Se ho davvero la febbre, devo domandare al medico come curarmi correttamente.

If I really have a fever, I must ask the doctor how to take care of myself properly.

Breakdown of Se ho davvero la febbre, devo domandare al medico come curarmi correttamente.

• io: I
• avere: to have
• se: if
• come: how
• dovere: to have to
• a: to
• il medico: the doctor
• la febbre: the fever
• davvero: really
• domandare: to ask
• correttamente: properly

Questions & Answers about Se ho davvero la febbre, devo domandare al medico come curarmi correttamente.

What does the word davvero mean in this sentence?

Davvero translates to "really" or "truly" in English. It emphasizes that if you genuinely have a fever—not just a slight or suspected one—then it’s necessary to ask the doctor. This word reinforces the seriousness of the condition.

Why is the reflexive form curarmi used instead of the non-reflexive curare?

In Italian, when referring to taking care of or treating oneself, the verb is used in its reflexive form. Curarmi combines the verb curare (to cure/treat) with the reflexive pronoun mi, indicating that the subject (I) is performing the action on itself, meaning "to treat myself."

What is the function of the adverb correttamente in this sentence?

Correttamente means "properly" or "correctly" and serves to modify the verb phrase curarmi. It specifies that the treatment should be carried out in the right or proper way, adding a nuance of precision and correctness to the action.

Why does the sentence use the present indicative forms ho and devo?

The sentence expresses a real and possible condition. Se ho davvero la febbre (if I really have a fever) presents a situation that could actually happen, so the present indicative is appropriate. Similarly, devo (I must) clearly states an obligation that arises under that realistic condition, rather than suggesting a hypothetical or unlikely scenario.

Is there a difference between using domandare and chiedere here?

Both domandare and chiedere can translate as "to ask" in English. However, domandare is often perceived as slightly more formal or explicitly inquisitive. In the context of this sentence—asking a doctor for advice—domandare is perfectly acceptable and correctly conveys the intended meaning.

What is the role of the contraction al in al medico?

The contraction al comes from a + il, meaning "to the" in English. In this sentence, domandare al medico means "to ask the doctor". The preposition a is used with domandare to indicate the person being addressed, and it naturally combines with il (the) to form al.