poor health
صحة سيئة
Use `poor health` to respectfully describe long-term illness without sharing uncomfortable medical details.
15초 만에
- Describes a long-term state of being unwell or physically weak.
- More polite and formal than saying someone is 'very sick'.
- Used for serious medical conditions, not minor temporary illnesses.
뜻
This phrase describes someone who is often sick or has a long-term medical condition. It means their body isn't functioning at its best right now.
주요 예문
3 / 6Explaining an absence to a teacher
He had to leave school early due to his poor health.
اضطر لمغادرة المدرسة مبكرًا بسبب صحته السيئة.
Talking about a grandparent
My grandfather has been in poor health for several years now.
جدي يعاني من صحة سيئة منذ عدة سنوات الآن.
Writing a formal biography
The author struggled with poor health throughout her writing career.
عانت المؤلفة من سوء الحالة الصحية طوال مسيرتها الكتابية.
문화적 배경
This phrase reflects the Western cultural preference for 'understatement' when discussing personal misfortune. It allows a speaker to acknowledge a serious situation while maintaining a respectful distance. Historically, it has been used in Victorian literature and formal journalism to describe the elderly or the infirm.
The 'In' Rule
Always use the preposition 'in' when describing someone's state. Say 'He is in poor health,' not 'He has poor health' (though both are okay, 'in' is more common).
Don't use for 'Flu'
If you have a 3-day flu, don't say you're in 'poor health.' It sounds like you are dying! Just say you're 'sick' or 'unwell'.
15초 만에
- Describes a long-term state of being unwell or physically weak.
- More polite and formal than saying someone is 'very sick'.
- Used for serious medical conditions, not minor temporary illnesses.
What It Means
Poor health is a gentle way to say someone is unwell. It doesn't mean they have a cold for one day. It usually suggests a lasting struggle with illness. Think of it like a battery that won't fully charge. You are describing a state of being, not just a single sneeze.
How To Use It
You use it as an adjective phrase. You can say someone is "in poor health." You can also say they have "suffered from poor health." It sounds much softer than saying someone is "very sick." It focuses on the condition rather than the symptoms. It’s like using a soft filter on a difficult topic.
When To Use It
Use this in serious conversations. It’s perfect for a meeting with a boss. It works well when writing a formal email. Use it when you want to be respectful about someone’s struggles. If a neighbor hasn't been out lately, this phrase fits perfectly. It shows you care without being too nosy about details.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for a simple hangover. Avoid it if someone just has a minor headache. It sounds too heavy for small problems. If you use it for a paper cut, people will think you are joking. Also, don't use it in a high-energy celebration. It’s a phrase that brings the mood down a bit.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, we value privacy regarding medical details. Saying someone is in poor health is a polite shield. It tells the truth without sharing gross or private details. It’s a very "polite society" way of speaking. It dates back to times when discussing bodies was considered a bit taboo.
Common Variations
You might hear people say failing health if someone is getting worse. Some might say they are under the weather for minor things. Ill health is a very close British cousin to this phrase. Poorly is a common UK informal version. Stick to poor health for the most versatile and clear option.
사용 참고사항
This phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly safe to use in professional environments and with strangers to maintain a polite distance while discussing illness.
The 'In' Rule
Always use the preposition 'in' when describing someone's state. Say 'He is in poor health,' not 'He has poor health' (though both are okay, 'in' is more common).
Don't use for 'Flu'
If you have a 3-day flu, don't say you're in 'poor health.' It sounds like you are dying! Just say you're 'sick' or 'unwell'.
The Polite Shield
English speakers use this phrase to avoid 'TMI' (Too Much Information). It’s a signal that says 'I’m sick, but let’s not talk about the details.'
예시
6He had to leave school early due to his poor health.
اضطر لمغادرة المدرسة مبكرًا بسبب صحته السيئة.
Provides a valid reason without needing a specific diagnosis.
My grandfather has been in poor health for several years now.
جدي يعاني من صحة سيئة منذ عدة سنوات الآن.
Shows a long-term condition with empathy.
The author struggled with poor health throughout her writing career.
عانت المؤلفة من سوء الحالة الصحية طوال مسيرتها الكتابية.
Standard way to describe a historical figure's struggles.
I heard Sarah is in poor health, we should send flowers.
سمعت أن سارة في حالة صحية سيئة، يجب أن نرسل زهورًا.
A kind way to acknowledge someone is struggling.
My car is in such poor health it needs a doctor, not a mechanic!
سيارتي في حالة صحية سيئة لدرجة أنها تحتاج إلى طبيب وليس ميكانيكي!
Personifies an object for a bit of humor.
The local clinic helps those living in poor health.
تساعد العيادة المحلية أولئك الذين يعيشون في حالة صحية سيئة.
Used in a general, social context.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best word to complete the phrase describing a long-term illness.
The elderly man has been in ___ health lately.
`Poor health` is the standard collocation used to describe a general state of being unwell.
Complete the sentence to show a respectful reason for missing an event.
She couldn't attend the gala because of her ___ health.
We use `poor` to describe health that is not good; 'broken' or 'sad' are not used with health in this way.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of Health Descriptions
Used with close friends for small issues.
Under the weather
Standard, polite, and clear.
Poor health
Medical or professional contexts.
Chronic infirmity
When to say 'Poor Health'
Medical leave
Applying for time off work.
Family news
Updating relatives about an uncle.
History class
Describing a king's final years.
Charity work
Discussing vulnerable populations.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문They mean the same thing, but poor health is much more common and sounds more natural. Bad health can sound a bit childish or blunt.
Yes, you can say someone is in poor mental health. However, usually, if you just say poor health, people assume you mean physical issues.
No, it is actually very polite. It is a respectful way to acknowledge someone's struggle without being intrusive.
Yes, but we usually use it for adults or the elderly. For children, people often use more specific or softer terms like frail.
The opposite is good health or excellent health. You could say, 'He is in the picture of health!'
Yes, if you are talking about something serious. For example, 'I can't come because my mom is in poor health right now.'
Ill health is slightly more formal and more common in British English. Poor health is universal across the US and UK.
No, don't use 'a'. Say 'I am in poor health' or 'I have poor health'. Health is an uncountable noun here.
Not necessarily. It just means their health is consistently low. They could live for many years in poor health.
A doctor might use it to summarize your file. You can use it to describe your history, like 'I've had poor health since childhood.'
관련 표현
Under the weather
Feeling slightly sick or tired (informal).
In a bad way
Very ill or in a difficult situation (informal).
Failing health
Health that is getting worse, often near the end of life.
Out of sorts
Feeling slightly unwell or unhappy.
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