Italian · Body & Health
"Head" in Italian: testa
la testa
Head in Italian is la testa (TEHS-tah), a feminine noun. A headache is mal di testa. Use la testa for the body part and for some figurative phrases like non usare la testa (not using your head).
Feeling unwell
Ho un forte mal di testa.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce testa
Say it
TEHS-tah
/ˈtɛs.ta/
Testa is TEHS-tah with stress on TEHS. Both t sounds are clear; the e is open.
"Head" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la testa | head The body part. | The body part. |
| il mal di testa | headache The standard ache phrase. | The standard ache phrase. |
| scuotere la testa | to shake one's head Gesture of no or disbelief. | Gesture of no or disbelief. |
| di testa sua | in one's own way / stubbornly Figurative: doing things your own way. | Figurative: doing things your own way. |
How to use testa in real life
- 1Feeling unwell
Ho un forte mal di testa.
I have a strong headache.
Mal di testa is the set phrase.
- 2Putting on a hat
Mettiti il cappello sulla testa.
Put the hat on your head.
Sulla testa uses the article with the preposition.
- 3Giving advice
Usa la testa e leggi le istruzioni.
Use your head and read the instructions.
Figurative use of la testa.
Mistakes English speakers make with testa
Incorrect: Il testa mi fa male.
Correct: La testa mi fa male. / Ho mal di testa.
Testa is feminine: la testa. The ache phrase is mal di testa.
Incorrect: Ho una testa ache.
Correct: Ho mal di testa.
Do not mix English ache into the Italian phrase.
Good to know
Italians tap or point near la testa when talking about thinking or craziness in playful gesture talk. For pain, mal di testa is more idiomatic than la mia testa fa male, though both are understood.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
A noisy train carriage
ChatPal
Che rumore… mi gira un po' la testa.
What a noise… my head's spinning a bit.
You
Anche io. Forse è mal di testa in arrivo.
Me too. Maybe a headache is coming.
ChatPal
Usciamo al vestibolo. L'aria aiuta la testa.
Let's go to the vestibule. Air helps the head.
You
Buona idea. Poi beviamo qualcosa se la testa peggiora.
Good idea. Then we'll drink something if the head gets worse.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Head" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Head" in Italian
Is testa feminine?
Yes: la testa, una testa grande. Plural le teste.
How do I say I have a headache?
Ho mal di testa is the standard phrase.
Does capo also mean head?
Capo can mean head or boss. For the body part, beginners should prefer testa.
How do I say shake your head?
Scuotere la testa, or as a command to a friend: Scuoti la testa.
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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