😣❓

How to Say ‘Is the pain bad?’ in Italian

Il dolore è forte?

eel doh-LOH-reh eh FOR-teh

[eel doh-LOH-reh eh FOR-teh]

💬 Usage Tip: forte usually means "strong", but with pain it means severe. You can answer with no, è leggero "no, it's mild".

Phrase Breakdown

Il dolore

eel doh-LOH-reh

the pain

'Il' is the masculine article and stays with its noun. Stress 'do-LO-re'.

Example

Il dolore è passato.

The pain has gone.

Words in this phrase

[eel]

the

Masculine singular definite article used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

Nella frase Il tempo personale, Il introduce il concetto di tempo privato.

In the phrase 'Il tempo personale,' 'Il' introduces the concept of private time.

dolore

[doh-LOH-reh]

pain

Masculine noun for physical or emotional pain; common at the doctor's.

Example

Ho un dolore alla schiena.

I have a pain in my back.

è forte?

eh FOR-teh

is it strong?

'È' means 'is', with an open 'eh' sound. 'Forte' means strong. Say 'FOR-teh', with your voice rising for the question.

Example

Il caffè è forte.

The coffee is strong.

Words in this phrase

[eh]

Third-person singular of 'essere'; used to describe a person, company, or situation.

Example

Quando dici È in È molto umana, stai descrivendo l'azienda.

When you say 'È' in 'È molto umana,' you are describing the company.

forte

[FOR-teh]

strong

Adjective meaning strong; for coffee, it means intense and concentrated in flavor.

Example

Questo caffè è molto forte.

This coffee is very strong.

Guides for Italian learners

Duolingo vs Busuu: Which Is Better for Actually Improving?Duolingo vs Busuu compared: a free gamified habit versus structured levels with corrections from native speakers. Which to choose, and when to use both.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Spent the summer in Tuscany researching Italian cuisine. Being able to chat with nonnas at the market about recipes? Absolutely priceless.”

Grace P., 34, Food Writer

“Working on a project in Milan and needed professional Italian fast. The business roleplays gave me the confidence to present to clients within a month.”

Daniel F., 45, Architect

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer