indispuesto
/indisˈpwesto/
The English phrase "under the weather" is expressed in Spanish using indispuesto.
You use indispuesto to say that someone feels slightly unwell or not as well as usual. In practice, you use the verb estar (to be) with this adjective, such as estar indispuesto, to express that you are currently feeling this way.
Which one should you use?
While indispuesto is used for feeling slightly unwell or "under the weather", the word enfermo is a stronger term used when someone is actually sick or ill.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, indispuesto changes its ending based on the gender and number of the people feeling unwell. Use indispuesta if the person is female, indispuestos for a group of men or a mixed-gender group and indispuestas for a group consisting only of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/indisˈpwesto/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, estoy indispuesta can be a discreet euphemism for a woman who is menstruating.
- While indispuesto means 'unwell', the same word is used in a formal context to mean 'unwilling' or 'unready' to do something.
- If you want to sound more casual than using indispuesto, you can say you are malucho, a colloquial term used primarily in Spain to describe feeling slightly poorly.
Examples in context
- No podré ir a la fiesta porque me siento un poco indispuesto.I won't be able to go to the party because I feel a bit under the weather.
- No iré a la fiesta porque estoy indispuesto.I won't go to the party because I am under the weather.
- Si te sientes indispuesto, deberías descansar.If you feel under the weather, you should rest.
Example conversation
Mateo calls María to explain why he cannot attend their lunch date.
- MateoHola María, no podré ir a comer contigo.Hello María, I won't be able to go to lunch with you.
- María¿Pasa algo? ¿Estás bien, Mateo?Is something wrong? Are you okay, Mateo?
- MateoNo, me siento algo indispuesto.No, I feel a bit under the weather.
- MaríaLo siento mucho, espero que te mejores pronto.I am very sorry, I hope you feel better soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry indispuesto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
