influenza intestinale
The English phrase stomach flu is translated into Italian as influenza intestinale.
influenza intestinale is the standard way to describe the common viral infection causing gastrointestinal symptoms.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of influenza (flu) and intestinale (intestinal), literally meaning intestinal flu.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often say stomach flu, the Italian term specifically refers to the intestinal aspect of the illness. A more clinical or medical term for stomach flu is gastroenterite.
Did you know?
- The word influenza shares an ancient root with the English word 'influence', originally describing the 'influence' of the stars on a person's health.
- In Italy, if you use the general term influenza, people will assume you have a respiratory illness with a cough and fever rather than a digestive one.
- While an English speaker might say they have a 'stomach' ache, an Italian person would rarely use the word 'stomaco' to describe this illness, preferring to focus on the 'intestino' instead.
Examples in context
- Mi dispiace, ma ho un' infezione intestinale e non potrò andare al lavoro domani.I'm sorry, but I have a stomach flu, and I won't be able to come to work tomorrow.
- Penso di avere l'influenza intestinale.I think I have the stomach flu.
- L'influenza intestinale è molto contagiosa.The stomach flu is very contagious.
- È stata una brutta influenza intestinale.It was a bad stomach flu.
Example conversation
Matteo calls Chiara to say he cannot come to dinner.
- MatteoChiara, non posso venire, ho l'influenza intestinale.Chiara, I can't come, I have the stomach flu.
- ChiaraOh no, Matteo! Ti senti molto male?Oh no, Matteo! Do you feel very sick?
- MatteoSì, l'influenza intestinale è terribile.Yes, the stomach flu is terrible.
- ChiaraRiposati e bevi molta acqua.Rest and drink plenty of water.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries influenza, intestinale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
