Phrases › Describing Symptoms › Ho mal di gola.

Ho mal di gola.

I have a sore throat.

Pronunciation

mal di GO-la — 'gola' = throat. Two clear separate words after 'mal di'.

When to use it

Describe sore throat to doctor, pharmacist, or when explaining why you cannot speak clearly.

What it means

'Mal di gola' follows the 'mal di' + body part pattern. Related: 'gola irritata' (irritated throat), 'tonsille gonfie' (swollen tonsils), 'difficoltà a deglutire' (difficulty swallowing). Pharmacists can recommend OTC throat lozenges ('pastiglie per la gola') or antibiotics only come from a doctor.

Variations

Mi fa male inghiottire.

It hurts to swallow.

Specific symptom — indicates pharyngitis or tonsillitis

Ho le tonsille gonfie e bianche.

I have swollen white tonsils.

Exudate on tonsils suggests bacterial infection — may need antibiotics

Ho perso la voce.

I have lost my voice.

'Afonia' = loss of voice — rest the voice, avoid whispering

Mini Dialogue

— Ho mal di gola molto forte da tre giorni. — Le fa male inghiottire? — Tantissimo. Quasi non riesco a mangiare. — Vediamo la gola. Apra la bocca. Sì, le tonsille sono molto gonfie e bianche. — È una streptococcica? — Sembra di sì. Le prescrivo l'antibiotico.

— I have had a very bad sore throat for three days. — Does it hurt to swallow? — Very much. I can barely eat. — Let me see your throat. Open your mouth. Yes, your tonsils are very swollen and white. — Is it streptococcal? — It appears so. I will prescribe the antibiotic.

Cultural Note

In Italy, sore throat is often treated with throat sprays ('spray per la gola') containing chlorhexidine or benzocaine. 'Streptococco' (strep throat) requires antibiotic treatment (usually amoxicillin for 10 days). Italian parents often recognise strep by the white patches — doctors may do a rapid strep test ('tampone faringeo') for confirmation before prescribing.

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