A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I have food poisoning" in Italian
Expressing that you have food poisoning in Italian, for urgent situations when you feel unwell after eating.
Ho un'intossicazione alimentare.
oh oon-in-toh-see-kah-TSYOH-neh ahl-ee-men-TAH-rehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Tell a doctor, pharmacist, or hotel staff if you suddenly feel very sick with vomiting or diarrhea after a meal. This phrase clearly states the cause of your distress.
Alternatives
- Sto male per qualcosa che ho mangiato.More general, implies sickness from food without being as specific.
- Ho mangiato qualcosa di avariato.Specifically means you ate something spoiled or rotten.
Ways to get it wrong
Intossicazione vs. Intoxication
While 'intossicazione' can mean intoxication (like alcohol), 'intossicazione alimentare' specifically refers to food poisoning.
Pronouncing 'intossicazione'
Make sure to pronounce the double 't' sound clearly: in-toh-ssi-kah-TSYOH-neh.
A small cultural note
Italians are generally very proud of their food, so admitting to food poisoning might be a sensitive topic, but health comes first!
Frequently asked
What if I just feel a bit sick after eating?
You can say 'Mi sento un po' male dopo aver mangiato' (I feel a bit sick after eating). This is less severe than food poisoning.
How to say I have diarrhea in Italian?
You can say 'Ho la diarrea'. This is a direct and clear way to communicate the symptom.
What's the difference between 'intossicazione alimentare' and 'avvelenamento da cibo'?
'Intossicazione alimentare' is the most common term for food poisoning. 'Avvelenamento da cibo' is also understood but sounds more like actual poisoning.
