A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I have a headache" in Italian
Expressing a headache in Italian: 'Ho mal di testa' is the standard way to say you have a headache.
Ho mal di testa.
oh mal dee TES-tahneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're feeling unwell and need to explain why you're not at your best. It's perfect for politely declining an invitation or explaining a need to rest.
Alternatives
- Mi fa male la testa.Slightly more descriptive, emphasizing the pain itself.
- Ho un'emicrania.Used for a more severe, often throbbing, headache.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'mal' with 'male'
'Mal' here is a noun meaning 'ache' or 'pain'; 'male' is an adverb meaning 'badly'.
Omitting 'di'
You need 'di' to connect 'ho' (I have) with 'mal di testa' (headache).
A small cultural note
Italians are generally expressive about physical discomfort, so don't hesitate to use this phrase if you're genuinely feeling unwell.
Frequently asked
How to say I have a headache in Italian?
The most common way to say 'I have a headache' in Italian is 'Ho mal di testa.' This is understood everywhere and works in most situations.
Is 'Ho mal di testa' formal or informal?
'Ho mal di testa' is considered neutral and can be used in both casual and more formal settings. You don't need to change it based on who you're speaking to.
What's another way to say headache in Italian?
You can also say 'Mi fa male la testa,' which literally means 'The head hurts me.' For a more severe headache, you might use 'Ho un'emicrania.'
