Italian Phrase
Descrivi come ti fanno sentire i sintomi.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and polite request for someone to articulate their subjective experience of symptoms. It's used to gather detailed information about a person's condition, moving beyond just listing symptoms to understanding their impact on the individual.
When to use
This phrase is primarily used in medical or healthcare settings by doctors, nurses, or caregivers when trying to understand a patient's subjective experience of an illness. It can also be used by concerned friends or family members seeking to understand someone's discomfort.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Descrivicometifanno sentirei sintomi
Descrivi (Imperative)
'Descrivi' is the informal singular imperative form of the verb 'descrivere' (to describe). It's used to give a command or make a direct request to 'you' (tu).
come (How)
'Come' means 'how' and introduces a clause that explains the manner or way in which something is done or experienced. It's crucial for asking about the nature of a feeling.
ti (Direct Object Pronoun)
'Ti' is the informal singular direct object pronoun, meaning 'you'. In this sentence, it indicates that the symptoms are affecting 'you'.
fanno sentire (Causative Construction)
'Fanno sentire' is a causative construction using 'fare' (to make/do) + infinitive 'sentire' (to feel). It literally means 'they make you feel', indicating that the symptoms are the cause of the feeling.
i sintomi (The Symptoms)
'I sintomi' means 'the symptoms'. 'Sintomi' is a masculine plural noun, and 'i' is its definite article. It is the subject of the causative verb 'fanno sentire'.
🗨In Conversation
Allora, descrivi come ti fanno sentire i sintomi.
So, describe how the symptoms make you feel.
Mi sento molto debole e ho un forte mal di testa.
I feel very weak and have a bad headache.
✕Common Mistakes
Descrivi cosa ti sentono i sintomi.
The verb 'sentire' (to feel) is used for the subject feeling something. For symptoms causing a feeling, the causative construction 'fare sentire' (to make feel) is required.
Descrivi come i sintomi ti sentono.
Similar to the above, symptoms don't 'feel' you; they 'make you feel' something. The causative 'fare' + infinitive is essential here.
↔Alternatives
Come ti senti con questi sintomi?
How do you feel with these symptoms?
Puoi spiegarmi meglio i tuoi sintomi?
Can you explain your symptoms better to me?
Quali sensazioni provi?
What sensations are you experiencing?
Cultural Tip
In Italian culture, especially in medical contexts, it's common for healthcare professionals to ask for detailed descriptions of symptoms. Patients are generally expected to be articulate about their feelings and sensations. While direct, this phrase is considered polite and professional, emphasizing the importance of the patient's subjective experience.