hai il raffreddore
The English phrase "you have a cold" is translated into Italian as hai il raffreddore.
This phrase is used to inform someone that they are suffering from a common viral infection affecting the nose and throat.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "you have the cold". It uses the definite article il (the) instead of an indefinite article.
Which one should you use?
While hai il raffreddore describes the current state of having a cold, the verb phrase prendere il raffreddore is used specifically to describe the act of catching one.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address someone formally, use the third-person singular form ha il raffreddore. If you are telling more than one person that they have a cold, use the plural form avete il raffreddore.
Did you know?
- In Italy, it is a common cultural superstition that you can 'catch a cold' from a sudden draft of air, known as colpo d'aria. This is often viewed as a distinct cause from a viral infection.
- The word raffreddore is built from the verb raffreddare, which means 'to cool down'. In a way, an Italian tells you that you have 'the cooling' rather than just 'a cold'.
- The word il began as a reduced form of lo. The initial i was added over time as a 'svarabhakti' vowel to make the word easier to pronounce.
Examples in context
- Prendi questa medicina quando hai il raffreddore.Take this medicine when you have a cold.This sentence is useful for advising someone to take medicine when they have the form hai il raffreddore.Tatoeba #1869032 by Guybrush88, translation #63731 by CK
- Ti senti male perché hai il raffreddore?Do you feel bad because you have a cold?
Example conversation
Giulia notices Matteo sneezing in the living room.
- GiuliaMatteo, starnutisci molto, hai il raffreddore?Matteo, you are sneezing a lot, do you have a cold?
- MatteoSì, mi sento un po' debole.Yes, I feel a bit weak.
- GiuliaDevi riposarti un po'.You should rest a bit.
- MatteoGrazie, Giulia, lo farò.Thanks, Giulia, I will.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries il, raffreddore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
