Questions & Answers about Hoy estoy mal.
Why do we use estoy here instead of soy?
In Spanish, there are two verbs for 'to be': ser and estar. We use estar (and its 'I' form, estoy) for temporary states, moods, and health. Since feeling unwell is a temporary state, estoy is the correct choice. If you used ser and said soy malo, it would mean 'I am a bad person'! Where is the word for 'I' in this sentence?
In Spanish, the verb itself usually tells you who is doing the action. The word estoy specifically means 'I am'. You could say Hoy yo estoy mal, but Spanish speakers usually drop the yo (I) because it is already obvious from the verb. Why is it mal and not malo?
Mal means 'badly' or 'unwell' and is used to describe how you are doing or feeling. Malo means 'bad' and is used to describe things or people, like a bad movie (una película mala). When talking about how you feel with the verb estar, always use bien (well) or mal (unwell/badly). Does estoy mal mean I am physically sick, or just having a bad day?
It can mean either! Depending on the context, estoy mal can mean you are physically ill, emotionally upset, or just having a terrible day. If you want to specifically say you are physically sick, you could instead use the word for sick: estoy enfermo. Learn Hoy estoy mal and more in Spanish
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