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How to Say ‘I am sick’ in French

Je suis malade

zhuh swee mah-lahd

[zhuh swee mah-lahd]

🇫🇷 In France: For everyday illness, [je suis malade] is the normal broad phrase. If it is urgent or severe, people would usually be more specific or ask for medical help directly.

Phrase Breakdown

Je

[zhuh]

I

Refers to oneself.

Example

Je pense que je suis perdu.

I think I am lost.

suis

[swee]

am

Be (first person singular).

Example

Je suis fatigué.

I am tired.

malade

[mah-lahd]

sick

Not healthy; ill.

Example

Je suis malade aujourd'hui.

I am sick today.

Guides for French learners

The Best App to Learn French: An Honest ComparisonDuolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur, Busuu, italki and PrettyFluent compared for learning French: what each is best at, how you pay, and which fits your goal.French Conversation for Beginners: 5 Everyday Dialogues You'll Actually UseFive short French conversations for beginners, from greeting a neighbour to booking a restaurant, with translations, native audio and the phrases that keep them going.

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