Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| malattia mentale | /ma.latˈti.a menˈta.le/ | feminine |
| disturbo mentale | /disˈtur.bo menˈta.le/ (word by word) | masculine |
Both malattia mentale and disturbo mentale are used to describe conditions affecting mental health. While malattia mentale is a common way to say "mental illness," disturbo mentale translates more specifically to "mental disorder."
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase malattia mentale, malattia means "illness" and mentale means "mental."
Which one should you use?
Malattia mentale is the standard term for "mental illness," whereas disturbo mentale is the more precise clinical term used in medical contexts to mean "mental disorder."
How does it change in a sentence?
To express plural forms, use malattie mentali for "mental illnesses" and disturbi mentali for "mental disorders."
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of malattia mentale is /ma.latˈti.a menˈta.le/. It has 6 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In historical Italian contexts, mental conditions were often described using the word alienazione, which relates to the concept of being 'alienated' from one's own mind.
- In Italian, disturbo can be used as a polite apology when interrupting someone, such as scusa il disturbo, meaning 'sorry for the bother'.
- While malattia means 'illness', using it for mental health can sometimes carry a heavier, more traditional stigma than the clinical disturbo.
Examples in context
- Hai una malattia mentale?Do you have a mental illness?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a malattia mentale.Tatoeba #11561077 by Nuel, translation #11561076 by Nuel
- La malattia mentale non è divertente.Mental illness is not funny.This sentence is useful for stating that malattia mentale is not funny.Tatoeba #6986043 by Guybrush88, translation #5663620 by Hybrid
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are discussing a news report about healthcare.
- MatteoIl servizio parla di una malattia mentale comune.The report talks about a common mental illness.
- MartinaSì, è un tema molto importante oggi.Yes, it is a very important topic today.
- MatteoMolte persone non ricevono il supporto necessario.Many people do not receive the necessary support.
- MartinaHai ragione, Matteo, la situazione è difficile.You are right, Matteo, the situation is difficult.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mental illness” translations and entries malattia mentale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (disturbo, mentale) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
