Italian Phrase
Posso prendere un appuntamento dal medico?
Meaning
Literally, ‘Can I take an appointment from the doctor?’ In everyday Italian it is the polite way to ask if you may schedule a visit with your physician.
When to use
Use this sentence when you call a clinic, speak to a receptionist, or ask a friend to help you book a medical visit. It works both in formal settings (phone call) and informal ones (talking to a family member).
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possoprendereunappuntamentodalmedico?
Posso (potere)
‘Posso’ is the 1st‑person singular present of the modal verb ‘potere’, used to ask permission or ability.
prendere (infinitive)
The infinitive ‘prendere’ means ‘to take / to get’ and is the most natural verb for ‘to make an appointment’ in Italian.
un appuntamento
A noun phrase meaning ‘an appointment’; the article ‘un’ makes it indefinite.
dal = da + il
‘dal’ is the contraction of the preposition ‘da’ (from) and the definite article ‘il’; together they mean ‘with the’ when referring to a professional.
medico
A masculine noun meaning ‘doctor’; in this context it refers to the physician you want to see.
🗨In Conversation
Buongiorno, posso prendere un appuntamento dal medico?
Good morning, may I make an appointment with the doctor?
Certo, per quale giorno e ora preferisce?
Sure, for which day and time would you prefer?
✕Common Mistakes
Posso fare un appuntamento dal medico?
‘Fare un appuntamento’ is less idiomatic; Italians normally use ‘prendere’ or ‘fissare’.
Posso prendere un appuntamento al medico?
‘Al medico’ means ‘to the doctor’ (as a destination), not ‘with the doctor’ for an appointment.
Posso prendere un appuntamento dal dottore?
While ‘dottore’ is understood, ‘medico’ is the more neutral term in a clinical setting.
↔Alternatives
Vorrei fissare un appuntamento con il medico.
I would like to schedule an appointment with the doctor.
È possibile prenotare una visita dal dottore?
Is it possible to book a visit with the doctor?
Mi può dare un orario per vedere il medico?
Can you give me a time to see the doctor?
Cultural Tip
In Italy it is customary to start the call with a polite greeting (e.g., ‘Buongiorno’) and to use the formal ‘Lei’ when speaking to clinic staff. The preposition ‘dal’ (da + il) is preferred over ‘con’ when you refer to a professional service, because it conveys ‘with the doctor’s office’. In some southern regions you may also hear ‘dal dottore’ instead of ‘dal medico’. Remember to thank the person after the appointment is set – a simple ‘Grazie mille’ goes a long way.