A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I don't feel well" in Italian
Expressing that you're feeling unwell in Italian, for when you need to explain you're not feeling up to par.
Non mi sento bene.
non mee sen-toh ben-ehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're feeling sick, dizzy, or generally unwell and need to inform someone. It's perfect for telling a friend you can't go out, or explaining to a hotel receptionist why you need to stay in your room.
Alternatives
- Sto male.Use this if you feel significantly worse, like you might be sick.
- Mi sento poco bene.This is a slightly softer way to say you're not feeling great.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'sentire' with 'to send'
Remember 'sentire' means 'to feel' or 'to hear', not 'to send'.
Incorrect pronoun placement
The reflexive pronoun 'mi' must come before the verb 'sento'.
A small cultural note
Italians are generally quite open about discussing their health, so don't hesitate to use this phrase if you need to.
Frequently asked
How to say I feel sick in Italian?
The most common way to say you don't feel well is 'Non mi sento bene.' If you feel quite ill, you can say 'Sto male.'
Is 'Non mi sento bene' formal or informal?
This phrase is neutral and can be used in most social situations. You don't need to change it for formal or informal settings.
What if I feel a bit unwell?
For a milder feeling of unwellness, you could say 'Mi sento poco bene.' This is a slightly more understated way to express it.
