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PhrasesAt the PharmacyHa qualcosa per il raffreddore?
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Ha qualcosa per il raffreddore?

Do you have something for a cold?

Pronunciation

raf-fred-DO-re — three syllables, double 'f' and double 'd'. Stress on third syllable.

When to use it

Ask the pharmacist for cold remedies. The pharmacist in Italy is a qualified professional who can advise on non-prescription treatments.

What it means

'Ha qualcosa per' (do you have something for) is a perfect pharmacy opener — 'ha' is the formal 'lei' form of 'avere'. 'Il raffreddore' is the common cold. This structure works for any condition: 'Ha qualcosa per il mal di testa?' (something for headache), 'Ha qualcosa per la tosse?' (something for a cough).

Variations

Cerco qualcosa per la tosse secca.

I am looking for something for a dry cough.

Distinguish between dry cough ('tosse secca') and productive cough ('tosse grassa/produttiva')

Ha uno sciroppo per la gola?

Do you have a syrup for the throat?

Request specific form — syrup ('sciroppo') for sore throat

Mi consiglia qualcosa senza ricetta?

Can you recommend something without a prescription?

'Senza ricetta' = over-the-counter. Italian pharmacists can recommend OTC products

Mini Dialogue

— Ha qualcosa per il raffreddore? Ho il naso tappato e un po' di mal di gola. — Ha anche la febbre? — No, mi sento solo stanca. — Le do un decongestionante nasale e delle pastiglie per la gola. Senza ricetta. — Perfetto. Quanto costano? — In tutto cinque euro e ottanta.

— Do you have something for a cold? My nose is blocked and I have a bit of a sore throat. — Do you also have a fever? — No, I just feel tired. — I will give you a nasal decongestant and throat lozenges. No prescription needed. — Perfect. How much do they cost? — Five euros eighty in total.

Cultural Note

Italian pharmacies ('farmacie') are identifiable by a green cross ('croce verde') sign, often illuminated. They are open Monday–Saturday, typically 8:30am–1pm and 3:30pm–7:30pm. A duty pharmacy ('farmacia di turno') stays open nights, Sundays, and holidays — the schedule is posted on each pharmacy door and searchable online ('farmacia di turno vicino a me').