no encontrarse bien
/no enkontɾaɾse bjen/from spelling rules
The English phrase "not feeling well" is expressed in Spanish as no encontrarse bien.
The phrase no encontrarse bien is used for general malaise or feeling unwell, rather than specifying a particular symptom like a headache or stomachache.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "not to find oneself well". The verb encontrarse is a reflexive verb meaning "to find oneself" or "to be located" in a certain state.
Which one should you use?
A synonymous alternative to this phrase is no sentirse bien, which uses the verb sentirse (to feel) instead of encontrarse.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American Spanish, the phrase No me siento al cien. translates to "I don't feel 100%".
How does it change in a sentence?
To say that someone else is not feeling well, you conjugate the reflexive verb to no se encuentra bien (for he/she/you formal).
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if you say no me encuentro bien, the listener may respond by asking if you have mal de ojo, which is a cultural belief in an ailment caused by a malicious glare.
- The Spanish word bien shares a common ancestor with the English word 'bonus', both originating from a Proto-Italic root meaning 'good'.
- While no encontrarse bien is common, some speakers use the phrase estar indispuesto, which carries a slightly more formal tone and can specifically imply an inability to attend a social engagement.
Examples in context
- No me encuentro bien. Tengo dolor de cabeza.I don't feel well. I have a headache.
- No me siento muy bien. Tengo dolor de estómago.I don't feel very well. I have a stomachache.
- ¿Te sientes bien?Are you feeling well?
- No me siento al cien.I don't feel 100%
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bien, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
