A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I feel sick" in Spanish
Express feeling unwell in Spanish with 'Me siento mal.' Perfect for when you're not feeling your best.
Me siento mal.
meh SYEN-toh MAHLneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're feeling physically unwell, like having a stomach ache or a headache. It's also appropriate if you're feeling generally down or a bit off.
Alternatives
- Estoy enfermo/a.Use this if you know you have a specific illness or are clearly sick.
- No me encuentro bien.A slightly softer way to say you're not feeling well.
Ways to get it wrong
Mal vs. Malo
Use 'mal' as an adverb after 'sentir' (to feel), not the adjective 'malo'.
Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'
For temporary states like feeling sick, always use 'estar' (or 'sentirse'). 'Soy mal' is incorrect.
A small cultural note
While 'Me siento mal' is common, in some regions, people might be more specific about their symptoms if they feel comfortable doing so.
Frequently asked
how to say i feel sick in spanish casual
For a casual setting, 'Me siento mal' is perfect. You could also say 'Estoy pachucho/a' if you want to sound a bit more colloquial.
difference between me siento mal and estoy enfermo
'Me siento mal' is a general feeling of not being well, while 'Estoy enfermo/a' implies a more definite illness.
what to say if you feel a little sick in spanish
You can say 'Me siento un poco mal' for 'I feel a little sick.' 'No me encuentro muy bien' is also a good option.
