Signification
Expressing that life is not going well.
Contexte culturel
Complaining (stěžování si) is a common social activity. Saying you are doing badly can actually make people like you more because you seem 'real'. Very similar to Czechia. The phrase 'Mám sa zle' is the direct equivalent and carries the same social weight of honesty. In the US, 'How are you?' usually requires 'Fine' or 'Good'. Saying 'Mám se špatně' to an American would be seen as a 'TMI' (Too Much Information) moment. Similar Slavic root. 'У меня всё плохо' (U menya vsyo plokho) is the equivalent, though it literally means 'At me everything is bad'.
The Honesty Policy
Don't be afraid to use this with Czech friends. It often leads to a much better conversation than just saying 'Good'.
The 'Se' Trap
If you forget the 'se', you are saying 'I have badly', which makes no sense in Czech. Always keep the 'se'!
Signification
Expressing that life is not going well.
The Honesty Policy
Don't be afraid to use this with Czech friends. It often leads to a much better conversation than just saying 'Good'.
The 'Se' Trap
If you forget the 'se', you are saying 'I have badly', which makes no sense in Czech. Always keep the 'se'!
The Shrug
When saying 'Mám se špatně', a slight shrug of the shoulders makes you sound 100% more like a native.
Softening the blow
If you want to be polite but honest, say 'Mám se teď trochu špatně' (I'm doing a bit badly right now).
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing reflexive pronoun.
Jak ___ máš? Mám ___ špatně.
The phrase 'mít se' always requires the reflexive pronoun 'se'.
Which sentence is correct to say 'I am doing badly'?
Choose the correct option:
'Mám se špatně' is the only grammatically correct way to express this state.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You feel nauseous and want to throw up. What do you say?
'Je mi špatně' is used for physical sickness/nausea.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jak se má tvůj bratr? B: ________, ztratil práci.
We are talking about the brother (he), so we use 'má se'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Mám se špatně vs. Je mi špatně
Ways to say you're not okay
Neutral
- • Mám se špatně
- • Moc dobře se nemám
Idiomatic
- • Mám se pod psa
- • Mám se bídně
Strong/Slang
- • Mám se zle
- • Mám se na hovno
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJak ___ máš? Mám ___ špatně.
The phrase 'mít se' always requires the reflexive pronoun 'se'.
Choose the correct option:
'Mám se špatně' is the only grammatically correct way to express this state.
You feel nauseous and want to throw up. What do you say?
'Je mi špatně' is used for physical sickness/nausea.
A: Jak se má tvůj bratr? B: ________, ztratil práci.
We are talking about the brother (he), so we use 'má se'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIn Czech culture, no. It's seen as honest. However, don't use it every single time or people might think you're a 'stěžovatel' (chronic complainer).
Only if you have a very close relationship. Otherwise, use 'Jde to' or 'Mám se docela dobře'.
'Špatně' is 'badly', 'zle' is 'badly/evilly'. 'Mám se zle' is much more intense and dramatic.
Because 'mít se' is a reflexive verb meaning 'to fare' or 'to be doing'. Without 'se', the verb 'mít' just means 'to possess'.
Yes, that means 'I feel bad' (emotionally or physically). It's very similar but focuses more on the feeling than the general state.
The best reply is 'To mě mrzí' (I'm sorry to hear that) or 'Proč?' (Why?).
Yes! It's one of the first phrases you should learn to be able to express basic needs and states.
It can, but usually 'Je mi špatně' is used for sickness. 'Mám se špatně' is more about your life situation.
Měl jsem se špatně (masculine) or Měla jsem se špatně (feminine).
Usually no. In formal writing, you would be more specific about what is wrong.
Expressions liées
Mám se dobře
contrastI am doing well.
Je mi špatně
similarI feel sick/nauseous.
Mám se pod psa
specialized formI'm doing terribly (under the dog).
Jde to
similarIt's going (okay).
Mám se bídně
synonymI'm doing miserably.
