我不舒服。

How it works

Subject + 不 (bù, not) + Adjective.

• 不 (bù): not
• 舒服 (shū fu): comfortable / well

Expressing illness

Chinese speakers rarely say 'I am sick' (我病了) unless referring to a diagnosed illness. 我不舒服 is the standard phrase for feeling physically unwell in any capacity.

Tone note

The character 服 (fú) is originally 2nd tone, but in the word 舒服 (shū fu), it is always pronounced with a light, neutral tone.

Notes

The most common and natural way to say you feel unwell, covering everything from nausea to a headache.