US Medical Term · symptoms
Malaise
Malestar general
Also: Malestar (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Malaise |
| Spanish (Español) | Malestar general |
| Chinese (中文) | 不適 |
| Korean (한국어) | 전신 불쾌감 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Mệt mỏi toàn thân |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pangkalahatang pakiramdam na may sakit |
| Portuguese (Português) | Mal-estar |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ความรู้สึกไม่สบาย |
| Japanese (日本語) | 倦怠感 |
What it means
Malaise is a vague feeling of discomfort, illness, or not feeling well that is difficult to describe. It is a nonspecific symptom often associated with many medical conditions. Patients may describe it as feeling run-down, off, or just not right. Malaise commonly accompanies infections, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune conditions, metabolic disorders, anemia, depression, and cancer. It is also an early sign of many acute illnesses. While malaise alone is not diagnostic, persistent or worsening malaise, especially combined with other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or fatigue, warrants evaluation to identify an underlying cause.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I just feel generally unwell and off but I cannot pinpoint exactly what is wrong.
Simplemente me siento mal en general y fuera de lugar pero no puedo identificar exactamente qué está mal.
I have had this feeling of being run-down and ill for several weeks.
He tenido esta sensación de estar agotado y enfermo durante varias semanas.
I do not feel sick with one specific thing, I just feel bad all over.
No me siento enfermo de una sola cosa, simplemente me siento mal en todo.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R53 Malaise and fatigueRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026