Communicating your symptoms in another language is crucial when you’re not feeling well. Knowing how to ask ‘how do you feel’ in French and describe various symptoms can help you get the care you need, whether you’re visiting a doctor or simply explaining your discomfort to someone. 

This blog post will cover essential phrases and vocabulary related to expressing aches, pains, and discomfort in French.

Asking ‘how do you feel’ in French

The phrase ‘how do you feel’ in French translates to Comment vous sentez-vous ? or Comment te sens-tu ? if you are speaking informally. These phrases are key when you need to ask someone about their well-being or when someone is inquiring about yours. If you’re the one feeling unwell, responding appropriately is important:

• Je ne me sens pas bien. I don’t feel well.
• Je suis malade. I am ill.
• J’ai mal à la tête. I have a headache.

These basic phrases allow you to express discomfort and initiate a conversation about your health, which is crucial if you’re asked, ‘how do you feel’ in French.

Describing symptoms in French

Once you’ve established that je ne me sens pas bien, you’ll need to describe your specific symptoms in French. Here are some common phrases that can help you convey what you’re experiencing:

• J’ai mal au dos. I have a sore back.
• J’ai la nausée. I’m feeling nauseous.
• J’ai vomi. I have vomited.
• J’ai des frissons. I have the shivers.

Knowing these phrases can help you clearly communicate your symptoms in French, whether you’re talking to a healthcare professional or explaining your condition to someone else.

Specific ailments and complaints

In some cases, your discomfort might be due to specific ailments. Here’s how to express these more precisely:

• Je ne peux pas dormir. I can’t sleep.
• Je ne peux pas avaler. I can’t swallow.
• Je ne peux pas respirer. I can’t breathe.

These phrases are especially important when discussing more severe symptoms in French. Being able to articulate these issues ensures that you receive the appropriate care.

Would you like to hear this vocabulary pronounced? Listen to episode 29 of Season 1 of the Coffee Break French podcast for more insights and useful phrases to help you answer the question: ‘how do you feel?’ in French.

Asking for help and remedies

When you’re not feeling well, you might need to ask for medication or remedies. Here are some useful phrases to help you do just that:

• Est-ce que vous avez quelque chose pour la nausée ? Do you have something for nausea?
• Est-ce que vous avez quelque chose pour la diarrhée ? Do you have something for diarrhoea?
• Est-ce que vous avez quelque chose pour les coups de soleil ? Do you have something for sunburn?

These questions are essential when je ne me sens pas bien and you’re looking for relief. They allow you to inquire about available treatments or medications.

How do you feel in French: following up on symptoms

If someone asks you how you feel in French after you’ve started treatment or after some time has passed, here’s how you might respond:

• Je me sens mieux. I feel better.
• Ça va un peu mieux, merci. I’m feeling a little better, thank you.
• Je ne me sens toujours pas bien. I still don’t feel well.

These responses help provide an update on your condition, allowing those around you to understand whether your symptoms in French have improved or if you still need assistance.

Mastering how to express je ne me sens pas bien and describing symptoms in French is crucial for anyone travelling or living in a French-speaking country. By familiarising yourself with these phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any situation where you’re not feeling well. 

Whether you’re responding to “how do you feel” in French or explaining your symptoms to a doctor, these phrases will help ensure that you receive the care you need. Remember to practice these phrases, so you can use them confidently if the need arises. Bon rétablissement !

Do you want to keep improving your French skills and revise what you have learned so far? Then, check the article we prepared to help you revise our French lessons 1 to 29.