Ho un mal di testa terribile.

I have a terrible headache.

Pronunciation

'Terribile' — ter-RI-bi-le. Four syllables, stress on the second. Don't drop the final 'e'.

When to use it

Use when a headache is genuinely preventing you from going out. This is one of the most common and sympathised physical complaints in Italy.

What it means

'Mal di testa' is a compound noun (ache + head). 'Terribile' as an intensifier makes the headache sound severe enough to justify cancellation. Italians take headaches seriously and often attribute them to weather changes or 'cervicale' (neck problems).

Variations

Ho l'emicrania.

I have a migraine.

More severe than a headache — ends all discussion immediately

Ho la cervicale.

I have neck/cervical pain.

'Cervicale' is a very Italian phenomenon — neck tension headaches are taken extremely seriously

Ho preso un colpo d'aria.

I've been caught in a draught.

Very Italian — draughts are considered a major cause of illness and pain

Mini Dialogue

— Allora stasera si va al cinema? — Ho un mal di testa terribile, non me la sento. — Povero/a! Prendi una tachipirina e stai a letto. — Sì, hai ragione. Ci vediamo un altro giorno.

— So are we going to the cinema tonight? — I have a terrible headache, I don't feel up to it. — Poor you! Take a paracetamol and go to bed. — Yes, you're right. We'll see each other another day.

Cultural Note

'Tachipirina' (paracetamol/acetaminophen) is the go-to Italian remedy for everything. It's the first thing any Italian will suggest for any ailment, and recommending it shows genuine care.

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Devo stare a casa, non c'è nessuno con il cane.

Non avevo messo in conto che fosse oggi.

← All phrases: Cancelling Plans