Italian Phrase
Ho un'impegnativa dal mio medico.
Meaning
Literally, “I have a medical certificate from my doctor.” In Italy an *impegnativa* is the official note a doctor issues to justify an absence from work, school, or other obligations.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to inform a boss, teacher, or administrative office that you possess a doctor’s note. It’s also handy when you’re asked to present proof of a medical appointment or treatment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Houn'impegnativadalmiomedico
Ho (avere)
First‑person singular present of the verb *avere*, used to express possession or existence.
un'impegnativa (elision)
The noun *impegnativa* (feminine) follows the indefinite article *una*; because it starts with a vowel, the article elides to *un'*.
dal (da + il)
Contraction of the preposition *da* (from) and the masculine singular definite article *il*, meaning “from the”.
mio (possessive adjective)
Possessive adjective agreeing in gender and number with the noun it modifies (*medico* is masculine singular).
medico (noun)
Masculine singular noun meaning “doctor”.
🗨In Conversation
Hai il certificato per l'assenza di ieri?
Do you have the certificate for yesterday’s absence?
Sì, ho un'impegnativa dal mio medico.
Yes, I have a medical certificate from my doctor.
✕Common Mistakes
Ho un impegnativa dal mio medico.
Because *impegnativa* starts with a vowel, the article must elide to *un'*; otherwise it sounds ungrammatical.
Ho un'impegnativa da il mio medico.
The preposition *da* contracts with *il* to *dal*; using the two separate words is incorrect.
Ho una impegnativa dal mio medico.
The noun is feminine, but the article *un'* already reflects the elision; *una* would be redundant and break the elision rule.
Ho un'impegnativa dal mio dottore.
When using *medico* you keep the possessive adjective *mio*; *dottore* would require *il mio dottore* and changes the nuance.
↔Alternatives
Ho un certificato medico.
I have a medical certificate.
Mi è stato rilasciato un certificato dal dottore.
A certificate was issued to me by the doctor.
Il mio medico mi ha dato un'impegnativa.
My doctor gave me a medical note.
Cultural Tip
In Italy the word *impegnativa* is specific to the health sector and is often required by schools, workplaces, and public offices to justify absences. It’s more formal than simply saying *certificato medico* and is usually written on official letterhead. When handing it over, it’s polite to say *ecco l'impegnativa* rather than just handing it without a brief explanation.