Difference nuance in English between "I feel bad" and I feel badly"

William S.C1Kwiziq community member

Difference nuance in English between "I feel bad" and I feel badly"

How would express this in French. I follow the first as "je me sens mal" as in I do not feel well. The second expresses more of an emotion of how you feel. Thoughts.
Asked 7 years ago
LauraFrench expert and teacher in Kwiziq
Bonjour William, In fact, even though it's often said, "I feel badly" is grammatically incorrect. "I feel bad" has both of the meanings you describe, as does Je me sens mal. https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/do-you-feel-bad-or-feel-badly
Emily M.A1Kwiziq community member
Hi William, "I feel badly" in English would refer to not being able to feel well, as in your sense of touch doesn't work well. I'm not sure if it translates into French similarly.
Mark P.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I feel badly is used in some parts of the UK instead of I feel bad.. but it is dialect and not grammatically correct English.

William S. asked:

Difference nuance in English between "I feel bad" and I feel badly"

How would express this in French. I follow the first as "je me sens mal" as in I do not feel well. The second expresses more of an emotion of how you feel. Thoughts.

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