effetto collaterale
/efˈfɛt.to kol.la.teˈra.le/word by wordmasculine
The English phrase 'side effect' is translated into Italian as effetto collaterale.
This term is used in a medical context to describe an adverse effect resulting from a medication.
Meaning: medicine: an adverse effect (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of effetto, meaning 'effect' and collaterale, meaning 'collateral' or 'side'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'side effects', use effetti collaterali. In this plural form, both the noun and the adjective take the plural suffix -i.
Did you know?
- The term collaterale is used much more broadly in Italian than 'collateral' is in English, often describing any secondary event that happens 'on the side' of a main process.
- In military contexts, the English phrase 'collateral damage' is translated as danni collaterali, using the same adjective found in effetto collaterale.
- The adjective collaterale shares its root with the English word 'bilateral', as both derive from the Latin latus meaning 'side'.
Examples in context
- L'uso di questo farmaco può causare effetti collaterali.The use of this medication can cause side effects.
- L'azienda farmaceutica ha segnalato possibili reazioni indesiderate.The pharmaceutical company has reported possible side effects.
- Questo medicinale può avere effetti secondari sulla digestione.This medicine can have side effects on digestion.
- Ma non ti preoccupare, è solo un effettino collaterale.Don't worry, it's just a little side effect.
- Mi hanno avvertito degli effetti collaterali di questo nuovo farmaco.They warned me about the side effects of this new medication.
- Ho provato diversi farmaci con reazioni indesiderate.I have tried several medications with unwanted side effects.
- Ho notato alcuni effetti secondari dopo aver iniziato a prendere questa medicina.I noticed some side effects after starting to take this medicine.
- I ragazzi mi hanno rassicurato che gli effettini collaterali svaniranno presto.The guys reassured me that the little side effects will disappear soon.
- Questo farmaco può avere effetti collaterali.This medicine can have side effects.
- Questo farmaco ha un effetto collaterale comune.This drug has a common side effect.
- L'effetto collaterale è la stanchezza.The side effect is tiredness.
Example conversation
Giulia is talking to Francesco about a new prescription.
- GiuliaFrancesco, hai letto il foglietto illustrativo?Francesco, did you read the patient information leaflet?
- FrancescoSì, ma c'è un effetto collaterale che mi spaventa.Yes, but there is a side effect that scares me.
- GiuliaDi quale effetto collaterale parli?Which side effect are you talking about?
- FrancescoDice che può causare molta sonnolenza.It says it can cause a lot of drowsiness.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “side effect” translations and entries effetto collaterale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (effetto, collaterale) and can differ in connected speech.
