Essential Spanish Phrases for Hospital Visits Abroad


Introduction: Why These Phrases Are Important

Traveling abroad can be unpredictable, and a medical situation in a Spanish-speaking country can be stressful if you don’t speak the language. Knowing key phrases for hospital visits helps you communicate symptoms, understand instructions, and get the care you need efficiently. This guide covers essential Spanish phrases for emergencies, doctor consultations, and hospital procedures.

1. Basic Greetings and Politeness

Polite interaction sets a positive tone and ensures cooperation.

English Spanish Pronunciation
Hello / Good morning Buenos días BWEH-nos DEE-ahs
Good afternoon Buenas tardes BWEH-nas TAR-des
Good evening Buenas noches BWEH-nas NOH-ches
Please Por favor por fah-VOR
Thank you Gracias GRAH-syahs
Excuse me / Sorry Disculpe dis-KOOL-peh

2. Explaining Your Condition

Clearly describing your symptoms helps medical staff respond appropriately.

English Spanish Pronunciation
I need a doctor Necesito un médico neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-koh
I feel sick / unwell Me siento mal meh SYEN-toh mal
I have a fever Tengo fiebre TEN-go FYEH-breh
I have pain Tengo dolor TEN-go doh-LOR
My stomach hurts Me duele el estómago meh DWEH-leh el es-TOH-mah-go
I am allergic to… Soy alérgico(a) a… soy ah-LEHR-hee-koh / ah LEHR-hee-kah ah…

3. Asking Questions

Understanding instructions and treatment is crucial.

English Spanish Pronunciation
Where is the hospital? ¿Dónde está el hospital? DON-deh es-TAH el hos-pee-TAL
What is the diagnosis? ¿Cuál es el diagnóstico? kwahl es el dee-ag-NOS-tee-koh
What medicine should I take? ¿Qué medicina debo tomar? keh meh-dee-SEE-nah DEH-boh toh-MAR
How often should I take it? ¿Con qué frecuencia debo tomarlo? kon keh freh-kwen-SYAH DEH-boh toh-MAR-lo
Do I need surgery? ¿Necesito cirugía? neh-seh-SEE-toh see-roo-HEE-ah
When can I go home? ¿Cuándo puedo ir a casa? KWAN-doh PWEH-doh eer ah KAH-sah

4. Emergency Phrases

In urgent situations, clear communication is critical.

English Spanish Pronunciation
Help! ¡Ayuda! ah-YOO-dah
Call an ambulance Llame a una ambulancia YAH-meh ah OO-nah ahm-boo-LAHN-syah
I am injured Estoy herido(a) es-TOY eh-REE-doh / eh-REE-dah
I am having difficulty breathing Tengo dificultad para respirar TEN-go dee-fee-kool-TAHD PAH-rah res-pee-RAHR
It’s an emergency Es una emergencia es OO-nah eh-mehr-HEN-syah

5. Hospital Procedures

Understanding common procedures helps reduce confusion.

English Spanish Pronunciation
I need a blood test Necesito un análisis de sangre neh-seh-SEE-toh oon ah-nah-LEE-sees deh SAHN-greh
I need an X-ray Necesito una radiografía neh-seh-SEE-toh OO-nah rah-dee-oh-grah-FEE-ah
I need medicine Necesito medicina neh-seh-SEE-toh meh-dee-SEE-nah
I need a prescription Necesito una receta neh-seh-SEE-toh OO-nah reh-SEH-tah
How much will it cost? ¿Cuánto costará? KWAN-toh kos-tah-RAH

Conclusion: Communicating Clearly Saves Time and Stress

Knowing essential Spanish phrases for hospital visits abroad helps you describe symptoms, ask questions, and understand treatment instructions. Always remain polite, carry identification and insurance information, and practice key phrases before traveling. Effective communication can make medical experiences abroad safer, faster, and less stressful.

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