In this guide, we will explore the different ways to say “sick” in Russian, covering both formal and informal expressions. We will also include tips, examples, and discuss regional variations, if necessary. Whether you’re planning a trip to Russia or simply expanding your language skills, this guide will help you navigate the ways to express illness in Russian.
Formal Ways to Say “Sick” in Russian
1. Болен (Bolen) – This is the most common and neutral word for saying “sick” in Russian. It can be used for any type of illness, from a common cold to a more serious condition. Here are a few examples:
Example:
Мой друг болен. (Moy drug bolen.) – My friend is sick.
2. Заболевший/Заболеть (Zabolevshiy/Zabolet’) – This word can be used as both an adjective and a verb. It implies someone who is currently sick or has recently fallen ill. It is commonly used in professional settings or when referring to a specific person’s condition. Here’s an example:
Example:
Заболевший пациент излечится. (Zabolevshiy pacient izlechitsya.) – The sick patient will recover.
3. Имеющий недомогания (Imeyushchiy nedomoganiya) – This formal expression can be translated as “having discomfort” and is often used in medical contexts. It is more clinical and less common in everyday conversations, but it’s important to include it here for completeness. Here’s an example:
Example:
У пациента имеются недомогания. (U pacienta imeyutsya nedomoganiya.) – The patient has discomfort.
Informal Ways to Say “Sick” in Russian
1. Болею (Boleyu) – This informal expression means “I am sick.” You can use it when referring to yourself in casual conversations or among friends. Here’s an example:
Example:
Сегодня не могу выйти, потому что болею. (Segodnya ne mogu vyity, potomu chto boleyu.) – I can’t go out today because I’m sick.
2. У меня болит (U menya bolit) – This phrase literally translates to “I have pain” and can be used to indicate various specific body parts that are ailing. It is often used in colloquial conversations with friends or family. Here are a few examples:
Examples:
У меня болит голова. (U menya bolit golova.) – I have a headache.
У меня болит живот. (U menya bolit zhivot.) – I have a stomachache.
3. Чувствую себя плохо (Chuvstvuyu sebya ploho) – Translated as “I feel bad,” this phrase is commonly used in informal situations to convey not feeling well. Here’s an example:
Example:
Не могу пойти на работу, потому что чувствую себя плохо. (Ne mogu poiti na rabotu, potomu chto chuvstvuyu sebya ploho.) – I can’t go to work because I feel bad.
Regional Variations
Overall, the expressions mentioned above are widely understood throughout the Russian-speaking world. However, it’s worth mentioning a specific regional variation where the word “сопли” (sopli), meaning “runny nose,” is frequently used. This regional variation is more popular in some parts of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Here’s an example:
Example:
У меня сопли. (U menya sopli.) – I have a runny nose.
Remember that these regional variations should be used cautiously, as they may not be universally understood. Stick to the common expressions if you’re uncertain.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve covered formal and informal ways to say “sick” in Russian, along with examples and tips. Whether you’re conversing in a professional setting or among friends, these expressions will help you communicate your illness confidently. Remember to adapt your language based on the specific context and region, keeping in mind the regional variations mentioned. Happy learning, and may you never need to use these expressions too often!
