A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I don't feel well" in Spanish
Express feeling unwell in Spanish with this essential phrase for health emergencies or general discomfort.
No me siento bien.
NOH meh SEE-en-toh bee-ENneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're feeling sick, dizzy, or generally unwell and need to communicate it. It's perfect for telling a friend, a hotel receptionist, or a doctor you're not feeling up to par.
Alternatives
- Me encuentro mal.Slightly more formal, often used when describing a more serious condition.
- Estoy enfermo/enferma.Use this if you know you have a specific illness or are definitely sick.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'sentir' with 'sentar'
'Sentar' means 'to sit' or 'to suit,' so 'No me sento bien' would mean 'I don't sit well.'
Incorrect pronoun placement
The reflexive pronoun 'me' must come before 'siento' in this construction.
A small cultural note
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it's common to be quite expressive about physical discomfort. Don't hesitate to use this phrase if you genuinely feel unwell.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between 'No me siento bien' and 'Estoy enfermo'?
'No me siento bien' is a general statement of not feeling well, which could be minor. 'Estoy enfermo' implies a more definite sickness.
How do I say I feel sick to my stomach?
You can say 'Me duele el estómago' (my stomach hurts) or 'Tengo náuseas' (I feel nauseous).
Can I use 'No me siento bien' if I just have a headache?
Yes, you can use 'No me siento bien' as a general statement, or be more specific by saying 'Me duele la cabeza' (my head hurts).
