Mal vs. malade

C. M.C1Kwiziq community member

Mal vs. malade

My understanding is that J'ai mal à + noun is physical pain whereas Je suis malade is more like "I am sick" (perhaps with a flu or cold). Can you please confirm whether that is correct? 

As well, it would probably be useful to either link to a lesson that explains être malade or have another section in this lesson that explains the difference for future students!

Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Claire,

You are correct in your understanding.

The reason not to introduce the expression -

être malade to be ill/sick 

is that it is literal,  uses a different verb which might confuse some students at that level.

Avoir mal à is a very useful expression to learn as it introduces different parts of the body and être malade is very general.

Bonne Continuation!

C. M. asked:View original

Mal vs. malade

My understanding is that J'ai mal à + noun is physical pain whereas Je suis malade is more like "I am sick" (perhaps with a flu or cold). Can you please confirm whether that is correct? 

As well, it would probably be useful to either link to a lesson that explains être malade or have another section in this lesson that explains the difference for future students!

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