Signification
Feeling uncomfortable in a situation.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is a hallmark of 'Petersburg text' in literature, where the city itself makes characters feel 'не по себе' due to its fog, ghosts, and oppressive architecture. Russians often associate this feeling with 'sglaz' (the evil eye). If you feel 'не по себе' without a clear reason, some might suggest someone is thinking badly of you. In Russia, being 'too polite' or 'too smiley' (American style) can sometimes make locals feel 'не по себе' because it feels unnatural or suspicious. Modern Russian internet culture (creepypastas) uses this phrase constantly to describe encounters with 'black-eyed children' or 'dead internet' theories.
The 'Vibe Check' Phrase
Use this phrase to explain why you want to leave a place without being rude. It sounds like an internal feeling you can't control.
Grammar Trap
Never say 'Я не по себе'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Always start with 'Мне'.
Signification
Feeling uncomfortable in a situation.
The 'Vibe Check' Phrase
Use this phrase to explain why you want to leave a place without being rude. It sounds like an internal feeling you can't control.
Grammar Trap
Never say 'Я не по себе'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Always start with 'Мне'.
Intuition Matters
In Russia, saying 'мне не по себе' is a very strong reason to stop doing something. People respect this gut feeling.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of the pronoun.
___ становится не по себе в этом тёмном подвале.
The phrase 'не по себе' requires the Dative case.
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form (past tense).
Когда он внезапно закричал, мне сразу ____ не по себе.
In impersonal constructions, the verb is always in the neuter singular form (ending in -о).
In which situation is 'не по себе' most appropriate?
Select the best context:
'Не по себе' describes the eerie unease of a scary or strange situation.
Complete the dialogue.
— Почему ты ушёл с вечеринки так рано? — Там были странные люди, и мне ___.
The context of 'strange people' suggests psychological discomfort.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices___ становится не по себе в этом тёмном подвале.
The phrase 'не по себе' requires the Dative case.
Когда он внезапно закричал, мне сразу ____ не по себе.
In impersonal constructions, the verb is always in the neuter singular form (ending in -о).
Select the best context:
'Не по себе' describes the eerie unease of a scary or strange situation.
— Почему ты ушёл с вечеринки так рано? — Там были странные люди, и мне ___.
The context of 'strange people' suggests psychological discomfort.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, for physical pain use 'мне больно' or 'мне плохо'.
Yes, if you are describing a situation that feels 'off' or risky, it is perfectly acceptable.
'Стало' is past tense (I felt it), 'становится' is present/ongoing (I am starting to feel it).
Yes, 'очень' or 'жутко' are great intensifiers.
Not quite. 'Мне страшно' is 'I am afraid' (of a dog, of a fire). 'Не по себе' is 'I feel uneasy' (vague discomfort).
Use 'Это заставляет меня чувствовать себя не по себе' (formal) or simply 'От этого мне не по себе'.
Constantly! Especially in thrillers and dramas.
Yes, 'Мне от него не по себе' means 'He creeps me out'.
Not really. 'Мне по себе' is not used this way. You'd say 'Мне комфортно'.
No, it implies the environment is weird, not you.
Expressions liées
не в своей тарелке
similarTo feel out of place
душа в пятки ушла
builds onHeart sank into boots
мурашки по коже
similarGoosebumps
неуютно
synonymUncomfortable
стрёмно
specialized formSketchy/Creepy
