Ciao! If you’re feeling under the weather, it’s important to know how to express that in Italian. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “sick” in Italian, including both formal and informal terms. Whether you’re seeking help in a professional setting or chatting with Italian friends, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Sick” in Italian
When it comes to formal situations, such as speaking to a doctor or discussing your health with colleagues, you’ll want to use appropriate and respectful language. Here are a few ways to express being sick formally:
- Ammalato/ammalata: This is the general term for “sick” in Italian. For example, you can say “Sono ammalato” (I am sick) or “Mi sento ammalata” (I feel sick). It’s the most common and neutral expression for sickness.
- Malato/malata: Just like “ammalato/ammalata,” “malato/malata” is another word for expressing sickness. It can be used interchangeably with “ammalato/ammalata” and carries a similar meaning. You can use phrases like “Sono malato” (I am sick) or “Mi sento malata” (I feel sick).
- Indisposto/indisposta: This term is less specific than the previous two and can describe a general feeling of being unwell or out of sorts. It’s often used when you don’t feel well but don’t necessarily have a specific illness.
Examples:
Dottore, mi sento ammalato da giorni. Cosa mi consiglia?
(Doctor, I have been feeling sick for days. What do you suggest?)
Sono malata e non posso venire al lavoro oggi.
(I am sick and cannot come to work today.)
Informal Ways to Say “Sick” in Italian
When speaking with friends, family, or in casual contexts, you can use more colloquial terms to describe being sick. Here are some informal expressions:
- Star male: This phrase literally means “to feel bad.” When used in the context of sickness, it means “to feel unwell” or “to be sick.” For example, you can say “Sto male” (I feel sick) or “Mi sento male” (I feel unwell).
- Essere a pezzi: This phrase, which translates to “to be in pieces,” is a colorful way to express feeling sick. It conveys a sense of feeling physically and emotionally worn out due to illness.
- Non stare bene: If you want to say that you’re not feeling well without directly using the word “sick,” you can use this expression. It means “to not feel good” or “to feel off” and is commonly understood in informal contexts.
Examples:
Oggi sto male. Non ricordo l’ultima volta che mi sono sentito così debole.
(Today I feel sick. I can’t remember the last time I felt this weak.)
Non sto bene oggi, preferisco rimanere a casa e riposare.
(I’m not feeling well today, I prefer to stay home and rest.)
Regional Variations
Italian is a wonderfully diverse language, both linguistically and culturally. While the terms mentioned above are widely understood throughout Italy, some regions may have their own variations or local expressions for “sick.” It’s important to note that these variations are not commonly used in standard Italian, but they add flavor to the language. Here’s an example:
Sto in malora (Southern Italy): This expression comes from the southern regions of Italy and means “to feel extremely sick” or “to be in a terrible state of health.” It’s a strong way to emphasize your illness.
Example:
Non posso davvero venire stasera, sto in malora.
(I really can’t come tonight, I feel extremely sick.)
Remember, regional variations are not common in everyday Italian conversations, but they can be interesting to explore and may add depth to your overall understanding of the language.
Now that you’re equipped with both formal and informal ways to say “sick” in Italian, you’ll be able to navigate various situations with ease. Whether you’re in need of medical assistance or simply sharing how you feel with friends, expressing your sickness in Italian will certainly come in handy. Take care and get well soon!
