Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'getting sick' with 生病 (shēng bìng)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 生(了)病

    Explanation

    生病 (shēng bìng) is a separable verb meaning "to get sick" or "to fall ill." Because it is separable, other elements such as 了 or duration phrases can be inserted between 生 and 病.

    Examples

    • 他上周生了一场大病,现在还没完全恢复。

      Tā shàng zhōu shēng le yī chǎng dà bìng, xiànzài hái méi wánquán huīfù.

      He came down with a serious illness last week and still hasn't fully recovered.

    • 孩子又生病了,今天不能去上学。

      Háizi yòu shēngbìng le, jīntiān bù néng qù shàngxué.

      The child is sick again and can't go to school today.

    • 换季的时候容易生病,要多注意保暖。

      Huànjì de shíhou róngyì shēngbìng, yào duō zhùyì bǎonuǎn.

      It's easy to get sick when the seasons change, so pay extra attention to staying warm.

    Expressing 'getting sick' with 生病 (shēng bìng) | Chinese Grammar