Chinese · Body & Health
生病
shēngbìng
To get sick
Beginnerverb
Definition
To become ill.
Example
他生病了，今天不来上班。
He is sick and will not come to work today.
Etymology
'生病' (shēngbìng) literally translates to 'to give birth to illness', with '生' (shēng) meaning 'to give birth' or 'to produce', and '病' (bìng) meaning 'illness' or 'disease'. This term has historical roots in traditional Chinese medicine's understanding of health as a dynamic state.
How & Where It’s Used
'生病' is typically used in spoken and informal contexts when discussing health issues. It is a straightforward term used by speakers of all ages, found across various dialects, and is commonly used in both personal and social settings.