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English Phrases to Say When Someone Is Sick [Updated]

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English Phrases to Say When Someone Is Sick [Updated]

Do you have a friend or coworker who’s sick or injured? 

If you do, here are 20 short English expressions that will make them feel better in no time!

Ask about their condition

A sick woman holding a thermometer

“Is everything OK?”

  • You seem tired today. Is everything OK?
  • You look pale. Is everything OK?

"How’s your … ?"

  • How’s your fever? Has it gone down at all?
  • How’s your ankle? Is it feeling better since your accident?

“How do you feel today?”

  • How do you feel today? Hopefully better than yesterday, at least.
  • I heard you’ve been sick all week. How do you feel today?

” … any better?”

  • I heard about your back injury. Do you feel any better?
  • How’s your cough? Is it getting any better?

Wish them a fast recovery

A girl sitting in a wheelchair with a cast on her leg

“Get well soon.”

“Get well” means "to recover," so English speakers often say “get well soon” to someone who’s ill or injured. Just be careful not to say this to people suffering from very serious illnesses, since a quick recovery may not be possible.

  • Get well soon! The office has been boring without you.
  • Get well soon. We're looking forward to seeing you healthy again!

“Feel better.”

If someone “feels better,” they feel less pain and discomfort.

Sometimes it makes more sense to tell someone to “feel better” than to “get well.” For example, if someone has arthritis, they may not be able to recover from it, but there are many things they could do to make their joints feel less painful.

Generally, feeling better and getting well are related, so it's OK to use either in most cases.

"Hope ... goes away soon."

  • Hope the pain from your surgery goes away soon.
  • Jet lag after a long trip can be tough. I hope it goes away soon.

” … a speedy recovery.”

Related article: "Fast" and "Quick": What's the Difference?

” … soon.”

  • We hope you can get out of the hospital soon!
  • We hope you can join us at soccer practice again soon!

Remind them to take care of themselves

A smiling woman reading a get-well-soon card while sitting on a hospital bed

“Take care (of yourself).”

  • Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest!
  • I’m so sorry to hear that you caught the flu. Hope you feel better soon and take care!

Related article: Caught a Cold or Flu? How to Talk About This in English

“Focus on …  “

  • Focus on recovering. Don’t worry about work; we’ll take care of it.
  • Focus on resting and we'll see you when you get back!

“Get lots/plenty of … “

  • Get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids!
  • Hope you get lots of rest and sleep this week.

“Rest well/up.”

Both of these short expressions encourage someone to take their time to sleep or relax in order to regain their strength. "Rest up" has an informal tone, so it's great for people you have a close relationship with.

  • Don't try to rush back to work; rest up and get better soon!
  • Rest well and take all the time you need to recover.

Offer help

If you think you might be able to help a sick or injured person, here are some things you could say to them.

“Can I help you … ?”

Asking “How can I help?” is nice, but it might be better to say a few specific things you can do.

  • Can I help you walk the dog until you feel better?
  • Can I help you pick up the kids from kindergarten?

“Can I get you anything?” 

  • I’m going to the grocery store. Can I get you anything?
  • Can I get you anything from the pharmacy? Maybe cough medicine or something for your fever?

“Let me know if … “

  • Let me know if you need anything.
  • Let me know if there’s anything else I can do.
A
Do you need anything from the pharmacy?
B
I'm OK, but thanks for offering.
A
Well, let me know if there's anything I can do. Feel better soon!

If you'd like to offer someone help with emotional challenges, this article has plenty of examples: How to Tell Someone You Support Them in English 

Welcome them back after their recovery

“Welcome back!”

  • Welcome back! We missed you while you were out sick!

"(It’s) Good to have you back!"

This expression means that you’re happy that someone is back in the workplace, the house, the team, etc.

  • It's good to have you back! You look much healthier!

"(I’m) Glad … "

  • I’m glad you’re feeling better! You sounded really sick over the phone.
  • Glad to see you’re on your feet again.

*"On your feet" is a casual way to express that someone is healthy and walking around (instead of sick in bed).

“Take it easy.”

  • Take it easy the next few days. We don’t want you getting sick again!
  • How are you feeling today? Make sure you take it easy and don’t push yourself too hard!

Related article: "Take it Easy!" 10 English Expressions for Relaxing

Wrap-up

When a friend or colleague is dealing with an illness or injury, use these expressions to offer encouragement, support, or to simply brighten their day with a message to make them smile. They will certainly appreciate it!

By the way, if you are the person who isn't feeling well, be sure to follow these steps when you need to call in sick at work!