How to Say “Pain” in Italian

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dolore
/doˈlo.re/masculine
The English word 'pain' is translated into Italian as dolore.
dolore is a noun used to describe a physical ache or bodily suffering.
Meaning: ache or bodily suffering (noun)

Which one should you use?

While dolore covers both physical ache and emotional pain, it is more general than the specific term mal di… used for common ailments like a headache. For specific common pains like a headache, Italians use the construction mal di [body part] instead of dolore [body part].

Related words

To render uneasy in mind, to grieve (verb): addolorare, affliggere.

How does it change in a sentence?

dolore is a masculine noun, which means it requires masculine articles and adjectives when used in a sentence.

How do you pronounce it?

The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /doˈlo.re/.

Did you know?

  • In medical contexts, an Italian doctor might use acute or cronico with dolore, mirroring English, but the phrase dolore sordo describes a 'dull ache'.
  • The English word 'doleful', used to describe someone who is sad or mournful, shares the same Latin root as dolore.
  • When describing a sharp, sudden pain, Italians use the word fitta, which literally means a 'stitch' or a 'stab'.

Examples in context

  • La vita è dolore.
    Life is pain.
    The first sentence shows how to use dolore in a philosophical context.
    Tatoeba #11442731 by Guybrush88, translation #10748045 by ddnktr
  • Tu hai del dolore?
    Are you in any pain?
    The second sentence demonstrates how to ask someone if they are experiencing dolore.
    Tatoeba #2960327 by Guybrush88, translation #2951524 by CK
  • Tom ha del dolore.
    Tom is in pain.
    The third sentence illustrates how to state that someone is in dolore.
    Tatoeba #3116286 by Guybrush88, translation #2273235 by CK
  • 438 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Lorenzo is checking on Martina at home after her injury.

  1. Lorenzo

    Martina, senti ancora quel dolore?
    Martina, do you still feel that pain?
  2. Martina

    Sì, Lorenzo, è un dolore molto forte.
    Yes, Lorenzo, it is a very strong pain.
  3. Lorenzo

    Vuoi che ti porti un antidolorifico?
    Do you want me to bring you a painkiller?
  4. Martina

    Sì, per favore, grazie mille.
    Yes, please, thank you very much.

Sources

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Amber Edith
Amber EdithHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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