Calling in sick

Informal Neutral

What it really means

Letting your employer know you are too ill to work that day, usually by phone or message before your start time. For a short illness you can self-certify; after seven days you normally need a fit note from a doctor.

Chinese explanation
请病假:告知雇主你当天因病无法上班,通常在上班时间前打电话或发消息。短期患病可自我证明;超过 7 天一般需要医生开的 fit note(复工证明)。

Example conversation

A: I feel awful — should I just email that I'm sick? B: Ring your manager before nine; most places want a call, not just a text.
A:我很难受——直接发邮件请病假行吗? B:九点前给主管打电话;大多数地方要求打电话,不能只发短信。

What you could say back

“Who exactly should I ring to call in sick?”

Related phrases

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake