At the Doctor (Dal dottore)
When you are feeling unwell in Italy, knowing how to describe your symptoms is essential. In this lesson, you will learn how to talk about health issues and understand basic medical advice.
Expressing Pain
To say that a part of your body hurts, use the verb far male (to hurt). You conjugate it based on what hurts:
- Mi fa male la testa. (My head hurts / I have a headache.) - Use this for singular body parts.
- Mi fanno male le gambe. (My legs hurt.) - Use this for plural body parts.
Common Symptoms
- Ho la febbre. (I have a fever.)
- Ho la tosse. (I have a cough.)
- Ho mal di gola. (I have a sore throat.)
Doctor's Instructions
The doctor might give you advice using imperative forms or polite requests:
- Prenda questa medicina. (Take this medicine.)
- Deve riposare. (You must rest.)
Common Mistake: Do not say "Io ho male la testa". Always use indirect pronoun structures like "Mi fa male...".
Words
il dottore
the doctor
Il dottore è in studio.The doctor is in the office.
la febbre
the fever
Ho la febbre alta.I have a high fever.
la tosse
the cough
Prendi qualcosa per la tosse.Take something for the cough.
il mal di testa
the headache
Ho un forte mal di testa.I have a bad headache.
il mal di gola
the sore throat
Il mal di gola è terribile.The sore throat is terrible.
la medicina
the medicine
Questa medicina è amara.This medicine is bitter.
la ricetta
the prescription
Ecco la ricetta per voi.Here is the prescription for you.
riposare
to rest
Devi riposare oggi.You must rest today.
lo stomaco
the stomach
Mi fa male lo stomaco.My stomach hurts.
la farmacia
the pharmacy
La farmacia è aperta.The pharmacy is open.
Lessons are prepared with the help of AI.
Patterns
Mi fa male ___
My ___ hurts (used for singular body parts)
Mi fa male la testa.My head hurts.
Mi fanno male ___
My ___ hurt (used for plural body parts)
Mi fanno male le gambe.My legs hurt.
Ho ___
I have (used for symptoms like fever or cough)
Ho la febbre.I have a fever.