Spanish Medical Vocabulary

Medical Spanish vocabulary is invaluable for healthcare providers, patients, and anyone who might encounter a medical situation in a Spanish-speaking environment. Understanding even basic medical terms can help facilitate better communication, foster trust, and improve the quality of care for Spanish-speaking patients. From routine check-ups to emergency situations, having key medical vocabulary ready ensures clear and effective interaction, helping eliminate language barriers that might otherwise hinder treatment.

For healthcare professionals, Spanish medical vocabulary spans categories such as symptoms, anatomy, diagnostics, and treatment. Knowing words like dolor (pain), fiebre (fever), or náuseas (nausea) allows providers to ask clear questions about a patient’s condition and make accurate assessments. Furthermore, understanding specific anatomical terms like corazón (heart), estómago (stomach), and pulmones (lungs) is essential for performing examinations or giving explanations related to the patient's concerns.

Spanish English
Dolor Pain
Fiebre Fever
Náuseas Nausea
Infección Infection
Presión arterial Blood Pressure
Cirugía Surgery
Diabetes Diabetes
Medicamento Medication
Dosis Dose
Alergias Allergies
Enfermera Nurse
Corazón Heart
Estómago Stomach
Pulmones Lungs
Fractura Fracture
Receta Prescription
Sala de emergencia Emergency Room
Cita Appointment
Síntoma Symptom
Pulso Pulse
Terapia Therapy
Esputo Sputum
Vacuna Vaccine
Radiografía X-ray
Urgencias Urgent Care

In more specialized contexts, knowledge of technical terms can aid in specific diagnoses and procedures. For instance, words such as infección (infection), presión arterial (blood pressure), and cirugía (surgery) can bridge communication gaps in more intensive or emergency medical situations. Vocabulary related to chronic diseases, like diabetes or hipertensión, also aids healthcare providers in offering tailored guidance and necessary lifestyle recommendations.


Spanish Listening Practice

Enhance your Spanish with our Spanish listening practice page. Dive into audio exercises perfect for improving comprehension and fluency.


Spanish English
Doctor/a Doctor
Paciente Patient
Pulmón Lung
Riñón Kidney
Hígado Liver
Estornudo Sneeze
Tos Cough
Vendaje Bandage
Muletas Crutches
Análisis de sangre Blood Test
Diagnóstico Diagnosis
Lesión Injury
Desmayarse To Faint
Tomografía CT Scan
Sutura Suture
Yeso Cast
Antibiótico Antibiotic
Analgésico Painkiller
Tensión arterial Blood Pressure
Consulta Consultation
Herida Wound
Hemorragia Hemorrhage
Diarrea Diarrhea
Ecografía Ultrasound
Inyección Injection

When it comes to prescriptions and medications, understanding and conveying instructions is key. Medical professionals often need to explain dosages, schedules, and potential side effects in simple, clear language. Terms such as medicamento (medication), dosis (dose), and alergias (allergies) help avoid misunderstandings, ensuring that patients follow their treatment plans safely and accurately. Clear communication in this area is crucial to preventing misuse of medication or adverse reactions.

Spanish Medical Flashcards

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Additionally, understanding vocabulary for hospital navigation, such as sala de emergencia (emergency room) or unidad de cuidados intensivos (intensive care unit), aids in directing patients to the correct departments. Patients and families also benefit by knowing terms that relate to scheduling and medical support staff, like cita (appointment), enfermera (nurse), and terapia (therapy), ensuring they can navigate hospital systems with confidence.


Spanish Medical Quiz

Spanish Grammar Test
  • 1. What is the Spanish word for “vaccine”?
  • 2. What does “enfermera” mean?
  • 3. What’s the correct spelling for “heart”?
  • 4. What’s the word for “stomach”?
  • 5. What does “receta” mean?

Final Thoughts

Finally, developing Spanish medical vocabulary is an important step toward cultural competency in healthcare. It reflects a commitment to inclusivity and respect, allowing professionals to better support Spanish-speaking communities. For patients, hearing medical terms in their native language builds rapport and reassures them that their health and well-being are prioritized. In the healthcare setting, effective communication in Spanish ensures patients feel heard and respected, creating a more positive experience for all involved.


For more Spanish practice, check out our Short Stories in Spanish. Fun short stories with quizzes to improve your reading comprehension and boast vocabulary.

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