This study investigates the relationship that specific native illness terms have with illness manifestations consisting of various bodily symptoms and altered behaviors. A group of Zinacanteco medical practitioners were compared to a group of non-practitioners on their responses to a questionnaire which inquired about the linkage that exists between various illness terms and illness components. No significant differences resulted, and subject responses were consequently combined. An attempt was made to delineate the model of illness that appears to exist in Zinacantan. In general, most illness terms seemed to be linked with a number of general symptoms that, in the scientific medical system, are believed to reflect an infectious disease process. A few illness terms had a more restricted meaning. Discussion centers on the problems implicit in using the concept of folk illness.