When we say someone is 'mildly ill' in Chinese, we use the term 病轻 (bìng qīng). The word 病 (bìng) means 'illness' or 'sickness,' and 轻 (qīng) means 'light' or 'mild.'
So, when you put them together, it literally translates to 'illness light,' which makes perfect sense for 'mildly ill.'
You would use 病轻 to describe someone who isn't very sick, perhaps just has a common cold or a slight fever. It's not a serious condition.
When we say someone is 'mildly ill' in Chinese, we use the term 病轻 (bìng qīng). It literally combines 病 (bìng), meaning 'illness' or 'sickness,' with 轻 (qīng), which means 'light' or 'slight.'
So, 病轻 describes an illness that isn't severe, like a common cold or a minor headache. It's often used when you want to reassure someone that their condition isn't serious, or to indicate that a treatment might not need to be very aggressive. For example, if a doctor says 他病轻, it means 'his illness is mild.'
§ What does 病轻 (bìng qīng) mean?
病轻 (bìng qīng) literally translates to "illness light." It's an adjective used to describe someone who is mildly ill or has a minor sickness. Think of it like saying someone has a 'light case' of something. It’s a good word to know when you want to downplay an illness or say it’s not serious.
- DEFINITION
- mildly ill
§ How to use it in a sentence — grammar, prepositions
病轻 (bìng qīng) is an adjective, so it usually comes after the person or thing it describes, or it can be used with adverbs like 很 (hěn) meaning 'very' to emphasize the mildness.
Here are some common ways to use it:
- Describing someone directly: You can say someone "is mildly ill."
- Referring to a condition: You can describe an illness as being mild.
Let's look at some examples:
他病轻，很快就会好起来的。
Translation hint: He is mildly ill, he will get better soon.
医生说我的感冒病轻，不用担心。
Translation hint: The doctor said my cold is mildly ill (a mild illness), no need to worry.
虽然她有点不舒服，但只是病轻。
Translation hint: Although she's a bit uncomfortable, it's just a mild illness.
我感觉有点病轻，可能是着凉了。
Translation hint: I feel a bit mildly ill, maybe I caught a cold.
他看起来有点病轻，脸色不太好。
Translation hint: He looks a bit mildly ill, his complexion isn't very good.
Remember, 病轻 (bìng qīng) is specifically for mild illnesses. If someone is seriously ill, you would use other terms like 病重 (bìng zhòng) meaning 'seriously ill' or other specific diagnoses.
Pay attention to the context. While 病轻 (bìng qīng) describes the *condition* of being mildly ill, you wouldn't use it to describe the illness itself as a noun. For example, you wouldn't say “这是一个病轻” (zhè shì yī ge bìng qīng - this is a mildly ill). Instead, you would say “这个病很轻” (zhè ge bìng hěn qīng - this illness is very mild).
In summary, when you want to convey that an illness isn't severe, 病轻 (bìng qīng) is your go-to adjective. It's concise and clearly understood by native speakers. Practice using it in sentences to make it part of your active vocabulary!
Alright, let's talk about some common pitfalls when using 病轻. It's pretty straightforward, but there are a couple of things English speakers often mess up. Pay attention, and you'll avoid sounding awkward.
§ Mistake 1: Using it for serious illnesses
The biggest mistake is using 病轻 for anything more than a mild illness. Remember, it means 'mildly ill.' If someone has a serious illness, this is absolutely the wrong word to use. You'd never say someone with cancer is 病轻.
§ Mistake 2: Confusing it with 'getting better'
Sometimes learners confuse 病轻 with the idea of an illness becoming less severe or someone recovering. 病轻 describes the current state of the illness as mild. It doesn't imply improvement. If someone is getting better, you'd use phrases like 好转 (hǎozhuǎn - to improve) or 康复 (kāngfù - to recover).
他病轻，但还没好转。
Tā bìng qīng, dàn hái méi hǎozhuǎn.
He is mildly ill, but he hasn't gotten better yet.
- Wrong:
- 他的病在病轻。(Tā de bìng zài bìng qīng.)
- Why it's wrong:
- 病轻 describes the state, not the process of getting better. This sentence sounds like you're saying his illness is 'in mildly ill,' which makes no sense.
§ Mistake 3: Overusing it as a standalone phrase
While 病轻 is an adjective, it's often used with a subject. Just saying "病轻" by itself in response to "How is he?" might be a bit abrupt. It's better to form a complete sentence.
Better: 他病轻。(Tā bìng qīng. - He is mildly ill.)
Also good: 他的病很轻。(Tā de bìng hěn qīng. - His illness is very mild.)
§ Mistake 4: Using it with '很' (hěn) too much
While you can say 他的病很轻 (His illness is very mild), using 很 (hěn) directly before 病轻 (e.g., 很病轻) is generally not how it's used. 病轻 already carries the meaning of 'mildly ill.' If you want to emphasize the mildness, you'd usually say 他的病很轻 or describe the symptoms as light.
她有点发烧，算是病轻。
Tā yǒudiǎn fāshāo, suànshì bìng qīng.
She has a slight fever, which counts as mildly ill.
Remember, 病轻 is about the degree of the illness, and it's always on the lesser side. Keep it simple, keep it accurate, and you'll be fine.
Fun Fact
The character '病' (bìng) has a radical '疒' (nè), which is commonly associated with illness or disease. '轻' (qīng) can also mean light in terms of weight, but in this context, it refers to the severity of the illness.
Pronunciation Guide
- Confusing the tones, especially between the fourth and first tones.
- Not enunciating the 'q' sound correctly, which should be similar to 'ch' in 'cheese'.
Examples by Level
我有点儿病轻。
I am a little mildly ill.
她病轻，在家休息。
She is mildly ill, resting at home.
他病轻，不用去医院。
He is mildly ill, no need to go to the hospital.
小狗病轻，吃点药就好了。
The puppy is mildly ill, it will be fine after taking some medicine.
你只是病轻，多喝水。
You are just mildly ill, drink more water.
他病轻，可以上班。
He is mildly ill, he can go to work.
我感觉有点病轻。
I feel a bit mildly ill.
孩子病轻，没关系。
The child is mildly ill, it's okay.
她感冒了，但是病轻，两天就好了。
She caught a cold, but it was mild, and she got better in two days.
医生说他的病轻，在家休息几天就行了。
The doctor said his illness was mild, and he just needed to rest at home for a few days.
虽然有点不舒服，但好在病轻，没有影响工作。
Although a bit uncomfortable, luckily the illness was mild and didn't affect work.
他看起来精神不错，应该是病轻。
He looks quite energetic, so it should be a mild illness.
这个季节很多人都会有点病轻，注意保暖就好。
Many people get mildly ill this season, just pay attention to staying warm.
她的过敏反应是病轻的，吃点药就没事了。
Her allergic reaction was mild, and she was fine after taking some medicine.
别担心，只是病轻，很快就会恢复的。
Don't worry, it's just a mild illness, you'll recover soon.
小孩子偶尔病轻很正常，增强免疫力很重要。
It's normal for young children to be mildly ill occasionally; boosting immunity is important.
她感冒了，但是病轻，吃了药很快就好了。
She caught a cold, but was mildly ill, and quickly recovered after taking medicine.
医生说他只是病轻，不需要住院。
The doctor said he was only mildly ill and didn't need to be hospitalized.
虽然有点不舒服，但还好是病轻，不影响工作。
Although a little uncomfortable, it's good that it's a mild illness, so it doesn't affect work.
小孩子经常会有些病轻的小毛病，不用太担心。
Children often have minor ailments that are mildly ill, so there's no need to worry too much.
他的症状看起来很严重，但诊断结果显示只是病轻。
His symptoms looked severe, but the diagnosis showed it was just a mild illness.
这次流感大多数人都是病轻，在家休息几天就好了。
Most people with this flu were mildly ill and recovered after a few days of rest at home.
我以为自己得了重病，结果只是病轻，虚惊一场。
I thought I had a serious illness, but it turned out to be just a mild illness, a false alarm.
你脸色不太好，是病轻还是太累了？
You don't look well, are you mildly ill or just too tired?
Idioms & Expressions
"小病"
minor illness
他得了小病，需要休息几天。(He's got a minor illness and needs a few days of rest.)
neutral"轻症"
mild case (of an illness)
医生说他只是轻症，不用太担心。(The doctor said it's just a mild case, no need to worry too much.)
neutral"微恙"
slight indisposition (literary)
他因微恙未能出席会议。(He was unable to attend the meeting due to a slight indisposition.)
formal"不舒服"
unwell, uncomfortable
我有点不舒服，想早点回家。(I'm feeling a bit unwell, I want to go home early.)
neutral"有点儿感冒"
a slight cold
她有点儿感冒，嗓子不舒服。(She has a slight cold and her throat is uncomfortable.)
neutral"着凉了"
caught a cold
他昨晚没盖好被子，着凉了。(He didn't cover himself properly last night and caught a cold.)
informal"身体不适"
feeling unwell (polite)
因身体不适，他请了病假。(He took sick leave due to feeling unwell.)
formal"有点小毛病"
a minor ailment
最近他有点小毛病，总是觉得累。(Recently he's had a minor ailment, always feeling tired.)
informal"没什么大碍"
nothing serious
医生检查后说他没什么大碍，只是休息一下就好。(After examination, the doctor said it's nothing serious, just rest will be fine.)
neutral"病得不重"
not seriously ill
他病得不重，过几天就能恢复。(He's not seriously ill, he'll recover in a few days.)
neutralWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
How to Use It
When describing someone as mildly ill, you can say they are 病轻 (bìng qīng). This implies the illness is not severe and they are likely to recover quickly. It's often used in contrast to 病重 (bìng zhòng), which means severely ill.
A common mistake is to directly translate 'mildly ill' using words like '轻微生病 (qīngwēi shēngbìng)'. While grammatically correct, 病轻 is the more natural and idiomatic way to express this in Chinese. Another mistake is to confuse 病轻 with simply 'not serious'. While it does mean the illness is not serious, 病轻 specifically refers to the *degree* of the illness.
Word Origin
From '病' (bìng) meaning 'illness' and '轻' (qīng) meaning 'light'.
Original meaning: light illness
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
When someone is described as '病轻' (bìng qīng), it generally means their illness is not severe and they are likely to recover quickly. It's a common way to downplay an illness to avoid causing too much worry, or to indicate that medical intervention might not be immediately necessary. This phrase emphasizes the temporary and non-threatening nature of the sickness.
Test Yourself 66 questions
You wake up feeling a bit unwell, but you still need to go to work. Write a short message to your colleague explaining that you are mildly ill but will still come in.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你好！我今天病轻，但是我会去上班。
Your friend asks how you are feeling. You want to tell them you're just a little sick. Write a short reply.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我病轻，没事。
Describe a time when you or someone you know was mildly ill. Use simple sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我的朋友病轻了。他吃了药。他现在很好。
小明今天怎么了？
Read this passage:
小明今天有点不舒服，他觉得头有点疼，但是不严重。他告诉妈妈：“我病轻，我可以去学校。”妈妈说：“好，但是你要多喝水。”
小明今天怎么了？
文章中说“小明今天有点不舒服，他觉得头有点疼，但是不严重”，这表示他病轻。
文章中说“小明今天有点不舒服，他觉得头有点疼，但是不严重”，这表示他病轻。
李老师今天来上班了吗？
Read this passage:
李老师昨天病轻，他今天来上班了。他的同事问他：“你感觉好点了吗？”李老师说：“好多了，谢谢。”
李老师今天来上班了吗？
文章中说“李老师昨天病轻，他今天来上班了”，所以他今天来了。
文章中说“李老师昨天病轻，他今天来上班了”，所以他今天来了。
猫咪需要住院吗？
Read this passage:
我的猫咪感冒了，它有点咳嗽。医生说它病轻，不需要住院，吃点药就好了。现在它已经好多了。
猫咪需要住院吗？
文章中说“医生说它病轻，不需要住院”，所以猫咪不需要住院。
文章中说“医生说它病轻，不需要住院”，所以猫咪不需要住院。
她今天没去上班，因为她有点______。
The sentence implies she is not going to work because she is a little unwell. '病轻' (bìng qīng) means mildly ill, which fits the context.
医生说他只是______，吃点药就好了。
The doctor's advice to take some medicine and get better suggests a mild illness. '病轻' (bìng qīng) is the correct choice.
虽然他______，但他还是坚持去学校了。
The sentence states he still insisted on going to school despite his condition, implying a mild illness. '病轻' (bìng qīng) fits best.
如果一个人病轻，他需要去医院住院。
If someone is '病轻' (bìng qīng), meaning mildly ill, they typically do not need to be hospitalized. They might rest at home or see a doctor for minor treatment.
感冒通常是一种病轻的疾病。
A common cold (感冒 - gǎnmào) is generally considered a '病轻' (bìng qīng) illness, meaning it's mild and usually not life-threatening.
病轻的人不能吃任何东西。
Being '病轻' (bìng qīng) means being mildly ill. While some foods might be avoided, it doesn't mean a person cannot eat anything at all. They might still eat light, easily digestible foods.
The correct order is 'He is mildly ill, a few days' rest will make him better.'
The correct order is 'The doctor said her cold was mild.'
The correct order is 'Don't worry, it's just a mild illness.'
她有点不舒服，医生说只是____。
Based on the context, the doctor said it is 'mildly ill', which is '病轻'. '病重' means severely ill. '生病' means to get sick and '生病了' means already sick.
虽然他看起来不舒服，但他告诉我他的病情很____。
He told me his condition is 'mildly ill', so '病轻' is the best choice. '严重' means serious. '好转' means to get better. '不好' means not good.
感冒通常是____，好好休息几天就会好。
A cold is usually 'mildly ill', and a few days of rest will make it better. '病轻' fits this meaning. '病重' means severely ill. '病了' means sick. '生病' means to get sick.
如果一个人只是病轻，他可能不需要住院治疗。
'病轻' means mildly ill, so hospitalization might not be necessary.
医生说她的病情病轻，这意味着她需要立即进行手术。
'病轻' means mildly ill, which usually does not require immediate surgery.
病轻的人通常可以在家休息并服用一些非处方药。
For someone who is 'mildly ill', resting at home and taking over-the-counter medicine is often sufficient.
He is mildly ill, no need to go to the hospital.
The doctor said he was only mildly ill, just need more rest.
Although a bit uncomfortable, it's just a mild illness.
Read this aloud:
我感觉有点病轻，可能只是感冒了。
Focus: bìng qīng
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
别担心，她只是病轻，很快就会好起来的。
Focus: hěn kuài jiù huì hǎo qǐ lái de
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
医生说我病轻，可以回家休息。
Focus: kě yǐ huí jiā xiū xi
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
她看起来有点不舒服，但医生说只是____。
Contextually, '病轻' (mildly ill) fits best to describe someone who looks a 'little uncomfortable' but the doctor assures it's not serious. '病重' means severely ill, '病危' means critically ill, and '病愈' means recovered.
别担心，只是____的小感冒，很快就会好的。
'病轻' (mildly ill) is the most appropriate adjective to describe a 'small cold' that will 'get better quickly'. The other options don't fit grammatically or semantically.
虽然他发烧了，但精神还不错，应该是____。
If someone 'has a fever but is in good spirits', it suggests they are 'mildly ill' ('病轻'), not seriously ill. '病入膏肓' means terminally ill, '重病' means serious illness, and '大病' means a major illness.
医生检查后告诉我，孩子只是____，不用太担心。
When a doctor says 'no need to worry too much', it implies the child is 'mildly ill' ('病轻'). '病情恶化' means condition worsened, '病势沉重' means serious illness, and '病入膏肓' means terminally ill.
她最近有点不舒服，但医生说只是____，吃点药就好了。
If someone can 'just take some medicine and get better', it means they are 'mildly ill' ('病轻'). '病重' and '重症' both imply serious illness, and '大病' means a major illness.
根据她的症状，医生判断她只是____，很快就能康复。
If someone 'can recover quickly', it suggests they are 'mildly ill' ('病轻'). '重病缠身' means suffering from a serious illness, '病入膏肓' means terminally ill, and '大病初愈' means just recovered from a major illness.
她有点不舒服，医生说只是____，吃点药就好了。
The context implies a minor illness, so '病轻' (mildly ill) is the most suitable choice.
虽然他看起来不舒服，但医生检查后说只是____，不必过于担心。
The sentence suggests the illness is not serious, aligning with '病轻' (mildly ill).
感冒初期通常是____，及时治疗就能很快恢复。
Early stages of a cold are typically mild, making '病轻' (mildly ill) the correct option.
如果一个人得了重感冒，我们可以说他是“病轻”。
“重感冒” means a severe cold, which contradicts “病轻” (mildly ill).
“他只是有点咳嗽，没什么大碍，算是病轻。”这句话是正确的。
A slight cough with no major issues fits the description of '病轻' (mildly ill).
“病轻”指的是病情非常严重，需要立即住院治疗。
“病轻” means mildly ill, the opposite of a severe condition requiring immediate hospitalization.
她看起来有点不舒服，但医生说只是____，吃点药就好了。
The context implies a minor illness that can be cured with medicine, so '病轻' (mildly ill) is the most appropriate choice. '病重' means seriously ill, '病危' means critically ill, and '病倒' means to fall ill.
他只是____，休息几天就能康复，不用担心。
The phrase '休息几天就能康复' (can recover in a few days) indicates a mild condition. '病轻' fits this description. The other options imply severe illness.
别看她脸色苍白，其实只是____，没有大碍。
The sentence '没有大碍' (nothing serious) directly contradicts the severity of '病入膏肓', '病重', and '病危'. '病轻' is the only option that means mildly ill, fitting the context.
虽然他有些咳嗽和流鼻涕，但只是____，不必住院。
Cough and runny nose are symptoms of a common, mild illness. The phrase '不必住院' (no need to be hospitalized) confirms that it's not severe, making '病轻' the correct answer.
医生诊断他只是____，回家多喝水就行了。
The advice to '回家多喝水' (go home and drink more water) is typically given for minor ailments. '病轻' is the only option that describes such a condition.
奶奶感冒了，但是____，精神状态还不错。
Even with a cold (感冒), if her '精神状态还不错' (mental state is still good), it suggests the illness is not severe. '病轻' accurately reflects this.
她看起来有点不舒服，但医生说只是___。
句子中提到她“看起来有点不舒服”，而医生说“只是...”，暗示病情不严重，因此“病轻”最符合语境。
虽然他得了感冒，但是___，所以可以继续工作。
“虽然得了感冒”后面紧接着“所以可以继续工作”，说明病情不影响正常活动，因此选择“病轻”表示病情不严重。
别担心，只是小感冒，属于___，休息两天就好了。
“小感冒”和“休息两天就好了”都表明病情不严重，因此“病轻”是正确的选择。
如果一个人病轻，他可能需要住院治疗。
“病轻”指病情轻微，通常不需要住院治疗，可以在家休息或门诊治疗。
一位病轻的患者通常没有明显的症状。
“病轻”是指症状不严重，但仍然会有一些不适或症状，只是不影响生活或工作。
医生说，她的病只是病轻，所以不需要吃药。
即使是“病轻”，医生也可能建议吃药来缓解症状或加速康复，不吃药并非必然。
Imagine you're advising a friend who is experiencing mild symptoms of an illness. Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) about what they should do, incorporating the phrase '病轻'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
如果你觉得有点不舒服，但是病轻，建议你先多休息，多喝水。密切观察自己的症状有没有加重。如果症状持续或恶化，就应该及时去看医生了。不要拖延，小病也可能变大病。
Describe a situation where someone might be described as '病轻' but still needs attention. What are the implications of underestimating a '病轻' condition? Write 3-4 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
虽然只是病轻，但如果忽视了，可能会导致病情恶化，延长康复时间。比如，感冒初期若不及时休息，可能发展成肺炎。即使症状不严重，也应该适当关注，避免小问题酿成大麻烦。
Compose a short dialogue (2-3 exchanges) between two friends discussing a third friend who is '病轻' but still insists on working. What advice would they give?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A: 小王病轻还坚持加班，真是太拼了。 B: 是啊，这样下去身体怎么吃得消？他应该知道，健康才是最重要的，病轻也要多休息。 A: 我觉得我们应该劝劝他，工作再忙也不能拿健康开玩笑。
根据这段文字，关于“病轻”的说法，哪项是正确的？
Read this passage:
近日，流感病毒在社区内传播，导致不少人出现发烧、咳嗽等症状。幸运的是，大部分感染者都属于病轻，经过居家隔离和适当休息后，身体逐渐恢复。专家提醒，即使是病轻，也应避免外出，减少与他人接触，以防病毒进一步扩散。
根据这段文字，关于“病轻”的说法，哪项是正确的？
文章明确提到“大部分感染者都属于病轻，经过居家隔离和适当休息后，身体逐渐恢复”。
文章明确提到“大部分感染者都属于病轻，经过居家隔离和适当休息后，身体逐渐恢复”。
这段文字强调了在评估“病轻”时应注意什么？
Read this passage:
在某些特殊情况下，即使是看起来“病轻”的症状，也可能预示着潜在的严重问题。例如，儿童的轻微发烧有时可能是更复杂感染的早期迹象。因此，对于医生来说，判断病人是否真的“病轻”，需要结合多方面因素，不能掉以轻心。
这段文字强调了在评估“病轻”时应注意什么？
文章指出“即使是看起来‘病轻’的症状，也可能预示着潜在的严重问题”，并以儿童发烧为例。
文章指出“即使是看起来‘病轻’的症状，也可能预示着潜在的严重问题”，并以儿童发烧为例。
根据这段文字，设立“轻症门诊”的主要目的是什么？
Read this passage:
现代医疗体系对于“病轻”患者的管理越来越重视。许多医院设立了专门的“轻症门诊”，旨在分流患者，避免医疗资源的挤兑。同时，通过线上问诊和远程指导，帮助病轻患者在家也能获得专业的医疗建议，促进快速康复。
根据这段文字，设立“轻症门诊”的主要目的是什么？
文章明确说明“许多医院设立了专门的‘轻症门诊’，旨在分流患者，避免医疗资源的挤兑”。
文章明确说明“许多医院设立了专门的‘轻症门诊’，旨在分流患者，避免医疗资源的挤兑”。
This sentence structure shows a concession: 'He felt a little mildly ill, but insisted on working.' The conjunction '但' (but) connects the two clauses.
The '虽然...却...' (although...yet...) structure highlights the contrast between being mildly ill and remaining optimistic. '依然' (still) reinforces the continuation of optimism.
This sentence uses '因为' (because) to explain the reason for the doctor's suggestion. '只是' (just/only) emphasizes the mildness of the illness.
/ 66 correct
Perfect score!
Example
他只是病轻，休息一下就好了。
Related Content
More health words
一粒
A2One pill; a grain (for small, round objects like pills).
一片
A2One tablet; a slice (for flat objects like pills).
不正常
A2abnormal
以上
A2Above, over (a number)
酸痛
A2Sore; aching (especially muscles).
倒是
A2On the contrary; actually.
针灸
A2Acupuncture; traditional Chinese therapy.
扎针
A2to give an injection
急性
B1acute (illness)
急性病
B1Acute disease.
