Spanish Vocabulary for Health and Medicine: Essential Words and Phrases for the U.S.


Navigating healthcare in the U.S. can be challenging, especially for Spanish-speaking patients or travelers. Knowing key Spanish vocabulary for health and medicine can help you communicate symptoms, understand instructions, and access care effectively.

This guide covers essential terms, common phrases, and practical tips for using Spanish in medical contexts.

1. Basic Health and Medical Vocabulary

English Spanish Pronunciation Notes
Doctor Doctor / Doctora dok-TOR / dok-TO-ra Male/female doctor
Nurse Enfermero / Enfermera en-fer-MEH-ro / en-fer-MEH-ra Male/female nurse
Hospital Hospital hos-pee-TAL U.S. hospitals often provide bilingual signage
Clinic Clínica KLEE-nee-ka Smaller medical facilities
Appointment Cita SEE-ta Schedule a cita médica for a doctor’s visit
Emergency Emergencia eh-mer-HEN-see-a Critical medical situation
Pharmacy Farmacia far-MA-see-a Where prescriptions are filled
Prescription Receta reh-SEH-ta Doctor’s written medication instructions

2. Common Symptoms Vocabulary

English Spanish Pronunciation Notes
Pain Dolor doh-LOR Can specify location: dolor de cabeza (headache)
Fever Fiebre FYEH-breh Often reported in cita médica
Cough Tos TOS Common symptom for respiratory issues
Cold Resfriado res-free-AH-do Mild viral infection
Nausea Náusea NOW-seh-a Feeling of sickness or queasiness
Headache Dolor de cabeza doh-LOR deh ka-BEH-sa Specify severity: leve (mild), intenso (severe)
Dizziness Mareo ma-REH-oh Important symptom to communicate clearly

3. Essential Medical Phrases

  • “Me duele…” – My … hurts. (Me duele el estómago – My stomach hurts.)

  • “Tengo fiebre.” – I have a fever.

  • “Necesito ver a un doctor.” – I need to see a doctor.

  • “¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercana?” – Where is the nearest pharmacy?

  • “Tengo alergias a …” – I am allergic to … (Tengo alergia a la penicilina – I’m allergic to penicillin.)

  • “¿Cuáles son los efectos secundarios?” – What are the side effects?

Tip: Being polite and clear with words like por favor (please) and gracias (thank you) can improve communication with healthcare staff.

4. U.S.-Specific Health Considerations

  1. Insurance vocabulary

    • Seguro médico – Health insurance

    • Copago – Copay

    • Deducible – Deductible
      Understanding these terms helps Spanish speakers navigate billing and appointments.

  2. Emergency services

    • Dial 911 in emergencies.

    • Emergencia médica is understood by most first responders.

  3. Pharmacy instructions

    • Labels often include Spanish translations for dosage and warnings.

    • Phrases like tomar con comida (take with food) and una vez al día (once a day) are common.

5. Tips for Learning Medical Spanish

  • Practice symptom descriptions aloud – Helps with doctor visits.

  • Carry a bilingual health phrase card – Useful in emergencies.

  • Use apps or online tools – Many offer medical Spanish dictionaries and pronunciation guides.

  • Engage with bilingual staff – Many U.S. hospitals have interpreters or bilingual personnel.

6. Conclusion

Learning Spanish vocabulary for health and medicine is crucial for safe and effective communication in the U.S. healthcare system. Focus on:

  • Healthcare personnel and locations: doctor, nurse, hospital, pharmacy

  • Symptoms and conditions: dolor, fiebre, tos, mareo

  • Key phrases for appointments and emergencies

With this knowledge, Spanish speakers can express concerns clearly, understand treatment instructions, and navigate medical situations confidently.