A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "My child is sick" in French
Tell someone your child is unwell in French. Essential for parents in France.
Mon enfant est malade.
mohn ahn-FAHN eh mah-LAHDneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need to explain to a doctor, teacher, or caregiver that your child is not feeling well. It's a direct and clear way to communicate the situation.
Alternatives
- Mon enfant ne va pas bien.A slightly softer way to say the same thing.
- J'ai mon enfant malade.More informal, like saying 'I have my sick child'.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'enfant'
The 'en' is a nasal vowel, and the 't' is silent. Don't say 'en-fant'.
Gender of 'malade'
'Malade' is an adjective that doesn't change for gender, so it's the same for a boy or a girl.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say my baby is sick in French?
You can say 'Mon bébé est malade.' This is the most common and direct way to express it.
What if my child has a fever?
You can say 'Mon enfant a de la fièvre.' This specifically indicates they have a fever.
Is 'malade' used for adults too?
Yes, 'malade' is the standard word for sick or ill for people of all ages.
