Feel Better Fast: Essential Spanish Phrases for Your Doctor's Visit


Facing a doctor’s appointment in a foreign country can be intimidating, especially when you need to clearly articulate what’s wrong. When dealing with your health and well-being in a Spanish-speaking environment, having the right vocabulary is not just helpful—it’s absolutely vital for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Whether you are traveling, living abroad, or assisting a Spanish-speaking friend, knowing the core medical phrases will help you navigate the healthcare system with confidence. This guide provides practical, easy-to-use Spanish expressions covering everything from checking in at the medical clinic to describing your symptoms and understanding the treatment plan. Let’s break down the language barrier so you can focus on getting better!

1. Scheduling and Arrival: Checking In

These phrases will help you get past the reception desk and into the examination room.

EnglishSpanishUsage Context
I have an appointment.Tengo una cita.Inform the receptionist upon arrival.
I need to see a doctor.Necesito ver a un médico.If you don't have an appointment.
Do you accept my insurance?¿Aceptan mi seguro médico?Crucial question before receiving care.
I need to fill out some forms.Necesito rellenar unos formularios.Requesting necessary patient documentation.
What is the wait time?¿Cuánto tiempo de espera hay?Asking about the delay before your consultation.
I am a new patient.Soy un paciente nuevo.Stating your status for registration.

2. Describing Your Ailments: Symptoms and Pain

This section is the most important. Being specific about your physical condition helps the doctor diagnose quickly.

General Complaint

EnglishSpanish
I feel sick.Me siento enfermo/a. (Use enferma if you are female)
I have a fever.Tengo fiebre.
I have a headache.Tengo dolor de cabeza.
I have a cough.Tengo tos.
I have a cold/flu.Tengo un resfriado/gripe.
I am having trouble breathing.Me cuesta respirar.
I feel dizzy.Me siento mareado/a.
I threw up/I vomited.Vomité.

Locating the Pain

Use the following phrases to specify the location of your discomfort.

EnglishSpanish
It hurts here. (Pointing)Me duele aquí.
I have pain in my back.Tengo dolor en la espalda.
My stomach hurts.Me duele el estómago.
My knee hurts.Me duele la rodilla.
I have a sore throat.Tengo dolor de garganta.
My ear hurts.Me duele el oído.

Describing the Intensity and Duration

EnglishSpanishUsage Context
The pain is intense/mild.El dolor es intenso/leve.Describing the severity of your discomfort.
The pain is constant/intermittent.El dolor es constante/intermitente.Describing the frequency of the ache.
It started three days ago.Empezó hace tres días.Giving the onset time of your illness.
Have you had this before?¿Le ha pasado esto antes?A common question from the physician.

3. Medical History and Allergies

A doctor needs to know your history and any potential risks before prescribing medication.

EnglishSpanish
I am allergic to penicillin.Soy alérgico/a a la penicilina.
I take medication for my blood pressure.Tomo medicamentos para la tensión.
I have diabetes.Tengo diabetes.
I am pregnant.Estoy embarazada.
I have no known allergies.No tengo alergias conocidas.

4. Understanding the Doctor: Diagnosis and Next Steps

After the examination, you need to understand the physician's findings and what you need to do next.

EnglishSpanish
What is the diagnosis?¿Cuál es el diagnóstico?
Is it serious?¿Es algo grave?
What kind of medicine should I take?¿Qué tipo de medicina debo tomar?
Do I need a prescription?¿Necesito una receta?
When should I come back?¿Cuándo debo volver?
I need a medical note for work.Necesito un justificante médico para el trabajo.
Where is the nearest pharmacy?¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercana?

5. Key Verbs for the Examination

The doctor will often give you simple commands during the physical examination.

EnglishSpanish CommandMeaning
Open your mouth.Abra la boca.For checking your throat and tonsils.
Take a deep breath.Respire profundo.For listening to your lungs.
Lie down here.Acuéstese aquí.Directing you to the examination table.
Sit up.Siéntese.Asking you to be in an upright position.
Point to the pain.Señale el dolor.Asking for the specific location of the ache.

Knowing these vital Spanish medical phrases dramatically reduces the stress of a doctor’s visit. Being prepared with the right words ensures that your health concerns are accurately communicated and understood, leading to better patient care and a faster recovery. Don't let the language be an obstacle to your health; keep these essential phrases handy for your next healthcare consultation. ¡Que se mejore pronto! (Get well soon!)

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