dolori
The Italian word for ailments is dolori.
dolori refers to physical pains or health problems that are usually not very serious. Examples of such ailments include febbricola (a slight fever), ho il raffreddore (I have a cold) and ho il naso chiuso (I have a stuffy nose). Other common ailments involve respiratory or digestive issues, such as ho una tosse forte (I have a strong cough), mi fa male la gola (my throat hurts) or bruciore di stomaco (heartburn).
Did you know?
- In Italy, when someone says mi sento acciaccato to describe minor ailments, they are using a word historically linked to being 'beaten' or 'struck'. This suggests the body feels as though it has been physically battered by a cold or flu.
- The root of dolori is shared with the English word 'doleful'. While 'doleful' now describes a mournful mood, it originates from the same Latin root for physical and mental pain.
- The phrase avere un mal di testa for a headache uses male meaning 'bad'. This same root appears in the English word 'malady', making the two terms distant linguistic cousins.
Examples in context
- I dolori articolari possono essere fastidiosi.Joint pains can be annoying.
- Non sono dolori gravi, ma solo stanchezza.They are not serious pains, just tiredness.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are talking about their health at home.
- AlessandroGiulia, sembri stanca oggi.Giulia, you seem tired today.
- GiuliaSì, ho diversi dolori muscolari.Yes, I have several muscle pains.
- AlessandroForse dovresti prendere un bagno caldo.Maybe you should take a warm bath.
- GiuliaHai ragione, Alessandro, lo farò.You are right, Alessandro, I will.
