious or chronic medical conditions.
When do people say it?
If you have been unwell but are recovering, you can use the phrase もう元気です to indicate that you are feeling better now.
Did you know?
- The word 風邪 for 'cold' is written with the characters for 'wind' and 'jealousy'. Some believe this refers to the wind being 'jealous' of your health and knocking you down.
- In Japan, wearing a surgical mask when you have a 'cold' is a sign of consideration for others. While English speakers might wear them to avoid getting sick, Japanese people wear them primarily to stop others from catching their germs.
- In certain Japanese contexts, saying you are 'sick' can be a polite way to decline an invitation without directly saying 'no'.
Examples in context
- 昨日、風邪をひいていました。Kinō, kaze o hiite imashita.I had a cold yesterday.
- 先週は風邪をひいていました。Senshū wa kaze o hiite imashita.I had a cold last week.
- 少し風邪をひいていました。Sukoshi kaze o hiite imashita.I had a bit of a cold.
Example conversation
Ren is explaining to Yui why he was absent from a gathering.
- 蓮 Renすみません、風邪をひいていました。Sumimasen, kaze o hiite imashita.I am sorry, I had a cold.
- 結衣 Yui大丈夫ですか？Daijōbu desu ka?Are you okay?
- 蓮 Renはい、もう大丈夫です。Hai, mō daijōbu desu.Yes, I am fine now.
- 結衣 Yuiそれは良かったです。Sore wa yokatta desu.That is good to hear.
