Spanish for Healthcare: Medical Vocabulary Guide

When Language Really Matters

Whether you work in healthcare, travel frequently, or simply want to communicate about health needs, medical Spanish vocabulary can be genuinely important. This guide covers essential terms and phrases for healthcare situations.

Parts of the Body

• La cabeza - head
• El cuello - neck
• El hombro - shoulder
• El brazo - arm
• La mano - hand
• El pecho - chest
• La espalda - back
• El estomago - stomach
• La pierna - leg
• El pie - foot
• El corazon - heart
• Los pulmones - lungs
• El higado - liver
• Los rinones - kidneys

Describing Symptoms

Pain

• "Me duele..." - It hurts... / My ... hurts
• "Tengo dolor de..." - I have a ... ache
• "El dolor es agudo/sordo" - The pain is sharp/dull
• "Me duele mucho/un poco" - It hurts a lot/a little

Common Symptoms

• "Tengo fiebre" - I have a fever
• "Tengo tos" - I have a cough
• "Tengo nauseas" - I feel nauseous
• "Estoy mareado/a" - I feel dizzy
• "Tengo diarrea" - I have diarrhea
• "Estoy estrenido/a" - I am constipated
• "Tengo escalofrios" - I have chills
• "Me siento debil" - I feel weak

At the Doctor or Hospital

Making an Appointment

• "Necesito una cita" - I need an appointment
• "Es urgente" - It is urgent
• "Donde esta la clinica/el hospital?" - Where is the clinic/hospital?

At the Consultation

• "Que le pasa?" - What is wrong?
• "Desde cuando tiene estos sintomas?" - How long have you had these symptoms?
• "Tiene alergias?" - Do you have allergies?
• "Toma algun medicamento?" - Are you taking any medication?
• "Esta embarazada?" - Are you pregnant?

Tests and Procedures

• "Necesita un analisis de sangre" - You need a blood test
• "Vamos a hacer una radiografia" - We are going to do an X-ray
• "Respire hondo" - Breathe deeply
• "Suba la manga" - Roll up your sleeve

At the Pharmacy

• "Tiene algo para...?" - Do you have something for...?
• "Necesito... sin receta" - I need... without prescription
• "Como se toma este medicamento?" - How do I take this medication?
• "Cuantas veces al dia?" - How many times a day?
• "Tiene efectos secundarios?" - Are there side effects?

Common Medications

• El analgesico - painkiller
• El antibiotico - antibiotic
• El antihistaminico - antihistamine
• El jarabe para la tos - cough syrup
• Las gotas - drops
• La crema - cream
• Las pastillas - tablets/pills

Emergency Situations

• "Llame una ambulancia!" - Call an ambulance!
• "Es una emergencia" - It is an emergency
• "Necesito ayuda" - I need help
• "Donde esta urgencias?" - Where is the emergency room?
• "Esta inconsciente" - He/She is unconscious
• "No puede respirar" - He/She cannot breathe

Medical History Terms

• La alergia - allergy
• La diabetes - diabetes
• La presion alta/baja - high/low blood pressure
• El asma - asthma
• La operacion/cirugia - surgery
• Los antecedentes familiares - family medical history

Being Prepared

Before travelling, prepare a card in Spanish listing:

• Any medical conditions you have
• Medications you take (generic names)
• Allergies
• Emergency contact information

This can be invaluable if you need medical care abroad.