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Italian Phrase

I miei sintomi stanno peggiorando.

/i ˈmjɛi sinˈtomi ˈstanno peʤʤoˈrando/
Meaning"My symptoms are getting worse."
💡

Meaning

This sentence means 'My symptoms are getting worse.' It conveys that the speaker's health condition is deteriorating over time. The progressive form emphasizes that the worsening is happening right now, not just a static fact.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you are speaking to a doctor, pharmacist, or a friend about a health issue that is becoming more serious. It is also appropriate in emergency calls or when describing your condition in a medical questionnaire.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Imieisintomistannopeggiorando

1

Articolo + Possessivo (I miei)

In Italian, the article and possessive adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify; 'i' (masc. plural) matches 'miei' (masc. plural) for 'sintomi'.

2

Noun Plural (sintomi)

'Sintomo' becomes 'sintomi' in the plural; masculine nouns ending in -o change to -i.

3

Stare + Gerundio (stanno peggiorando)

The progressive tense uses the verb 'stare' + gerund; 'stanno' is the 3rd‑person plural present of 'stare', followed by the gerund 'peggiorando'.

4

Gerundio of Peggiorare (peggiorando)

The gerund of 'peggiorare' (to worsen) is formed by dropping -are and adding -ando.

🗨In Conversation

A

I miei sintomi stanno peggiorando, soprattutto la tosse.

My symptoms are getting worse, especially the cough.

Mi dispiace sentirlo. Vuoi che ti chiamiamo un'ambulanza?

I'm sorry to hear that. Do you want us to call an ambulance?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • I miei sintomi sono peggiorando.

    Use 'stanno' (stare) for the progressive; 'sono peggiorando' is ungrammatical.

  • I miei sintomi è peggiorato.

    The verb must agree with the plural subject; 'è' is singular.

  • I miei sintomi stanno peggiorato.

    The gerund is required after 'stanno', not the past participle.

↔Alternatives

  • I miei sintomi peggiorano.

    My symptoms worsen.

  • I sintomi stanno peggiorando.

    The symptoms are getting worse.

  • Le mie condizioni stanno peggiorando.

    My condition is getting worse.

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy, it is common to describe health issues using the progressive form (stare + gerundio) to stress urgency. When speaking with medical staff, be clear and concise; adding specifics like 'la tosse' or 'la febbre' helps them assess the situation faster. Also, note that 'peggiorare' can be used both for physical symptoms and for general situations (e.g., 'la situazione peggiora').