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At the Doctor's Office
When you are not feeling well in Italy, knowing how to describe your symptoms clearly is essential. This lesson covers common health issues, bodily pains, and useful phrases for the doctor's office.
Expressing Pain
In Italian, we often use the verb avere (to have) or expressions with far male (to hurt) to talk about pain.
- Ho la febbre. – I have a fever.
- Mi fa male la testa. – My head hurts. (Literally: To me makes bad the head).
- Ho mal di stomaco. – I have a stomachache.
Common Symptoms
- la tosse – cough
- il raffreddore – cold
- la nausea – nausea
Common Mistake: Do not say "Io sono male" for "I feel bad". Instead, say "Sto male" or "Mi sento male".
Words
la febbre
fever
Ho la febbre alta.I have a high fever.
la tosse
cough
Questa tosse non passa.This cough won't go away.
il raffreddore
cold
Prendo sempre il raffreddore in inverno.I always catch a cold in winter.
mal di testa
headache
Ho un forte mal di testa.I have a severe headache.
mal di stomaco
stomachache
Mangiare troppo mi fa venire il mal di stomaco.Eating too much gives me a stomachache.
la nausea
nausea
Sento un po' di nausea.I feel a bit of nausea.
la ricetta
prescription
Il medico mi ha dato una ricetta.The doctor gave me a prescription.
la farmacia
pharmacy
La farmacia è aperta.The pharmacy is open.
la visita
medical visit / check-up
Ho una visita medica domani.I have a medical check-up tomorrow.
la medicina
medicine
Devi prendere questa medicina.You must take this medicine.
Lessons are prepared with the help of AI.
Patterns
Mi fa male ___
Used to say that a specific body part hurts.
Mi fa male la schiena.My back hurts.
Ho mal di ___
Used to express an ache in a specific part of the body.
Ho mal di gola da ieri.I've had a sore throat since yesterday.
Ho bisogno di ___
Used to state what you need, such as a doctor or medicine.
Ho bisogno di un medico.I need a doctor.