Spanish · Body & Health
"Sick" in Spanish: enfermo/a
enfermo/a
Sick is enfermo or enferma. Match the ending to who is ill. Estoy enfermo is everyday.
How to pronounce enfermo: audio and sound guideCalling work
Hoy no voy: estoy enfermo.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce enfermo/a
Say it
en-FEHR-moh
/en.ˈfeɾ.mo/
en-FEHR-moh / en-FEHR-mah. Stress FEHR.
"Sick" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| enfermo / enferma | sick, ill Agrees with the person. | Agrees with the person. |
| estoy enfermo | I am sick Male speaker. | Male speaker. |
| estoy enferma | I am sick Female speaker. | Female speaker. |
| verse enfermo | to look sick Appearance. | Appearance. |
How to use enfermo/a in real life
- 1Calling work
Hoy no voy: estoy enfermo.
I'm not going today: I'm sick.
Masculine.
- 2Friend
Mi hermana está enferma desde ayer.
My sister has been sick since yesterday.
Feminine.
- 3Waiting room
Muchos pacientes se ven enfermos.
Many patients look sick.
Plural.
Mistakes English speakers make with enfermo/a
Incorrect: Estoy sick.
Correct: Estoy enfermo / enferma.
Use enfermo/a, not English sick.
Incorrect: Tengo enfermo.
Correct: Estoy enfermo. / Me siento enfermo.
Use estar, not tener enfermo.
Good to know
Good to knowEstoy enfermo / enferma is clear for work messages. Mild days: no me siento bien.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Canceling plans because of illness
ChatPal
Te ves enfermo hoy.
You look sick today.
You
Sí, estoy enfermo. Mejor no salgo.
Yes, I'm sick. Better not go out.
ChatPal
Descansa. Te escribo mañana.
Rest. I'll text tomorrow.
You
Gracias. Hablo luego.
Thanks. Talk later.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Sick" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Sick" in Spanish
Enfermo or enferma?
Match your gender: enfermo / enferma.
I am sick?
Estoy enfermo / estoy enferma.
Pronunciation?
en-FEHR-moh.
Register?
Neutral—fine for work and clinics.
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