24 Essential Japanese Phrases for “I Don’t Feel Well

Feeling under the weather can happen to anyone, anytime. Sometimes you just need the right words to express how you feel.

Whether you’re traveling in Japan, chatting with a Japanese friend, or just learning the language, knowing how to say “I don’t feel well” is super helpful. It helps you communicate quickly and clearly.

These phrases range from casual to polite, so you can adjust depending on who you’re talking to. Plus, they cover lots of different symptoms and feelings.

Learning these essential phrases will not only prepare you for unexpected moments but also show your respect for the language and culture. It’s a small effort that goes a long way.

You’ll find simple pronunciation guides and some handy memory tips to make these phrases stick. Plus, there’s a neat link to a beginner phrasebook to help you dive even deeper.

Ready to boost your Japanese and feel confident even when you’re not feeling your best? Let’s get started!

Understanding the Basics of Saying “I Don’t Feel Well” in Japanese

First, it helps to know the core phrases for expressing discomfort or illness.

Japanese has many ways to say you’re not feeling well, from casual to polite. The key is matching the phrase to the situation and person.

Learning these basics will make you feel more at ease when you need to speak up about your health.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Breaking phrases down into simple parts makes remembering them easier and more natural.

Start slow and practice daily — that’s the easiest trick to getting comfortable with these expressions.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 具合が悪いです (ぐあいがわるいです, Guai ga warui desu) – I don’t feel well

This is the most common way to say “I don’t feel well” politely but casually.

“具合 (guai)” means condition or state, “が (ga)” is the subject marker, and “悪い (warui)” means bad. Adding “です (desu)” makes it polite.

It’s effective because it’s simple and polite enough for most situations without being too formal.

Use this phrase when talking to friends, coworkers, or even your doctor.

It’s related to phrases like “具合が悪くなった (guai ga waruku natta)” meaning “I started feeling bad.”

Keep this phrase handy—it’s your go-to for expressing general discomfort clearly.

2. 気分が悪いです (きぶんがわるいです, Kibun ga warui desu) – I feel sick / I feel unwell

This phrase focuses more on how you feel emotionally or physically, like nausea or dizziness.

“気分 (kibun)” means feeling or mood, “が (ga)” is the subject marker, and “悪い (warui)” means bad — combined politely with “です (desu).”

It’s easy to remember because “気分” sounds like “keen-boon” and relates to your mood or sensation.

Be careful not to confuse this with “具合が悪い,” which is more general.

Example: When you feel like you might throw up, say “気分が悪いです.”

This phrase works great to tell someone you’re feeling physically off without sounding too dramatic.

3. 頭が痛いです (あたまがいたいです, Atama ga itai desu) – I have a headache

Use this phrase when your head hurts—simple and direct.

“頭 (atama)” means head, “が (ga)” marks the subject, and “痛い (itai)” means painful or hurts, with “です (desu)” for politeness.

It’s useful because headaches are common, and this phrase is straightforward.

Perfect for telling a friend or nurse exactly what’s wrong.

You can also say “頭痛がします (ずつうがします, zutsuu ga shimasu)” for a more formal “I have a headache.”

Try practicing this phrase by associating “atama” with “head” to remember it faster.

4. 熱があります (ねつがあります, Netsu ga arimasu) – I have a fever

This phrase tells someone you have a fever or high temperature.

“熱 (netsu)” means fever or heat, “が (ga)” is the subject marker, and “あります (arimasu)” means “there is” or “I have.”

It’s easy to remember because “netsu” sounds like “netsue,” which you can link to “heat.”

Don’t confuse with “熱い (atsui),” which means hot in temperature but not fever.

Example: At a clinic, saying “熱があります” gets your fever across clearly.

Keep this phrase ready for when you suspect you might have the flu.

5. 頭がぼーっとしています (あたまがぼーっとしています, Atama ga bootto shiteimasu) – My head feels fuzzy

This phrase is great for when you feel mentally foggy or unfocused.

“頭 (atama)” means head, “が (ga)” is the subject marker, “ぼーっとしています (bootto shiteimasu)” means feeling dazed or spaced out.

It’s a bit more casual and descriptive for mental fuzziness.

Use it when you want to express tiredness or confusion without sounding too serious.

Related phrase: “ぼーっとする (bootto suru)” means “to zone out.”

Try to think of “bootto” as “blur” to help remember this phrase.

6. 胃が痛いです (いがいたいです, I ga itai desu) – I have a stomachache

This is the straightforward way to say your stomach hurts.

“胃 (i)” means stomach, “が (ga)” is subject marker, “痛い (itai)” means hurts, and “です (desu)” makes it polite.

It’s effective because stomachaches are common, and this phrase is easy to say.

You can also say “お腹が痛いです (おなかがいたいです, onaka ga itai desu),” which is more general for belly pain.

Use this when describing discomfort after eating or when feeling unwell.

Link “i” with “stomach” by imagining the letter “I” as a stomach shape.

7. 寝不足です (ねぶそくです, Nebusoku desu) – I’m sleep-deprived

Use this phrase to say you haven’t had enough sleep and feel tired.

“寝不足 (nebusoku)” means lack of sleep, and “です (desu)” adds politeness.

It’s simple and useful when explaining why you don’t feel well.

Avoid confusing it with just “眠い (nemui),” which means sleepy.

Example: “昨夜寝不足です” (sakuyane nebusoku desu) means “I’m sleep deprived from last night.”

Think of “ne-bu-soku” as “no sleep” to remember it easily.

8. めまいがします (Memai ga shimasu) – I feel dizzy

This phrase is perfect for telling someone you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

“めまい (memai)” means dizziness or vertigo, “が (ga)” marks the subject, and “します (shimasu)” means “to do” or “to feel.”

It’s polite and clear, great for medical settings or casual talks.

Don’t confuse it with “目 (me),” which means eye but is unrelated here.

Example: If you feel faint, say “めまいがします.”

Picture “memai” as “me-my” spinning to remember dizziness easily.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 体調が悪いです (たいちょうがわるいです, Taichou ga warui desu) – My condition is bad / I’m not feeling well

This phrase is a polite and slightly formal way to express feeling unwell.

“体調 (taichou)” means physical condition or health, “が (ga)” is the subject marker, “悪い (warui)” means bad, and “です (desu)” adds politeness.

It’s effective when speaking with coworkers or in professional settings.

People sometimes confuse it with “体温 (taion),” which means body temperature.

Example: “今日は体調が悪いです” means “I’m not feeling well today.”

Try associating “taichou” with “body condition” to keep it clear.

10. 気分が優れません (きぶんがすぐれません, Kibun ga suguremasen) – I’m not feeling well (polite)

This phrase is a very polite way to express that you don’t feel well mentally or physically.

“気分 (kibun)” means feeling, “が (ga)” is the subject, and “優れません (suguremasen)” is the negative form of “to be well” or “to excel,” meaning “not feeling good.”

It’s useful in formal conversations or with people you don’t know well.

A common mistake is mixing this with casual forms, which might sound too stiff or unnatural.

Example: Saying this at a clinic shows respect and seriousness.

This phrase helps balance politeness with clear communication.

11. 体がだるいです (からだがだるいです, Karada ga darui desu) – My body feels sluggish / I feel heavy

Use this when your body feels heavy or sluggish, often from fatigue or illness.

“体 (karada)” means body, “が (ga)” marks the subject, and “だるい (darui)” means feeling heavy or sluggish, with “です (desu)” for politeness.

This phrase is great for describing that overall tired feeling.

Be careful not to confuse “だるい” with just being lazy; it implies physical discomfort.

Example: “昨日から体がだるいです” means “My body has felt sluggish since yesterday.”

Imagine “darui” sounding like “dull-y” to remember it.

12. 咳が出ます (せきがでます, Seki ga demasu) – I have a cough

This phrase politely states that you have a cough.

“咳 (seki)” means cough, “が (ga)” is the subject marker, and “出ます (demasu)” means “comes out” or “occurs.”

It’s useful at the doctor or when explaining symptoms.

Don’t confuse “咳” with “吹き (fuki),” which means blowing, unrelated here.

Example: “咳が出ますからマスクをします” means “I have a cough, so I’m wearing a mask.”

Practice pronouncing “seki” clearly to avoid confusion.

13. 吐き気がします (はきけがします, Hakike ga shimasu) – I feel nauseous

This phrase is perfect for saying you feel like vomiting.

“吐き気 (hakike)” means nausea, “が (ga)” is the subject marker, and “します (shimasu)” means “to feel” or “to do.”

It’s polite and clear for medical or polite conversation.

Common mistake: don’t shorten it to just “吐く (haku),” which means “to vomit” but is more direct.

Example: “吐き気がします、気分が悪いです” means “I feel nauseous and unwell.”

Think of “haki” as “hacky” to remember it relates to vomiting feeling.

14. お腹がいっぱいじゃないです (おなかがいっぱいじゃないです, Onaka ga ippai janai desu) – I don’t have a full stomach / I feel queasy

This polite phrase says your stomach is not full, often implying discomfort or loss of appetite.

“お腹 (onaka)” means stomach, “が (ga)” is the subject, “いっぱい (ippai)” means full, and “じゃないです (janai desu)” negates the phrase politely.

It’s a gentle way to say you’re not feeling well after eating or feeling queasy.

Don’t confuse it with “お腹が空いた (onaka ga suita),” which means “I’m hungry.”

Example: “今日はお腹がいっぱいじゃないです” means “I don’t feel full today.”

Think “ippai” as “full” to keep the phrase clear.

15. 動悸がします (どうきがします, Douki ga shimasu) – I have palpitations

This more formal phrase means you feel your heart pounding or palpitations.

“動悸 (douki)” means palpitation, “が (ga)” is the subject, and “します (shimasu)” means “to feel.”

It’s useful when describing specific heart-related symptoms.

Be careful with pronunciation; “douki” sounds like “doh-kee.”

Example: “動悸がします、少し休みたいです” means “I have palpitations and want to rest a bit.”

Remember this phrase for serious symptoms needing attention.

16. 体が震えます (からだがふるえます, Karada ga furue masu) – My body is shaking

Use this phrase when your body is trembling or shaking, often from cold or fever.

“体 (karada)” means body, “が (ga)” marks the subject, and “震えます (furue masu)” means “to shake” or “to tremble.”

It’s polite and descriptive, great for medical or serious conversations.

Don’t confuse with “震える (furueru),” which is the dictionary form of the verb.

Example: “寒くて体が震えます” means “I’m cold and my body is shaking.”

Think of “furu” as “fur” shaking to remember the phrase.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. ちょっと気持ち悪い (Chotto kimochi warui) – I feel a little sick

This is a casual, everyday way to say you feel a bit sick or uncomfortable.

“ちょっと (chotto)” means a little, “気持ち悪い (kimochi warui)” literally means “bad feeling.”

It’s very common among friends and informal settings.

Be careful not to use it in formal or medical settings—it’s too casual.

Example: “昨日の晩ご飯の後、ちょっと気持ち悪かった” means “I felt a little sick after last night’s dinner.”

“Kimochi warui” is a phrase you’ll hear a lot in daily life.

18. 体がだるいなあ (Karada ga darui naa) – My body feels sluggish (casual)

This is a casual version of “My body feels sluggish.”

The “なあ (naa)” ending adds a natural, reflective tone used among close friends.

It’s perfect for informal chats when you want to sound natural.

Avoid using this phrase with strangers or in formal situations.

Example: “最近ずっと体がだるいなあ” means “I’ve been feeling sluggish lately.”

Using “naa” gives your speech a friendly, native-like vibe.

19. 熱っぽい (ねつっぽい, Netsuppoi) – I feel feverish

This phrase casually describes feeling like you have a fever.

“熱 (netsu)” means fever, and “っぽい (ppoi)” is a suffix meaning “-ish” or “seems like.”

It’s easy to use and common in casual conversations.

Don’t confuse this with an actual measured fever; it’s more about feeling feverish.

Example: “なんだか熱っぽいから休むね” means “I feel feverish, so I’m going to rest.”

Think of “ppoi” as “-ish” to remember this phrase.

20. 具合悪いんだけど (Guai waruin dakedo) – I’m not feeling well, but…

This phrase is a casual, somewhat incomplete sentence often used before explaining more.

The “んだけど (n dakedo)” adds a soft tone meaning “but” or “although.”

It’s great for starting a conversation about your condition naturally.

Be careful not to overuse it, as it can sound hesitant.

Example: “具合悪いんだけど、明日の予定どうする？” means “I’m not feeling well, but what about tomorrow’s plans?”

Use this to sound conversational and relatable.

21. ちょっとしんどい (Chotto shindoi) – I’m a little tired / unwell

This is a casual Kansai dialect phrase widely understood in Japan meaning tired or unwell.

“ちょっと (chotto)” means a little, and “しんどい (shindoi)” means tired, exhausted, or feeling rough.

It’s a natural, native feeling expression.

Avoid using it in formal settings.

Example: “昨日からちょっとしんどい” means “I’ve been feeling a little off since yesterday.”

It’s a nice phrase to sound like a local.

22. 体調崩した (たいちょうくずした, Taichou kuzushita) – I got sick / My condition broke down

This phrase means you became ill or your health declined.

“体調 (taichou)” is condition, and “崩した (kuzushita)” means “broke” or “fell apart.”

It’s a casual, conversational way to say you got sick.

Don’t confuse “崩した” with “壊した (kowashita),” which means to break objects.

Example: “先週体調崩したけど、今は大丈夫” means “I got sick last week but I’m okay now.”

Great for casual conversations about past illness.

23. ちょっと調子悪い (ちょっとちょうしわるい, Chotto choushi warui) – I’m feeling a bit off

This phrase casually describes a mild feeling of being unwell.

“調子 (choushi)” means condition or state, “悪い (warui)” means bad, and “ちょっと (chotto)” means a little.

It’s very common and sounds natural among friends.

Avoid this phrase if you want to sound formal or serious.

Example: “今日はちょっと調子悪いから早く帰るね” means “I’m feeling a bit off today, so I’ll go home early.”

It’s a handy phrase for everyday use.

24. だるくて動けない (Darukute ugokenai) – I feel so tired I can’t move

This phrase expresses extreme fatigue or weakness.

“だるくて (darukute)” means feeling heavy or sluggish, and “動けない (ugokenai)” means “can’t move.”

It’s very natural and emotional, often used among close friends.

Be mindful not to use this in formal or polite situations.

Example: “昨日からだるくて動けない” means “I’ve been so tired since yesterday I can’t move.”

Use this phrase to express genuine exhaustion vividly.

Concluding Thought

Learning how to say “I don’t feel well” in Japanese opens up a whole new level of communication and care. It helps you express yourself clearly in moments when you need it most.

From casual chats to formal conversations, having these 24 essential phrases under your belt means you’re prepared for many situations, making your Japanese journey smoother and more confident.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and remember—language is a bridge that connects us, even when we’re feeling less than perfect. You’ve got this!