This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 adjective 10 min read

不舒服

bu shufu

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 不舒服 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 不舒服 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '不舒服' (bù shūfu) is primarily taught as a way to express basic health needs. Learners should focus on the simplest sentence structure: '我不舒服' (I am not feeling well). It is a vital 'survival' phrase. If you are traveling in China and feel sick, this is the first thing you should say. At this stage, don't worry about the complex emotional meanings. Just remember that '不' means 'not' and '舒服' means 'comfortable.' Together, they mean you are 'not comfortable' in your body. You will often use it with '有点' (yǒudiǎn), which means 'a little.' So, '我有点不舒服' is the standard way to tell a teacher or a friend that you might need to rest. It is also used for very simple physical things, like a chair that is too hard. A1 students should recognize it in the question '你哪里不舒服?' (Where do you feel unwell?) which they might hear at a clinic. The focus is on communication of immediate physical states.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of '不舒服' to describe specific body parts and environmental factors. Instead of just saying 'I am unwell,' an A2 student can say '我头不舒服' (My head feels unwell) or '我胃不舒服' (My stomach feels unwell). This level also introduces the use of '不舒服' to describe objects and surroundings. You might say '这双鞋不舒服' (These shoes are uncomfortable) or '这个沙发不舒服' (This sofa is uncomfortable). You start to see how the word describes the relationship between your body and the world. You also learn to use it in the past tense or with '了' (le) to indicate a change in state, such as '我昨天有点不舒服，但现在好了' (I was a bit unwell yesterday, but I'm better now). The A2 level also begins to touch on social discomfort, such as feeling 'uncomfortable' in a noisy room, though the primary focus remains physical.

At the B1 level, the emotional and psychological dimensions of '不舒服' become more prominent. Learners start to use '心里不舒服' (xīnlǐ bù shūfu) to describe feeling hurt, slighted, or uneasy about a situation. For example, if a colleague gets a promotion you wanted, you might feel '心里不舒服.' This isn't physical pain, but a sense of emotional disharmony. B1 students also learn to use the phrase to describe social interactions that feel 'off' or awkward. You might say '他们说话的方式让我很不舒服' (The way they talk makes me very uncomfortable). Here, the word is used to express a boundary or a personal reaction to someone else's behavior. You also begin to distinguish '不舒服' from more formal terms like '不适' (bùshì) and more intense terms like '难受' (nánshòu). B1 learners should be able to choose the right word based on the intensity of the feeling and the formality of the situation.

At the B2 level, '不舒服' is used with more sophisticated grammar and in more nuanced contexts. Learners can use it in complex sentences, such as '那种被忽视的感觉让他心里极度不舒服' (That feeling of being ignored made him feel extremely uncomfortable inside). At this stage, students understand the subtle difference between '不舒服' and '别扭' (bièniu). While '不舒服' is a general feeling of unease, '别扭' often implies a specific awkwardness or lack of coordination. B2 learners also recognize '不舒服' in more abstract contexts, such as describing a piece of writing or a film that feels 'uncomfortable' because of its themes or style. They can use the word to discuss social issues or interpersonal dynamics with greater precision, using it to navigate complex social situations where direct criticism might be too harsh. The word becomes a tool for 'soft' communication and expressing subtle preferences.

At the C1 level, the learner explores the literary and formal applications of '不舒服' and its related synonyms. They understand how the concept of 'comfort' (舒服) and its negation relate to traditional Chinese values of harmony and balance. C1 students can analyze how '不舒服' is used in literature to describe a character's internal conflict or their alienation from society. They are also familiar with very formal alternatives like '欠安' (qiàn'ān) for elders or '违和' (wéihé) for things that are out of place or inconsistent. A C1 learner might use '不舒服' to describe a subtle aesthetic dissonance in a work of art or a logical inconsistency in an argument. They understand the pragmatic force of the phrase—how it can be used to politely decline a request, subtly criticize a superior, or express deep-seated psychological unease without losing face. The focus is on the cultural and stylistic weight of the term.

At the C2 level, the mastery of '不舒服' involves a near-native grasp of its most subtle connotations and its place within the broader spectrum of Chinese emotional vocabulary. A C2 learner can use the term to discuss philosophical concepts of 'ease' and 'dis-ease.' They are adept at using the phrase in high-level diplomatic or professional settings where every word must be carefully chosen to maintain 'mianzi' (face) and social harmony. They can detect the slightest shift in meaning when a native speaker uses '不舒服' instead of '难受' or '不爽' (bùshuǎng), and they can replicate these nuances in their own speech and writing. At this level, the learner can also play with the word in creative writing or puns, and they have a deep understanding of its etymology and how the characters '舒' (to stretch) and '服' (clothing/to submit) combine to create the concept of being 'at ease' in one's environment. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item, but a window into the Chinese worldview.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

不舒服 in 30 Seconds

Used for feeling sick or unwell without specifying symptoms.
Describes physical discomfort from objects like clothes or furniture.
Expresses emotional unease, awkwardness, or feeling slighted.
A polite, versatile way to decline plans or signal a problem.

The phrase 不舒服 (bù shūfu) is one of the most essential expressions in the Chinese language, serving as a versatile umbrella term for a wide range of physical and psychological sensations. At its core, it translates to 'uncomfortable' or 'unwell,' but its application varies significantly depending on the context. In a medical or health-related context, it is the standard, polite way to indicate that you are feeling sick without necessarily specifying the symptoms immediately. When you tell someone 我身体不舒服 (Wǒ shēntǐ bù shūfu), you are signaling that you need rest or medical attention. This vagueness is often preferred in Chinese culture as it maintains a level of privacy while still communicating the need for accommodation.

Physical Health: Used to describe a general state of being unwell, ranging from a slight headache to nausea or fatigue. It is the go-to phrase when you don't want to go into detail about your ailment.
Environmental Comfort: Refers to physical discomfort caused by external factors like a hard chair, a humid room, or clothes that are too tight.

医生，我肚子有点不舒服。(Yīshēng, wǒ dùzi yǒudiǎn bù shūfu.) — Doctor, my stomach feels a bit uncomfortable/unwell.

Beyond physical health, the term extends into the psychological and social realms. If someone says something that offends you or makes you feel awkward, you might describe the feeling as 心里不舒服 (xīnlǐ bù shūfu), literally 'uncomfortable in the heart.' This usage covers feelings of being slighted, ignored, or emotionally hurt. For example, if a friend forgets your birthday, you might feel 心里很不舒服. It is less about 'pain' and more about a lack of harmony or ease in one's mind. This makes the phrase an important tool for emotional expression in a culture that often favors subtle communication over direct confrontation.

这双鞋穿起来很不舒服。(Zhè shuāng xié chuān qǐlái hěn bù shūfu.) — These shoes are very uncomfortable to wear.

In social settings, 不舒服 can also describe an atmosphere. If a conversation becomes tense or if you are in a place where you feel out of place, you can use this word to describe the vibe. It encompasses the English concepts of 'awkward,' 'ill at ease,' and 'out of sorts.' Understanding this breadth is key to moving from a basic A1 level to a more nuanced understanding of Chinese social dynamics. It is not just about a stomach ache; it's about the disruption of 'Shu' (ease/comfort).

Emotional Discomfort: Feeling resentful, awkward, or unhappy due to someone else's actions or a specific situation.

看到他们吵架，我觉得很不舒服。(Kàndào tāmen chǎojià, wǒ juéde hěn bù shūfu.) — Seeing them argue makes me feel very uncomfortable.

Grammatically, 不舒服 functions as an adjective. In Chinese, adjectives often act like verbs (stative verbs), meaning you don't need the word 'is' (是) before them. Instead, you use intensifiers like 很 (hěn - very), 有点 (yǒudiǎn - a bit), or 非常 (fēicháng - extremely). The most common structure is [Subject] + [Degree] + 不舒服. For example, 他今天有点不舒服 (Tā jīntiān yǒudiǎn bù shūfu) means 'He feels a bit unwell today.'

我全身都不舒服。(Wǒ quánshēn dōu bù shūfu.) — My whole body feels uncomfortable/unwell.

To specify *where* you feel unwell, you place the body part before the adjective: [Body Part] + 不舒服. Common examples include 胃不舒服 (wèi bù shūfu - stomach discomfort), 眼睛不舒服 (yǎnjing bù shūfu - eye discomfort), or 嗓子不舒服 (sǎngzi bù shūfu - throat discomfort). This is a very natural way to describe symptoms to a doctor or a friend. It sounds much more native than saying 'I have a pain in my stomach' which would be 我肚子疼, although both are correct. 不舒服 is slightly softer and more general.

Structure: [Subject] + [Degree] + 不舒服: Example: 我感到特别不舒服 (I feel particularly uncomfortable).

When talking about inanimate objects, the structure is similar. 这张床睡着不舒服 (Zhè zhāng chuáng shuìzhe bù shūfu) means 'This bed is uncomfortable to sleep on.' Here, the verb 睡着 (shuìzhe) acts as a complement, describing the action of sleeping as being uncomfortable. You can apply this to many verbs: 坐着不舒服 (zuòzhe - sitting), 看着不舒服 (kànzhe - looking at), or 听着不舒服 (tīngzhe - listening to). This last one is often used when someone says something harsh or rude.

你哪里不舒服？(Nǐ nǎlǐ bù shūfu?) — Where do you feel unwell?

In questions, you can use the 'A-not-A' structure: 舒不舒服 (shū bù shūfu). For example, 你现在舒不舒服？(Are you comfortable now?). However, it is more common to ask 你是不是不舒服？(Are you perhaps feeling unwell?) if you notice someone looking pale or acting strangely. This use of 'is-not-is' (是不是) adds a layer of polite concern and inquiry.

In daily life in China, you will hear 不舒服 in a myriad of settings. In the workplace, it is the most common reason given for taking a sick day. A message to a boss might read: 王经理，我身体有点不舒服，想请个假 (Manager Wang, I'm feeling a bit unwell and would like to take leave). It is professional and avoids the need to explain that you have a stomach bug or a cold. It is a socially accepted 'black box' for health issues.

由于身体不舒服，他没去上班。(Yóuyú shēntǐ bù shūfu, tā méi qù shàngbān.) — Due to feeling unwell, he didn't go to work.

At the hospital or a clinic, the nurse or doctor will almost certainly ask you: 你哪里不舒服？(Nǐ nǎlǐ bù shūfu?) as their opening question. This is the Chinese equivalent of 'What seems to be the problem?' or 'What are your symptoms?'. You would then respond by pointing to a specific area or describing a sensation. For instance, 我头不舒服 (My head feels uncomfortable/I have a headache). It is the starting point of any medical consultation.

In the Hospital: The standard way to begin explaining symptoms to medical staff.
In Social Gatherings: Used to describe physical conditions (too hot, too crowded) or social tension.

You will also hear it in retail and service industries. If you are trying on clothes and the fabric is itchy, you would say 这件衣服料子不舒服 (The material of this clothing is uncomfortable). In a restaurant, if the air conditioning is blowing directly on you, you might tell the waiter 这个位子坐着不舒服 (Sitting in this seat is uncomfortable). In these cases, it's a direct feedback tool used to improve one's immediate environment.

这儿空气不好，让人觉得不舒服。(Zhèr kōngqì bù hǎo, ràng rén juéde bù shūfu.) — The air here is bad; it makes people feel uncomfortable.

Finally, it is used in interpersonal relationships to signal boundaries. If someone is joking in a way that feels like bullying, a bystander or the target might say 这话听着真不舒服 (Those words are really uncomfortable to hear). It is a way of saying 'You've crossed a line' without being overly aggressive. It focuses on the speaker's internal feeling rather than the other person's character, which is a hallmark of polite Chinese communication.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using 不舒服 when they actually mean 难受 (nánshòu). While they both translate to 'uncomfortable,' 难受 implies a much higher degree of suffering, either physical or emotional. If you have a severe migraine or are heartbroken, 难受 is the better choice. 不舒服 is more about a lack of 'ease' or a general 'not feeling quite right.' Using 不舒服 for a tragic event might sound too casual or detached.

Incorrect: 我今天很不舒服，因为我的狗死了。(Too light for the situation)
Better: 我今天很难受，因为我的狗死了。(Shows deep emotional pain)

Another common error is the misuse of '是' (shì). Beginners often say 我是不舒服 (Wǒ shì bù shūfu). In Chinese, adjectives like 舒服 and 不舒服 don't require a linking verb. You should say 我不舒服 or 我感觉不舒服. Adding 是 makes it sound like you are emphasizing a fact ('It *is* the case that I am uncomfortable') rather than just stating your state of being.

Mistake: Overusing '是': Don't say '我是不舒服'. Say '我不舒服' or '我很不舒服'.
Mistake: Confusing with '疼' (téng): '不舒服' is general discomfort; '疼' is specific pain. Don't use '不舒服' if you mean you've been stabbed or broken a bone!

Learners also sometimes struggle with the placement of 有点 (yǒudiǎn). It must come before the adjective. You say 有点不舒服, not 不舒服有点. Also, remember that 有点 is usually used for negative things. You wouldn't say 有点舒服 to mean 'a little comfortable'; you would just say 挺舒服的 (tǐng shūfu de).

不要说：这双鞋不舒服一点。 (Don't say 'this shoe uncomfortable a bit')
要说：这双鞋有点不舒服。

Finally, avoid using 不舒服 to describe a person's personality (e.g., 'He is an uncomfortable person'). In English, this might mean someone is creepy or awkward. In Chinese, you would use 让人不舒服 (ràng rén bù shūfu), meaning 'he makes people feel uncomfortable.' The discomfort is the effect they have on others, not an inherent trait of their character.

To enrich your Chinese vocabulary, it's important to know words that are similar to 不舒服 but carry different nuances. The most common alternative is 难受 (nánshòu). As mentioned before, 难受 implies more intense suffering. If 不舒服 is 'unwell,' 难受 is closer to 'unbearable' or 'painful.' You use it for severe sickness, extreme heat, or deep grief.

不舒服 vs. 难受: 不舒服 is mild/general (unwell); 难受 is intense/emotional (suffering).
不舒服 vs. 别扭 (bièniu): 别扭 refers specifically to things being 'off,' awkward, or not fitting right (like a social interaction or a piece of machinery).

Another useful word is 不适 (bùshì). This is a more formal, medical term for 'discomfort.' You will see this on medicine bottles (e.g., 'If you experience any 不适, stop use immediately') or in news reports. While 不舒服 is colloquial, 不适 is professional. If you are writing a formal email to your professor, 身体不适 sounds more educated than 身体不舒服.

因身体不适，会议推迟。(Due to physical discomfort/illness, the meeting is postponed.) — This is formal usage.

For social situations, you might use 尴尬 (gāngà - awkward) or 拘束 (jūshù - restrained/stiff). If you feel 'uncomfortable' because you don't know anyone at a party, 拘束 describes that feeling of being unable to relax. If you feel 'uncomfortable' because someone asked an intrusive question, 尴尬 is the specific type of discomfort you are feeling.

我觉得有点别扭，我们还是走吧。(I feel a bit awkward/uneasy; let's just leave.)

Lastly, consider 欠安 (qiàn'ān). This is an extremely polite and slightly old-fashioned way to say someone is unwell, often used for elders or people of high status. For example, 王老身体欠安 (Elder Wang is not feeling well). Using these variations will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to express the exact level of discomfort you or others are experiencing.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '舒' (shū) means to stretch out, and '服' (fú) means clothing. So 'shufu' literally means the feeling of being able to stretch out in your clothes! 'Bù shūfu' is when you can't.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /buː ˈʃuː.fuː/

US /bu ˈʃu.fu/

Primary stress on the first syllable 'Bù', secondary on 'Shū'.

Rhymes With

不幸福 (bù xìngfú) 太离谱 (tài lípǔ) 看族谱 (kàn zúpǔ) 打地鼠 (dǎ dìshǔ) 在跳舞 (zài tiàowǔ) 敲锣鼓 (qiāo luógǔ) 很辛苦 (hěn xīnkǔ) 大老虎 (dà lǎohǔ)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'fu' with a full first tone instead of a neutral tone.
Over-aspirating the 'b' in 'bu' (it should not sound like 'poo').
Missing the fourth tone (falling) on 'bu'.
Mixing up 'sh' with 's'.
Making the 'u' in 'fu' too long.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The characters are relatively simple and common for beginners.

Writing 2/5

Writing '舒服' requires some practice with the 'Shu' character.

Speaking 1/5

Easy to pronounce; just remember the neutral tone on 'fu'.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound and frequently used in daily conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

不 (not) 好 (good) 身体 (body) 疼 (pain) 很 (very)

Learn Next

难受 (suffering) 生病 (sick) 医生 (doctor) 感冒 (cold/flu) 休息 (rest)

Advanced

欠安 (unwell - formal) 违和 (dissonance/unwell) 别扭 (awkward) 尴尬 (embarrassed) 焦虑 (anxiety)

Grammar to Know

Adjectives as Stative Verbs

我不舒服 (No 'shì' needed).

Using 'Yǒudiǎn' with negative adjectives

我有点不舒服 (Used for negative/unpleasant states).

Verb + Qǐlái for perception

穿起来不舒服 (Uncomfortable when wearing).

A-not-A question structure

你舒不舒服？ (Are you comfortable?)

The 'le' of change

我不舒服了 (I have become unwell).

Examples by Level

我不舒服。

I am not feeling well.

Subject + Adjective.

你舒服吗？

Are you comfortable?

Question with 吗.

我有点不舒服。

I feel a bit unwell.

有点 (a bit) + adjective.

他不舒服，没来学校。

He is unwell and didn't come to school.

Cause and effect.

老师，我不舒服。

Teacher, I don't feel well.

Polite address.

你哪里不舒服？

Where do you feel unwell?

Question word 哪里.

我肚子不舒服。

My stomach feels unwell.

Body part + adjective.

这双鞋不舒服。

These shoes are uncomfortable.

Describing an object.

这里的空气让人不舒服。

The air here makes people feel uncomfortable.

让 (ràng) - to make/cause.

坐在这里很不舒服。

It's very uncomfortable sitting here.

Verb + 在这里 + adjective.

他今天身体不太舒服。

He is not feeling very well today.

不太 (not very) + adjective.

喝了热水，我舒服多了。

After drinking hot water, I feel much better.

多 (duō) - much more.

你是不是哪里不舒服？

Are you perhaps feeling unwell somewhere?

是不是 (is it or not) question.

这件毛衣穿起来不舒服。

This sweater is uncomfortable to wear.

Verb + 起来 (qǐlái) - aspect of action.

如果你不舒服，就回家吧。

If you are unwell, just go home.

如果...就... (if...then...).

他的眼睛有点不舒服。

His eyes feel a bit uncomfortable.

Specific body part discomfort.

听到那个消息，我心里很不舒服。

Hearing that news made me feel very uneasy inside.

心里 (in the heart/mind) + adjective.

这种天气让人感到很不舒服。

This kind of weather makes one feel very uncomfortable.

感到 (gǎndào) - to feel.

他说的话让我觉得很不舒服。

What he said made me feel very uncomfortable.

觉得 (juéde) - to feel/think.

在这么多陌生人面前，他感到不舒服。

He feels uncomfortable in front of so many strangers.

Prepositional phrase + feel.

你不舒服的话，千万别硬撑着。

If you're unwell, don't try to force yourself to keep going.

千万 (qiānwàn) - by all means/must.

这张床睡着真不舒服。

This bed is really uncomfortable to sleep on.

Verb + 着 (zhe) as a state.

他因为身体不舒服请了病假。

He took sick leave because he was unwell.

因为... (because...).

看着他受苦，我心里很不舒服。

Seeing him suffer makes me feel very uncomfortable.

Verb phrase as subject.

那种被拒绝的感觉让他心里极度不舒服。

That feeling of being rejected made him feel extremely uncomfortable.

极度 (jídù) - extremely.

这种不舒服的感觉一直持续了好几天。

This uncomfortable feeling lasted for several days.

持续 (chíxù) - to last/continue.

我不喜欢这种氛围，让人很不舒服。

I don't like this atmosphere; it makes people very uncomfortable.

氛围 (fēnwéi) - atmosphere.

如果你感到任何不舒服，请立刻告诉医生。

If you feel any discomfort, please tell the doctor immediately.

任何 (rènhé) - any.

他虽然没生病，但总觉得哪里不舒服。

Although he isn't sick, he always feels like something is wrong.

虽然...但... (although...but...).

看到环境被破坏，我心里很不舒服。

Seeing the environment destroyed makes me feel very uneasy.

Abstract emotional discomfort.

这件衣服的材质让我皮肤不舒服。

The material of this clothing makes my skin uncomfortable.

材质 (cáizhì) - material.

他那充满敌意的眼神让我很不舒服。

His hostile gaze made me very uncomfortable.

充满敌意 (chōngmǎn díyì) - hostile.

这种微妙的心理不舒服感很难用言语表达。

This subtle sense of psychological discomfort is hard to express in words.

微妙 (wēimiào) - subtle.

由于身体欠安，他不得不推辞了这次邀请。

Due to being unwell, he had to decline the invitation.

欠安 (qiàn'ān) - formal synonym.

看到这种社会不公，任何有良知的人都会感到不舒服。

Seeing such social injustice, anyone with a conscience would feel uncomfortable.

有良知 (yǒu liángzhī) - having a conscience.

这种审美上的不舒服源于色彩的极度不协调。

This aesthetic discomfort stems from the extreme disharmony of the colors.

审美 (shěnměi) - aesthetic.

他总是说些阴阳怪气的话，听着真让人不舒服。

He always says sarcastic things; it's really uncomfortable to listen to.

阴阳怪气 (yīnyáng guàiqì) - sarcastic/weird.

这种压抑的办公环境让员工感到极大的不舒服。

This oppressive office environment causes employees great discomfort.

压抑 (yāyì) - oppressive.

我不舒服的不仅是他的态度，还有他的逻辑。

What I'm uncomfortable with is not just his attitude, but also his logic.

不仅...还有... (not only...but also...).

那种被窥探的感觉令她如坐针毡，非常不舒服。

That feeling of being watched made her feel like she was sitting on needles, very uncomfortable.

如坐针毡 (rúzuòzhēnzhān) - like sitting on a bed of nails.

这种存在主义式的不舒服，贯穿了他的整个文学创作。

This existential discomfort permeates his entire literary creation.

存在主义 (cúnzài zhǔyì) - existentialism.

在繁华的都市中，他却感到一种莫名的不舒服和疏离感。

In the bustling city, he felt an inexplicable discomfort and sense of alienation.

莫名的 (mòmíng de) - inexplicable.

这种对权力的病态渴望，本质上源于内心的极度不舒服。

This morbid craving for power essentially stems from an extreme inner unease.

病态 (bìngtài) - morbid.

他的言辞虽然委婉，但其中蕴含的锋芒却让人感到阵阵不舒服。

Although his words were euphemistic, the hidden sharpness within them made one feel waves of discomfort.

委婉 (wěiwǎn) - euphemistic.

那种与生俱来的不舒服感，驱使他不断地去流浪。

That innate sense of discomfort drove him to wander constantly.

与生俱来 (yǔshēngjùlái) - innate.

这种文化上的不舒服，往往源于深层价值观的冲突。

This cultural discomfort often stems from conflicts in deep-seated values.

价值观 (jiàzhíguān) - values.

这种极简主义的设计，虽然前卫，但总给人一种不舒服的冷冽感。

This minimalist design, while avant-garde, always gives off an uncomfortable sense of coldness.

冷冽 (lěngliè) - biting cold/stark.

他试图通过酒精来麻痹那种如影随形的不舒服感。

He tried to use alcohol to numb that ever-present sense of discomfort.

如影随形 (rúyǐngsuíxíng) - like a shadow following the body.

Common Collocations

身体不舒服

心里不舒服

胃不舒服

哪里不舒服

坐着不舒服

感觉不舒服

看着不舒服

听着不舒服

极度不舒服

让人不舒服

Common Phrases

有点不舒服

— A little bit unwell or uncomfortable. Use this to be polite.

我有点不舒服，先走了。

很不舒服

— Very unwell or very uncomfortable. Shows higher intensity.

我头很不舒服。

哪里不舒服？

— Where do you feel unwell? Standard doctor's question.

医生问：你哪里不舒服？

身体不舒服

— Physical illness. Standard way to call in sick.

他因为身体不舒服没来。

心里不舒服

— Feeling upset, slighted, or emotionally uneasy.

别让他心里不舒服。

穿起来不舒服

— Uncomfortable to wear (usually clothes or shoes).

这件衣服穿起来不舒服。

听着不舒服

— Sounds unpleasant or offensive to the ears.

他的语气听着不舒服。

看着不舒服

— Visually unpleasant or jarring.

那个颜色看着不舒服。

睡着不舒服

— Uncomfortable to sleep on.

这张床睡着不舒服。

总觉得不舒服

— Always feeling uncomfortable or having a lingering unease.

我总觉得心里不舒服。

Often Confused With

不舒服 vs 难受

难受 is for stronger pain or deeper emotional grief.

不舒服 vs 疼

疼 specifically means 'pain' or 'hurt', while 不舒服 is 'discomfort'.

不舒服 vs 尴尬

尴尬 is specifically 'embarrassed' or 'awkward', not physically unwell.

Idioms & Expressions

"如坐针毡"

— As if sitting on a bed of nails. Used for extreme discomfort or anxiety.

他在等结果时，如坐针毡。

Literary

"浑身不自在"

— Feeling uncomfortable all over, usually socially or physically.

在聚会上，他感到浑身不自在。

Informal

"坐立不安"

— Restless; unable to sit or stand still due to discomfort/anxiety.

他焦虑得坐立不安。

Neutral

"心绪不宁"

— Restless mind; feeling emotionally uneasy.

他最近心绪不宁，总觉得要出事。

Literary

"寝食难安"

— Unable to sleep or eat due to worry or discomfort.

这件事让他寝食难安。

Formal

"格格不入"

— Like a square peg in a round hole; feeling socially uncomfortable.

他感到自己在这里格格不入。

Neutral

"惴惴不安"

— Anxious and fearful; feeling very uneasy.

他惴惴不安地等待着判决。

Literary

"忐忑不安"

— Nervous and uneasy; 'heart thumping'.

第一次上台，他感到忐忑不安。

Neutral

"局促不安"

— Ill at ease; cramped and uncomfortable socially.

面对长辈，他显得局促不安。

Neutral

"心神不定"

— Distracted and uneasy; unable to concentrate.

他心神不定，无法工作。

Neutral

Easily Confused

不舒服 vs 难过

Both relate to feeling bad.

难过 is specifically for sadness/grief; 不舒服 is for physical illness or general unease.

他很难过，因为考试没及格。

不舒服 vs 不爽

Both mean 'not feeling great'.

不爽 is slangy and often means 'unhappy' or 'annoyed'; 不舒服 is standard and safe.

看到他赢了，我心里很不爽。

不舒服 vs 病

Both relate to health.

病 is a noun (illness) or verb (to be sick); 不舒服 is an adjective describing the feeling.

他生病了。

不舒服 vs 痛

Both describe physical bad feelings.

痛 is sharper pain (like a cut); 不舒服 is more of a dull ache or malaise.

我的牙很痛。

不舒服 vs 别扭

Both describe unease.

别扭 is for things that don't fit well or feel awkward; 不舒服 is for health and general comfort.

这名字听起来真别扭。

Sentence Patterns

我不舒服。

我[Body Part]不舒服。

我头不舒服。

[Object]不舒服。

这把椅子不舒服。

我有点不舒服。

心里不舒服。

他让我心里不舒服。

Verb + 着不舒服。

坐着不舒服。

让人不舒服。

他的眼神让人不舒服。

由于身体不适...

由于身体不适，他请假了。

Word Family

Nouns

舒服感 (sense of comfort)

不适感 (sense of discomfort)

Verbs

舒缓 (to soothe/ease)

服从 (to obey/submit - related to the origin of 'fu')

Adjectives

舒服 (comfortable)

舒坦 (at ease/relaxed)

舒心 (happy/comfortable)

舒展 (extended/relaxed)

健康 (health)

生病 (to get sick)

难受 (uncomfortable/suffering)

放松 (relax)

紧张 (nervous)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high frequency in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using '是' with '不舒服'. → 我不舒服。
Adjectives in Chinese act as verbs; '是' is redundant and sounds unnatural here.
Confusing '不舒服' with '难过'. → 我很不舒服 (unwell) vs 我很难过 (sad).
'不舒服' is for health/comfort; '难过' is for sadness.
Putting '有点' after the adjective. → 我有点不舒服。
'有点' (a bit) must always precede the adjective it modifies.
Using '不舒服' for sharp pain. → 我肚子疼。
'不舒服' is for general discomfort; '疼' is for specific pain.
Using '不舒服' for a 'creepy' person. → 他让人不舒服。
You must say 'he makes people feel uncomfortable', not 'he is uncomfortable'.

Tips

Adjective usage

Remember that '不舒服' doesn't need the word 'is'. Just say '我不舒服'.

Hot Water

If you say '我不舒服', expect someone to tell you to drink hot water!

Soft No

Use '不舒服' as a polite way to decline an invitation without being rude.

Neutral Tone

Make sure the 'fu' in 'shūfu' is very light and short.

Body Parts

Learn body parts like '头' (head) and '胃' (stomach) to use with '不舒服'.

Key Words

In a hospital, '哪里' and '不舒服' are the most important words to listen for.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the stroke order of '舒' to keep the character legible.

Heart vs Mind

When you say '心里不舒服', you are talking about your feelings, not your heart organ.

Professionalism

Use '身体不适' in emails to professors or bosses for a more formal tone.

Objects

You can use this for anything that touches your body, like beds, chairs, and clothes.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Bu' as 'Boo!' (unhappy) and 'Shu-fu' as 'Shoe-fit'. If the 'Shoe-fit' is 'Boo!', it's 'Bu Shufu' (uncomfortable)!

Visual Association

Imagine a person wearing a sweater that is three sizes too small and made of itchy wool. They are 'bu shufu'.

Word Web

不 (Not) 舒服 (Comfort) 身体 (Body) 心里 (Heart/Mind) 难受 (Suffer) 生病 (Sick) 环境 (Environment) 衣服 (Clothes)

Challenge

Try to use '不舒服' three times today: once for a physical feeling, once for an object, and once for a social situation.

Word Origin

Composed of '不' (not) and '舒服' (comfortable). The word '舒服' appeared in the Tang Dynasty, originally referring to the ease of wearing clothes that fit well.

Original meaning: Not being at ease; originally related to clothing that doesn't fit the body properly.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

It is a very safe and polite word. However, using it to describe someone else's appearance (e.g., 'You look uncomfortable') should be done with care as it might imply they look sick.

In English, 'uncomfortable' often implies social awkwardness or physical items, while 'unwell' is for health. In Chinese, '不舒服' covers both seamlessly.

Commonly heard in Chinese medical dramas like 'The Hospital'. A key phrase in the song 'Shufu' by various pop artists. Frequently used in literature to describe the 'unbearable lightness of being' in a Chinese context.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor

你哪里不舒服？
我胃不舒服。
我头有点不舒服。
这种感觉很不舒服。

Calling in Sick

我身体不舒服。
我想请假。
我今天不能来上班了。
我有点发烧，不舒服。

Shopping for Clothes

这双鞋不舒服。
这件衣服穿起来不舒服。
料子有点不舒服。
有没有舒服一点的？

Social Awkwardness

心里很不舒服。
他的话让我不舒服。
这里的人让我不舒服。
氛围有点不舒服。

At Home

这张床睡着不舒服。
沙发坐着不舒服。
灯光看着不舒服。
屋里太热，不舒服。

Conversation Starters

"你是不是身体不舒服？你看上去脸色不太好。"

"如果你觉得哪里不舒服，一定要告诉我。"

"你觉得这个椅子坐着舒服还是那个舒服？"

"听到那个传闻，你心里会不会觉得不舒服？"

"这双新鞋你穿起来觉得不舒服吗？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你感到身体不舒服的经历，你是怎么做的？

有没有什么事情让你心里感到很不舒服？请写下来。

你觉得什么样的环境会让人感到不舒服？为什么？

如果你在工作中感到不舒服，你会直接告诉老板吗？

写一写你最喜欢的舒服的衣服和最不舒服的衣服。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is the most common way to say you are unwell. You can say '我不舒服' or '我身体不舒服'.

Yes, it is perfectly polite and professional. It's the standard way to ask for a sick day.

'不舒服' is mild discomfort or being unwell. '难受' is for intense physical pain or deep emotional sorrow.

Yes! '这个椅子不舒服' is a very common sentence.

You ask '你哪里不舒服？' (Nǐ nǎlǐ bù shūfu?).

No, it usually means you are emotionally upset, jealous, or uneasy about a situation.

It's better to say '我不舒服'. Chinese adjectives don't usually need '是'.

You should say '我有点不舒服' (Wǒ yǒudiǎn bù shūfu).

It can be, but '身体不适' is more common in formal medical or business contexts.

Not exactly. It means 'uneasy' or 'awkward'. For 'embarrassed', use '尴尬' (gāngà).