ho mal di testa
The Italian phrase for "I have a headache" is ho mal di testa.
In specific contexts, you may choose different variations depending on how formal you want to be or how much pain you are in.
Meaning: I have a headache (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mal di testa literally means "bad of head". The first word, ho, is the first-person singular form of the verb avere, which means "to have".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Naples, you may hear the regional variation Tengo o' mal 'e testa.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can also use the verb fare male to express this feeling by saying mi fa male la testa, which means "my head hurts".
Did you know?
- The word testa has an unexpected origin: it originally referred to an 'earthen pot' or a piece of broken pottery before it came to mean the human skull.
- While ho mal di testa describes the state of having a headache, Italians often use mi scoppia la testa to say their head is exploding when the pain is intense.
- If an Italian says mi fa male la testa while pointing to their head, they are using a construction where the head is the active subject causing the pain to themselves.
Examples in context
- Ho mal di testa.I have a headache.Tatoeba #380234 by Pharamp, translation #1712 by CK
- Ogni notte ho mal di testa.Every night I have a headache.Tatoeba #7146113 by dnnywld, translation #6785686 by naoseidenada2018
- Ho mal di testa e vado in farmacia a comprare una medicina.I have a headache and I am going to the pharmacy to buy medicine.Tatoeba #10737480 by carlosalberto, translation #10737458 by carlosalberto
- Ho la testa che scoppia, penso che resterò a casa stasera.I have a splitting headache, I think I'll stay home tonight.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are at a loud party.
- LorenzoC'è troppo rumore, ho mal di testa.It's too noisy, I have a headache.
- ChiaraVuoi uscire un momento all'aria aperta?Do you want to go outside for a moment?
- LorenzoSì, preferisco fare così.Yes, I'd prefer to do that.
- ChiaraAndiamo, Lorenzo, ti accompagno io.Let's go, Lorenzo, I'll accompany you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I have a headache” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries di, testa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
