Learn Italian: Apri la bocca, dice il medico. - "Open your mouth," says the doctor.

Apri la bocca, dice il medico.

"Open your mouth," says the doctor.

Breakdown of Apri la bocca, dice il medico.

Questions & Answers about Apri la bocca, dice il medico.

Why is the verb apri instead of apre?

Apri is the informal command (the imperative form) for tu (you). If the doctor were speaking formally to an adult using Lei, they would use the formal command apra.

Why does the sentence use la bocca (the mouth) instead of la tua bocca (your mouth)?

In Italian, when you talk about body parts or clothing, you usually use the definite article like la instead of a possessive word like tua. Because the doctor is giving a command directly to the patient, it is already obvious whose mouth needs to be opened.

Why is the word order dice il medico instead of il medico dice?

When reporting speech or quoting someone in Italian, it is very common to put the verb before the subject. It is similar to English when we write 'said the doctor.' You could say il medico dice, but putting the verb first is the most natural way to write this.

Is there a difference between medico and dottore?

In this medical context, they mean the exact same thing. Medico is the specific word for a medical professional. Dottore is also widely used for medical doctors, but it is technically a broader title for anyone who has graduated from a university.