Are you not feeling well? In many cultures, it is polite to inform the people around you when you are feeling ill.
In English, there are several ways to do this without being too direct.
If you are an ESL student, this blog post will provide you with five polite phrases to use when you need to tell someone you are not feeling well.
Read on for example situations and the appropriate not feeling well phrases to use.
I’m Sorry, I Can’t Make It In – 10 Ways to Politely Tell Someone You’re Sick in English
1) “I’m not feeling well”
Say you are sick can be a tricky situation, especially if you want to convey your message in a polite manner. No one wants to come across as whiny or overly dramatic when explaining their state of health. So, here are five polite phrases you can use when you need to tell someone you’re not feeling well.
1) “I’m not feeling well” Sometimes, the simplest phrase is the most effective. This straightforward statement clearly communicates your discomfort without being too explicit. It’s a polite way to inform someone about your condition without going into unnecessary details.
2) “I think I caught a bug” Blaming a bug or a common illness is another way to inform someone about your condition. It suggests that your sickness is temporary and not something serious or contagious. By using this phrase, you’re taking ownership of your condition without making it seem like a big deal.
3) “I’m feeling under the weather” This classic phrase is a polite way to describe feeling unwell. It conveys a sense of general discomfort without specifying any specific symptoms or ailments. It also suggests that you’re not at your best but still able to function.
4) “I have a bit of a cold/flu” If you’re dealing with common cold or flu symptoms, this phrase can be a suitable choice. It conveys that your illness is mild but still significant enough to impact your daily activities. It also signals that you may need some rest or care.
5) “I’m feeling a bit off today” This phrase is more subtle and implies that something feels off without directly mentioning illness. It’s a versatile phrase that can be used to describe a variety of situations, including physical discomfort, fatigue, or even mood swings.
The Right Words to Use When You’re Running Late or Something Went Wrong
2) “I think I caught a bug” = Not Feeling Well
Say you are sick can be a tricky situation, especially if you want to convey your message in a polite manner. No one wants to come across as whiny or overly dramatic when explaining their state of health. That’s where the phrase “I think I caught a bug” comes in handy. It’s a subtle and polite way to let someone know that you’re not feeling well.
Blaming a bug or a common illness is another way to inform someone about your condition without sounding too alarming. This phrase suggests that your sickness is temporary and not something serious or contagious. By using it, you’re taking ownership of your condition without making it seem like a big deal.
Imagine you’re at work and your coworker asks how you’re doing. Instead of saying, “I’m sick,” you can say, “I think I caught a bug.” This way, you’re acknowledging your discomfort while not making it the main topic of conversation. It’s a simple and polite way to let others know that you’re not feeling your best.
So, the next time you’re not feeling well and need to tell someone, remember the phrase “I think I caught a bug.” It’s a polite way to convey your condition without going into unnecessary details and it shows that you’re taking responsibility for your own health.
If you still need some help or have some questions regarding this topic not feeling well, contact our teachers on the website chat.
10 Professional Ways to Say I Quit Without Burning Bridges
3) “I’m feeling under the weather” = Not Feeling Well
Say you are sick can be a tricky situation, especially if you want to convey your message in a polite manner. Sometimes, you may not want to disclose the specifics of your condition or complain excessively. That’s where the phrase “I’m feeling under the weather” comes in handy. This classic expression is a polite and understated way to let someone know that you’re not feeling well.
When you say, “I’m feeling under the weather,” you’re effectively saying that you’re experiencing general discomfort or a slight illness. It doesn’t specify any particular symptoms or ailments, but it conveys that you’re not at your best. This phrase is versatile and can be used in various situations, whether it’s a headache, fatigue, or just feeling a bit off. It’s a subtle way to communicate that something isn’t right without directly mentioning illness.
By using the phrase “I’m feeling under the weather,” you can politely inform others about your condition without going into unnecessary details. It’s a way of acknowledging your discomfort while still maintaining a level of privacy. So, the next time you’re not feeling your best, remember this polite phrase to let others know you’re not quite yourself.
4) “I have a bit of a cold/flu”
Having a cold or flu is a common experience that many people can relate to. When you’re not feeling well due to these types of illnesses, it’s important to communicate your condition in a polite manner. One way to do this is by saying, “I have a bit of a cold/flu.” This phrase effectively conveys that you’re experiencing symptoms of a cold or flu, but in a non-alarming way.
By using this phrase, you’re letting the person you’re talking to know that you’re dealing with a mild illness. It implies that your symptoms may include a runny nose, cough, or sore throat, but it also suggests that you’re not severely ill or contagious. This allows you to communicate your condition while not causing unnecessary worry or discomfort to the other person.
Saying “I have a bit of a cold/flu” is a polite way to inform others about your health status without going into too much detail. It also shows that you’re taking responsibility for your well-being and are aware of the need to take care of yourself. So, the next time you’re not feeling well due to a cold or flu, remember this polite phrase to communicate your condition in a respectful manner.
5) “I’m feeling a bit off today”
Have you ever had one of those days where something just feels off? Maybe you’re not quite yourself, but you can’t quite put your finger on why. Well, in situations like these, it’s helpful to have a polite way to express your feelings without going into too much detail. That’s where the phrase “I’m feeling a bit off today” comes in handy.
When you say “I’m feeling a bit off today,” you’re subtly letting someone know that you’re not feeling your best, without explicitly mentioning illness or discomfort. It’s a versatile phrase that can be used to describe a variety of situations, such as physical discomfort, fatigue, or even mood swings.
Using this phrase allows you to acknowledge your current state without burdening others with unnecessary information. It conveys a sense of vulnerability and honesty, while still maintaining a level of privacy.
It’s a polite way to let someone know that you might not be functioning at your usual capacity, without going into specific details.
So, the next time you’re having one of those days where something feels off, remember the phrase “I’m feeling a bit off today.” It’s a respectful way to express your feelings without burdening others with unnecessary information.
Not feeling well, still unsure how to use this phrase? Ask our teachers on the website chat!
