Italian · Body & Health
"Cold (illness)" in Italian: raffreddore
il raffreddore
A cold (illness) in Italian is il raffreddore (rahf-freh-DOH-reh). Say ho il raffreddore when you're sniffly. Keep raffreddore as the headword—not just freddo, which means cold temperature.
Canceling plans
Resto a casa: ho il raffreddore.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce raffreddore
Say it
rahf-freh-DOH-reh
/raffreˈdo.re/
Raffreddore stresses DOH: rahf-freh-DOH-reh. Double f and double d.
"Cold (illness)" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| il raffreddore | the cold (illness) Default noun. | Default noun. |
| ho il raffreddore | I have a cold Symptom line. | Symptom line. |
| un raffreddore forte | a bad cold Intensity. | Intensity. |
| prendersi un raffreddore | to catch a cold Getting sick. | Getting sick. |
How to use raffreddore in real life
- 1Canceling plans
Resto a casa: ho il raffreddore.
I'm staying home: I have a cold.
Ho il raffreddore.
- 2Pharmacy
Avete qualcosa per il raffreddore?
Do you have something for a cold?
Per il raffreddore.
- 3Work message
Oggi lavoro da remoto per un raffreddore.
I'm working remotely today for a cold.
Un raffreddore.
Mistakes English speakers make with raffreddore
Incorrect: Ho il cold.
Correct: Ho il raffreddore.
Use raffreddore for the illness.
Incorrect: Ho freddo al naso.
Correct: Ho il raffreddore.
Freddo is temperature; raffreddore is the illness.
Good to know
Raffreddore is the everyday excuse for a rough voice on calls. Pharmacies stock sprays and tisane; people still swear by rest and brodo.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Skipping a soccer match
ChatPal
Giochi stasera o hai il raffreddore?
Are you playing tonight or do you have a cold?
You
Ho il raffreddore: meglio non contagiare tutti.
I have a cold: better not infect everyone.
ChatPal
Giusto. Ti porto una minestra.
Fair. I'll bring you some soup.
You
Grazie. Se passa il raffreddore, vengo domenica.
Thanks. If the cold passes, I'll come Sunday.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Cold (illness)" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Cold (illness)" in Italian
How do I say I have a cold?
Ho il raffreddore.
Raffreddore vs freddo?
Raffreddore is the illness; freddo is cold temperature.
Gender?
Masculine: il raffreddore.
Bad cold?
Un raffreddore forte.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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- How to Learn Italian Fast and Speak with ConfidenceLearn how to learn Italian with a clear roadmap, speaking-first tactics and daily habits that turn basics into real conversation confidence.
- Translate Hello in Italian with ConfidenceLearn how to translate hello in Italian with context, pronunciation, and practice prompts. Master ciao, buongiorno, buonasera, and salve for real conversations.
