Italian Phrase
Spiegami esattamente quali sintomi osservi.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and clear request for detailed information about symptoms. It emphasizes the need for precision ('esattamente') and focuses on what the person is actively noticing ('osservi'). It's commonly used in medical or diagnostic contexts.
When to use
This phrase is typically used by doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals when interviewing a patient about their condition. It can also be used in other situations where precise observation and reporting of details are crucial, such as in a scientific experiment or a technical problem diagnosis.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Spiegamiesattamentequalisintomiosservi
Spiegami (Spiegare + mi)
'Spiegami' is the imperative form of 'spiegare' (to explain) combined with the indirect object pronoun 'mi' (to me). This structure is common for direct commands or requests.
Esattamente
This adverb means 'exactly' or 'precisely'. It emphasizes the need for detailed and accurate information, making the request very specific.
Quali
'Quali' is the plural interrogative adjective/pronoun meaning 'which' or 'what'. It's used here to ask about specific items from a group (the symptoms).
Sintomi
This is the plural form of 'sintomo' (symptom). It's a masculine noun, and its plural form ends in '-i'.
Osservi (Osservare)
'Osservi' is the second-person singular (tu) present indicative form of the verb 'osservare' (to observe/to notice). It implies active perception and attention to detail.
🗨In Conversation
Dottore, mi sento molto male da ieri sera.
Doctor, I've been feeling very unwell since last night.
Capisco. Spiegami esattamente quali sintomi osservi.
I understand. Explain to me exactly what symptoms you observe.
✕Common Mistakes
Spiegami esattamente che sintomi osservi.
While 'che' can sometimes mean 'what', 'quali' is more appropriate when asking about specific items from a group or for a more precise enumeration, especially with 'sintomi'.
Spiegami esattamente quali sintomi tu osservi.
The subject pronoun 'tu' is often omitted in Italian as the verb conjugation ('osservi') already indicates the subject. Including it can sound redundant or overly emphatic in this context.
↔Alternatives
Descrivimi i sintomi che hai.
Describe to me the symptoms you have.
Quali sono i sintomi che noti?
What are the symptoms you notice?
Mi puoi dire cosa senti?
Can you tell me what you feel?
Cultural Tip
In Italian medical contexts, directness like 'Spiegami esattamente...' is common and expected from healthcare professionals. Patients are generally encouraged to be as precise as possible. While 'Lei' (formal 'you') would be used with an unfamiliar adult patient, 'tu' (informal 'you') is often used with children or in less formal settings, or if the doctor has established a more personal rapport.