Portuguese Phrase
Não tô me sentindo bem.
Meaning
This is a common and informal way to express that you are experiencing physical discomfort or emotional distress. The word 'tô' is a shortened version of 'estou', making the phrase sound very natural and conversational in Brazilian Portuguese.
When to use
Use this phrase when you start to feel sick, dizzy, or simply 'off' and want to notify those around you. It is appropriate for casual settings with friends, family, or colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãotômesentindobem
Tô (Estou)
This is a very common contraction of 'estou' used in spoken Portuguese to indicate a temporary state.
Reflexive Pronoun 'me'
The verb 'sentir-se' is reflexive when talking about how one feels, so 'me' is necessary to show the feeling refers back to the speaker.
Gerund '-ndo'
The ending '-ndo' is equivalent to the English '-ing', indicating a continuous action or state.
🗨In Conversation
Você quer ir ao cinema hoje?
Do you want to go to the cinema today?
Não, obrigado. Não tô me sentindo bem.
No, thanks. I'm not feeling well.
✕Common Mistakes
Não sou me sentindo bem.
Use the verb 'estar' (tô) for temporary states or feelings, never 'ser'.
Não tô me sentir bem.
The gerund form 'sentindo' is required here to express an ongoing feeling.
↔Alternatives
Estou passando mal.
I'm feeling sick.
Não me sinto muito bem.
I don't feel very well.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, using the full form 'estou' can sound quite formal or even robotic in daily speech. Dropping the 'es-' to say 'tô' is one of the quickest ways to sound more like a local speaker. Brazilians are also generally comfortable sharing when they don't feel 100% in social situations.