Meaning
Used to express that one is feeling unwell or ill.
Cultural Background
The 'Carte Vitale' is the green card every French person has for healthcare. When you are 'malade', you take this to the doctor and pharmacy to get reimbursed. Quebecers might use the word 'magané' to describe feeling very sick or physically exhausted, which is unique to North American French. In many Francophone African countries, 'Je suis souffrant' is used very commonly and is considered very polite and standard, even in casual settings. Molière's play 'Le Malade Imaginaire' is a classic of French culture, mocking a man who thinks he is always sick. It's why the French sometimes joke about 'hypocondriaques'.
Gender Neutrality
Don't worry about gender! 'Malade' is the same for everyone.
Avoid 'J'ai malade'
This is the #1 mistake for beginners. Always use 'Je suis'.
Meaning
Used to express that one is feeling unwell or ill.
Gender Neutrality
Don't worry about gender! 'Malade' is the same for everyone.
Avoid 'J'ai malade'
This is the #1 mistake for beginners. Always use 'Je suis'.
Pharmacy First
In France, if you are 'malade', go to a pharmacy (with the green cross) before the doctor for minor issues.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'être'.
Elle ____ malade aujourd'hui.
'Elle' is the third person singular, so we use 'est'.
Which sentence is correct for 'They (masculine) are sick'?
Choose the correct plural form:
In the plural, you must add an 's' to 'malades' and use the verb form 'sont'.
Match the French phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
This tests basic subject-verb agreement with 'être'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Pourquoi tu ne viens pas ? B: Parce que je ____ ______.
The speaker is talking about themselves (je), so 'suis' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Être Malade vs Avoir Mal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesElle ____ malade aujourd'hui.
'Elle' is the third person singular, so we use 'est'.
Choose the correct plural form:
In the plural, you must add an 's' to 'malades' and use the verb form 'sont'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
This tests basic subject-verb agreement with 'être'.
A: Pourquoi tu ne viens pas ? B: Parce que je ____ ______.
The speaker is talking about themselves (je), so 'suis' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but usually with a preposition like 'malade de dépression'. However, 'Je suis malade' alone usually implies physical illness.
No, it's a standard medical term. However, calling someone 'un malade' (a sicko) can be an insult.
'Souffrant' is much more formal and often used in professional or polite social contexts.
Use the verb 'tomber' (to fall): 'Je tombe malade'.
Only in the plural, where you add an 's' (malades). It never changes for gender.
Yes, it means 'I am sick of you' or 'I am lovesick for you', depending on the tone. It's very dramatic!
It means seasickness. Here, 'mal' is a noun, not the adjective 'malade'.
You can say 'J'ai mal au cœur' (which literally means 'heart' but refers to nausea in French).
Yes, 'un truc de malade' means something incredible or crazy. It's very common slang.
The opposite is 'en bonne santé' (in good health) or 'sain' (healthy/sound).
Related Phrases
tomber malade
builds onto get sick / to fall ill
se sentir mal
similarto feel unwell
être en bonne santé
contrastto be in good health
un truc de malade
specialized formsomething crazy/awesome
