Doctor Visits in Spanish: Medical Vocabulary You Need
Nobody plans to get sick on a trip or in a new country, but it happens. When it does, being able to describe your symptoms, understand a doctor's instructions, and navigate a pharmacy in Spanish can make a stressful situation a lot more manageable. This is vocabulary you hope you won't need — but you'll be glad you learned it.
At the Doctor's Office — En el Consultorio
Whether it's a routine visit or something unexpected, these are the core words you'll encounter at any medical appointment.
To make an appointment, say: "Quiero hacer una cita con el médico" (I want to make an appointment with the doctor). If it's urgent, add: "Es urgente."
Symptoms and Conditions — Síntomas y Condiciones
The key structure here is "me duele" (it hurts me) for pain and "tengo" (I have) for conditions. Once you have those two patterns down, you can describe almost anything.
Learn from Your Home Screen
Vocabito puts Spanish words on your Home Screen with pronunciation, example sentences, and audio — so you learn without even opening the app.
At the Pharmacy — En la Farmacia
In many Spanish-speaking countries, pharmacists can give you more advice and sell certain medications without a prescription that would require one elsewhere. Still, it helps to know exactly what you're asking for.
Practice These Words in Vocabito
Flashcards, widgets, and daily reminders to make Spanish stick.
Emergency Phrases — Frases de Emergencia
In a real emergency, you need short, clear phrases. These are worth memorizing even if you're just starting out with Spanish.
Keep your important medical info written in Spanish on your phone or a card in your wallet: blood type (tipo de sangre), allergies (alergias), and any medications you take (medicamentos que tomo). In an emergency, this can be a lifesaver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I say I feel sick in Spanish?
You can say "Me siento mal" (I feel sick/bad), "Estoy enfermo/a" (I'm sick), or describe the specific symptom: "Tengo fiebre" (I have a fever), "Me duele la cabeza" (My head hurts). For nausea, say "Tengo náuseas."
How do I explain my symptoms to a Spanish-speaking doctor?
Use "Me duele..." (It hurts...) followed by the body part: "Me duele el estómago" (My stomach hurts). For general symptoms, say "Tengo..." followed by the condition: "Tengo tos" (I have a cough), "Tengo fiebre" (I have a fever).
How do you ask for medicine at a pharmacy in Spanish?
Say "Necesito algo para..." (I need something for...) followed by the symptom. For example: "Necesito algo para el dolor de cabeza" (I need something for a headache). If you have a prescription, say "Tengo una receta médica."
What should I say in a medical emergency in Spanish?
The most important phrases are "¡Llame a una ambulancia!" (Call an ambulance!), "Es una emergencia" (It's an emergency), and "Necesito un médico" (I need a doctor). If someone is hurt, say "Está herido/a" (He/She is injured).