Italian Phrase
Devo confermare il mio appuntamento con il Dr. Smith.
Meaning
This phrase is used to express the necessity of confirming a scheduled meeting, specifically with a doctor. It clearly states the action required ('Devo confermare' - I need to confirm) and the subject of the confirmation ('il mio appuntamento' - my appointment) with a specific person.
When to use
You would use this phrase when calling or speaking to a receptionist, assistant, or directly to Dr. Smith to ensure your scheduled appointment is still on. It's a polite and direct way to verify your booking, often used a day or two before the actual meeting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Devoconfermareil mioappuntamentoconil Dr. Smith
Devo (from Dovere)
'Devo' is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'dovere' (to have to, must, to need to). It expresses obligation or necessity. It's often followed by an infinitive verb, like 'confermare'.
Confermare (to confirm)
This is a regular -are verb in its infinitive form. It means 'to confirm'. In this sentence, it follows 'Devo', which requires the infinitive.
Il mio (my)
'Il mio' is the masculine singular possessive adjective and definite article combination, meaning 'my'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, 'appuntamento'.
Appuntamento (appointment)
This is a masculine noun, despite ending in '-o'. It means 'appointment' or 'meeting'. It's important to remember its gender for correct article and adjective agreement.
Con (with)
'Con' is a preposition meaning 'with'. It's used here to indicate the person with whom the appointment is scheduled.
Il Dr. Smith (Dr. Smith)
'Dr.' is an abbreviation for 'Dottore' (Doctor). In Italian, titles like 'Dottore' are often preceded by the definite article ('il' for masculine singular) when referring to someone in the third person.
🗨In Conversation
Buongiorno, chiamo per il Dr. Smith. Devo confermare il mio appuntamento con il Dr. Smith.
Good morning, I'm calling for Dr. Smith. I need to confirm my appointment with Dr. Smith.
Certo, a che ora è l'appuntamento? E qual è il suo nome?
Certainly, what time is the appointment? And what is your name?
✕Common Mistakes
Io devo confermare il mio appuntamento con il Dr. Smith.
While 'Io' (I) is grammatically correct, it's often omitted in Italian when the subject is clear from the verb conjugation, making the sentence sound more natural without it.
Devo confermare il mio appuntamento a il Dr. Smith.
The correct preposition to indicate 'with' someone in this context is 'con'. 'A' is generally used for 'to' or 'at'.
Devo confermare la mia appuntamento con il Dr. Smith.
'Appuntamento' is a masculine noun, so it requires the masculine possessive adjective 'il mio', not 'la mia'.
↔Alternatives
Vorrei confermare il mio appuntamento con il Dr. Smith.
I would like to confirm my appointment with Dr. Smith.
È possibile confermare il mio appuntamento con il Dr. Smith?
Is it possible to confirm my appointment with Dr. Smith?
Chiamo per confermare l'appuntamento con il Dr. Smith.
I'm calling to confirm the appointment with Dr. Smith.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, it's common practice to confirm appointments, especially with medical professionals or for important services. While not always strictly required, it's considered polite and ensures there are no misunderstandings. Punctuality is also highly valued, so confirming helps both parties manage their schedules effectively. Using the formal 'Dr.' (Dottore/Dottoressa) is standard when addressing medical practitioners.