Meaning
To be unwell or suffering from an illness.
Cultural Background
It is very common to use 'estar de baja' if you are sick and cannot work. This refers to the official medical leave. Diminutives like 'enfermito' are used frequently to show affection or to downplay the severity of the illness to avoid worrying others. When someone says they are 'enfermo', it is culturally polite to respond with 'Que te mejores' (May you get better).
The 'Estar' Rule
Always use 'estar' for health. Health is a state, not an identity.
Gender Matters
If you are a woman, say 'Estoy enferma'. If you say 'enfermo', people will be confused.
Meaning
To be unwell or suffering from an illness.
The 'Estar' Rule
Always use 'estar' for health. Health is a state, not an identity.
Gender Matters
If you are a woman, say 'Estoy enferma'. If you say 'enfermo', people will be confused.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'estar' and 'enfermo'.
Mi hermana ____ ________ (sick).
We use 'está' for temporary states and 'enferma' because the sister is female.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'They (males) are sick'?
Plural subject requires plural verb and plural adjective.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You feel a bit sick and want to use a cute/diminutive form.
The suffix '-ito' makes it diminutive and softer.
Complete the dialogue.
Juan: ¿Por qué no comes? María: No tengo hambre, ______ _______.
María is speaking about herself (female).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Estar vs Ser with Enfermo
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMi hermana ____ ________ (sick).
We use 'está' for temporary states and 'enferma' because the sister is female.
How do you say 'They (males) are sick'?
Plural subject requires plural verb and plural adjective.
You feel a bit sick and want to use a cute/diminutive form.
The suffix '-ito' makes it diminutive and softer.
Juan: ¿Por qué no comes? María: No tengo hambre, ______ _______.
María is speaking about herself (female).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, but it's more common to say 'estar deprimido' or 'tener ansiedad'. 'Estar enfermo' usually implies physical illness unless specified.
In many regions, 'estar malo' means the same as 'estar enfermo'. However, 'ser malo' means to be a bad person.
Use the reflexive verb: 'Me estoy enfermando'.
Related Phrases
sentirse mal
similarto feel bad/unwell
caer enfermo
builds onto fall ill
estar de baja
specialized formto be on sick leave
