Health conversations can feel difficult even in your first language. You don’t need perfect Spanish to ask for help, but it’s useful to prepare a few accurate phrases and keep essential information written down.
Making an appointment
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Quisiera pedir cita con un médico. | I’d like to make a doctor’s appointment. |
| ¿Hay alguna cita disponible hoy? | Is there an appointment available today? |
| Es urgente. | It’s urgent. |
| Tengo seguro médico. | I have health insurance. |
| ¿Qué documentos necesito? | Which documents do I need? |
Explaining how you feel
A useful basic pattern is Me duele + body part for pain in one place, or Tengo + symptom for many other symptoms.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Me duele la cabeza. | My head hurts / I have a headache. |
| Me duele la garganta. | My throat hurts. |
| Tengo fiebre. | I have a fever. |
| Tengo tos. | I have a cough. |
| Me siento mareado/a. | I feel dizzy. |
| Me cuesta respirar. | I’m having trouble breathing. |
| Empezó ayer. | It started yesterday. |
| Me siento así desde hace tres días. | I’ve felt like this for three days. |
Giving important information
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Soy alérgico/a a ___. | I’m allergic to ___. |
| Tomo este medicamento. | I take this medication. |
| Estoy embarazada. | I’m pregnant. |
| Tengo una enfermedad crónica. | I have a chronic condition. |
| Esta es mi medicación habitual. | This is my usual medication. |
Bring the written name and dosage of any medication you take. Brand names can differ between countries.
Questions for the doctor
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| ¿Qué cree que puede ser? | What do you think it might be? |
| ¿Necesito alguna prueba? | Do I need any tests? |
| ¿Cómo debo tomarlo? | How should I take it? |
| ¿Tiene efectos secundarios? | Does it have side effects? |
| ¿Cuándo debo volver? | When should I come back? |
| ¿Me lo puede escribir, por favor? | Can you write it down for me, please? |
At the pharmacy
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Necesito algo para ___. | I need something for ___. |
| ¿Necesito receta? | Do I need a prescription? |
| ¿Con qué frecuencia debo tomarlo? | How often should I take it? |
| ¿Antes o después de comer? | Before or after eating? |
| ¿Hay una versión genérica? | Is there a generic version? |
| ¿Puede mostrarme cómo se usa? | Can you show me how to use it? |
Prepare a short health note
Keep your allergies, conditions, medication names, emergency contact, and insurance details in one place. A clear written note can support the conversation when you’re stressed or unwell.
If the conversation is too fast
Use ¿Puede hablar más despacio? (Can you speak more slowly?), No entiendo esta palabra (I don’t understand this word), or ¿Me lo puede escribir? (Can you write it down for me?). Asking for clarity is more important than pretending to understand.
Practice before you need the language.
A personalized lesson can help you rehearse appointments and other real-life situations calmly and clearly.
Book your free 30-minute lesson