Italian Phrase
Devo esaminarti la gola.
Meaning
A doctor (or another caregiver) tells the listener that they need to examine the listener's throat, usually to check for infection or inflammation.
When to use
Use this sentence in a medical context—when a doctor, dentist, or parent is about to look inside someone's throat. It is informal (ti) and therefore common with children or patients you already know well.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Devoesaminartilagola
Devo (dovere)
The modal verb 'dovere' expresses obligation; conjugated as 'devo' for 'I must/ I have to'.
Clitic pronoun with infinitive
When a modal verb is followed by an infinitive, the object pronoun attaches to the infinitive (esaminare → esaminarti).
Article with body parts
Body parts are preceded by the definite article (la gola = the throat).
🗨In Conversation
Devo esaminarti la gola.
I have to examine your throat.
Va bene, grazie.
Alright, thank you.
✕Common Mistakes
Devo esaminare la gola.
Missing the clitic pronoun; the sentence sounds like you are examining a throat in general, not the patient's.
Devo esaminare te la gola.
Pronoun must be attached to the infinitive, not placed before the article.
↔Alternatives
Devo controllare la tua gola.
I have to check your throat.
Ti devo esaminare la gola.
I must examine your throat.
È necessario esaminare la tua gola.
It is necessary to examine your throat.
Cultural Tip
In Italian medical settings doctors usually address patients with the formal 'Lei'. The use of 'ti' signals a more informal or pediatric situation. Also, while 'gola' is perfectly understood, professionals may prefer the more technical term 'faringe' for the pharynx.