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Vanessa practises language for describing illness and responding when another person does not feel well. The lesson moves from a brief social exchange into common symptoms, questions a friend or family member might ask, and a sample conversation. It helps learners talk about how they feel without needing technical medical vocabulary for every everyday situation.

“I don’t feel so great” is a gentle, conversational way to say that you are unwell. Someone may follow it with a symptom or explain what happened after waking up. “Where does it hurt?” is a caring question to ask when another person is in pain. It can be made more specific by asking whether the problem is in the arm, leg, stomach, or head.

The lesson distinguishes several descriptions. “I feel dizzy” refers to a sensation of spinning or unsteadiness. “I feel woozy” is also informal and can suggest dizziness or a generally unsettled feeling. “I’m coming down with something” means you think you are beginning to get sick, even if you are not sure exactly what the illness is. If a person is ill, “Get well soon” expresses a kind wish for recovery.

Vanessa also models “a family history of…” for sharing health conditions that have affected relatives. Another version is “it runs in my family.” These phrases can be useful in a medical appointment, where family information may help a clinician understand the context. They do not establish a diagnosis; a person should describe symptoms accurately and seek professional advice when needed.

To practise, choose a simple scenario: tell a friend you feel unwell, ask where someone is hurting, or wish a coworker a quick recovery. Match the phrase to what you actually mean, and avoid diagnosing someone based on a casual description. The sample conversation lets learners hear the expressions together and practise a supportive, natural exchange.

S2.1
Speak English With VanessaAmerican English17:31

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Transcript

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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00

Introduces feeling sick and checking what support someone needs.

Hi I'm Vanessa from SpeakEnglishWithVanessa com Oh I don't feel so great Could you help me Let's talk about it Let's imagine this situation You are visiting the US you're walking down the street and you see me but when you see me I look like this I don't look so great Do you know what to say to me Could you help me in this situation Well never fear Today I'm going to help you learn how to speak about feeling sick and also help other people when they're feeling sick

Try it: Choose one symptom or caring expression and place it in a short, considerate conversation.

Phrase cheat sheet

All phrases at a glance

Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.

6 phrases

I don’t feel so great

Introduces feeling sick and checking what support someone needs. · expression

I feel unwell or not at my best.

Tone and use: Gentle, conversational. Use it to tell someone you are feeling sick or uncomfortable.

May not fit: It is general; explain a serious or urgent symptom clearly.

Example“I don’t feel so great, so I’m going to rest for a while.”

where does it hurt

Introduces feeling sick and checking what support someone needs. · expression

A question asking which part of the body is painful.

Tone and use: Caring and direct. Use it when someone appears hurt or says they are in pain.

May not fit: It asks about pain location, not the cause.

Example“Where does it hurt—your knee or your ankle?”

I feel woozy

Practises describing symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. · expression

I feel dizzy or generally unsteady.

Tone and use: Informal symptom description. Use it to describe a light-headed or unsettled feeling.

May not fit: For serious symptoms, describe them precisely and seek medical help.

Example“I feel woozy after standing up too quickly.”

coming down with something

Practises describing symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. · expression

Beginning to become sick, though the exact illness may be unclear.

Tone and use: Informal and common. Use it when you suspect an illness is starting.

May not fit: It is vague; name known symptoms when useful.

Example“I think I’m coming down with something, so I’ll stay home.”

get well soon

Explains illness expressions and common health concerns. · expression

I hope you recover quickly.

Tone and use: Warm, caring expression. Use it in a message or conversation with someone who is ill.

May not fit: It may feel too casual for a serious medical situation.

Example“Get well soon—we hope to see you next week.”

runs in my family

Explains illness expressions and common health concerns. · expression

A condition or trait is common among members of my family.

Tone and use: Common conversational and medical phrase. Use it when describing a family pattern, especially in health discussions.

May not fit: A family pattern does not prove that you have the condition.

Example“High blood pressure runs in my family.”

Knowledge check

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What it means · “I don’t feel so great”

What does “I don’t feel so great” usually tell someone?