A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I feel sick" in Italian
Learn how to say you feel sick in Italian with this essential phrase for navigating health issues while traveling in Italy.
Mi sento male.
mee SEN-toh MAH-lehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or generally unwell and need to step away from a social gathering. It is also the standard way to tell a pharmacist or doctor that you are not feeling well.
Alternatives
- Non mi sento bene.Use this to express a general sense of feeling 'not good' rather than specifically sick.
- Ho la nausea.Use this specifically if you are feeling nauseous or have an upset stomach.
- Sto male.Use this for a more direct, urgent way to say you are feeling quite ill.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'male' with 'malato'
Do not say 'Mi sento malato' unless you mean you have been diagnosed with a specific illness; 'male' is for how you feel right now.
Mispronouncing the final 'e'
Ensure you pronounce the final 'e' in 'male' as a clear 'eh' sound, rather than letting it go silent as in English.
A small cultural note
Italians often use 'Sto male' to describe emotional distress as well as physical sickness, so context is key to being understood correctly.
Frequently asked
How do I tell a doctor I am sick in Italian?
You can start by saying 'Mi sento male' and then pointing to the area that hurts. Follow up with 'Ho bisogno di un medico' if you need urgent assistance.
What is the difference between male and bene?
Male means bad or poorly, while bene means well. You use these adverbs with the verb 'sentire' to describe your physical or mental state.
Should I use tu or Lei when saying I feel sick?
The phrase 'Mi sento male' is reflexive and does not change based on who you are talking to. It remains the same whether you are speaking to a friend or a professional.
