A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I don't feel well" in French
Express discomfort or illness in French. Essential for seeking help or explaining absence.
Je ne me sens pas bien.
zhuh nuh muh SAHN pah byanneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're feeling sick, dizzy, or generally unwell. It's appropriate for telling a friend, a shopkeeper, or even a doctor you're not feeling up to par.
Alternatives
- Je suis malade.Use this if you know you have a specific illness.
- Ça ne va pas.This is a more casual way to say something is wrong.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'sens'
The 's' at the end of 'sens' is silent; don't pronounce it like 'sense'.
Forgetting 'me'
Always use 'Je me sens' for how you feel; 'Je sens' means 'I smell'.
A small cultural note
French culture often values expressing feelings directly, so don't hesitate to use this phrase if you're genuinely unwell.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say I feel sick in French?
The most common way is 'Je ne me sens pas bien.' This is a neutral phrase suitable for most situations.
What's a casual way to say I don't feel well?
You can use 'Ça ne va pas.' This is more informal and good for friends or very relaxed settings.
When to use 'Je suis malade' vs 'Je ne me sens pas bien'?
'Je ne me sens pas bien' is for general discomfort, while 'Je suis malade' implies you know you are sick with something specific.
