Meaning
Expressing nausea or feeling unwell
Cultural Background
Czechs often use 'Je mi zle' to describe a hangover (kocovina). It's socially acceptable to admit this among friends. When visiting a Czech 'obvodní lékař' (GP), 'Je mi zle' is the most common way to describe general symptoms before getting specific. Some older Czechs believe that if you feel 'zle' suddenly, someone might be 'giving you the evil eye' (uhranout). Czech food is heavy. 'Je mi zle' is a common complaint after a large meal of 'Svíčková' or 'Vepřo-knedlo-zelo'.
The Dative Rule
Always pair 'Je mi' with states like 'zle', 'zima' (cold), or 'horko' (hot). It's a pattern that will serve you well in Czech.
Urgency
If you say 'Je mi zle' in a taxi, the driver will likely pull over immediately. Only use it if you really mean it!
Meaning
Expressing nausea or feeling unwell
The Dative Rule
Always pair 'Je mi' with states like 'zle', 'zima' (cold), or 'horko' (hot). It's a pattern that will serve you well in Czech.
Urgency
If you say 'Je mi zle' in a taxi, the driver will likely pull over immediately. Only use it if you really mean it!
Adding 'od žaludku'
To be specific about nausea, say 'Je mi zle od žaludku' (I feel sick from the stomach).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct dative pronoun for 'I'.
Je ___ zle.
The phrase 'Je mi zle' always uses the short dative form 'mi'.
How do you say 'He feels sick'?
Choose the correct translation:
'Mu' is the dative form of 'on' (he).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a taxi and feel like you might vomit.
'Je mi zle' is the specific phrase for nausea.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Proč nejíš ten dort? B: Protože je mi z té čokolády už ___.
The context implies the person has had too much chocolate and feels sick.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe ___ zle.
The phrase 'Je mi zle' always uses the short dative form 'mi'.
Choose the correct translation:
'Mu' is the dative form of 'on' (he).
You are in a taxi and feel like you might vomit.
'Je mi zle' is the specific phrase for nausea.
A: Proč nejíš ten dort? B: Protože je mi z té čokolády už ___.
The context implies the person has had too much chocolate and feels sick.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. For a headache, use 'Bolí mě hlava'. 'Je mi zle' implies nausea or general sickness.
Yes, it is a neutral and acceptable phrase to explain why you need to go home.
'Zle' is often stronger and more specifically associated with vomiting/nausea. 'Špatně' is more general.
Use the past tense of 'být': 'Bylo mi zle'.
Usually no. For sadness, use 'Je mi smutno'. 'Je mi zle' is much more visceral.
It's not rude, but it is informal. Use it with friends, not your doctor.
'Mi' is the dative case used for states of being. 'Mě' is accusative/genitive.
It's grammatically correct but sounds less natural than 'Je mi zle' for physical sickness.
90% of the time yes, but it can also mean moral disgust.
Say 'Vypadáš, že je ti zle' or 'Vypadáš nemocně'.
Related Phrases
Je mi špatně
synonymI feel bad/unwell
Je mi blbě
synonymI feel crappy/sick
Dělá se mi zle
builds onI am starting to feel sick
Zvedá se mi kufr
specialized formMy stomach is turning
Není mi dobře
contrastI am not well
