Meaning
Indicating illness.
Cultural Background
When someone says they are sick, it is common to blame 'skvoznyak' (a Russian loanword for draft/wind). People are very careful about cold air. Tea with 'mürəbbə' (fruit preserves) is the universal cure. Specifically, 'zoğal mürəbbəsi' (cornelian cherry jam) is used for fever. The phrase 'Keçmiş olsun' is mandatory. Failing to say it when someone says 'Xəstəyəm' can be seen as cold or impolite. There is a belief in the 'evil eye' (nəzər). Sometimes people might say they are 'unwell' to avoid boasting about perfect health, though this is more subtle.
Add 'bir az'
If you aren't very sick, say 'Bir az xəstəyəm' (I'm a bit sick) to avoid worrying people too much.
Don't forget the 'y'
Saying 'xəstəəm' sounds very unnatural and is a common beginner mistake.
Meaning
Indicating illness.
Add 'bir az'
If you aren't very sick, say 'Bir az xəstəyəm' (I'm a bit sick) to avoid worrying people too much.
Don't forget the 'y'
Saying 'xəstəəm' sounds very unnatural and is a common beginner mistake.
The response
Always respond with 'Keçmiş olsun' if someone tells you they are sick. It's the most important social lubricant in this context.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the 'I am' suffix with the buffer consonant.
Mən çox xəstə____.
Because 'xəstə' ends in a vowel, we need the 'y' buffer before the 'əm' suffix.
Choose the most appropriate response to 'Necəsən?' if you have a fever.
Necəsən?
'Xəstəyəm' means 'I am sick', which is the correct answer for having a fever.
Complete the dialogue between a boss and an employee.
İşçi: Salam, müdir. Mən bu gün işə gələ bilmirəm. Müdir: Niyə? Nə olub? İşçi: ________.
The employee is giving a reason for not coming to work.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at the doctor's office and he asks how you feel.
This is the standard way to start explaining your condition to a doctor.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMən çox xəstə____.
Because 'xəstə' ends in a vowel, we need the 'y' buffer before the 'əm' suffix.
Necəsən?
'Xəstəyəm' means 'I am sick', which is the correct answer for having a fever.
İşçi: Salam, müdir. Mən bu gün işə gələ bilmirəm. Müdir: Niyə? Nə olub? İşçi: ________.
The employee is giving a reason for not coming to work.
Situation: You are at the doctor's office and he asks how you feel.
This is the standard way to start explaining your condition to a doctor.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, you can say 'Ruhən xəstəyəm' (I am spiritually/mentally sick), though it's quite dramatic.
'Xəstəyəm' is the state (I am sick now). 'Xəstələnmişəm' is the action (I have fallen sick).
You say 'Xəstə deyiləm'.
Yes, it is perfectly neutral and polite.
No, the '-yəm' suffix already tells us it's 'I'. 'Xəstəyəm' is enough.
Related Phrases
Xəstəxana
builds onHospital
Xəstəlik
builds onIllness/Disease
Sağlamam
contrastI am healthy
Ağrıyıram
similarI am in pain
Yorğunam
similarI am tired
