Below are 35 essential Medical Spanish phrases for asking about symptoms, reviewing relevant health history, and explaining common parts of an examination. These phrases use the formal “usted” form commonly used with adult patients. Vocabulary and expressions can vary across Spanish-speaking countries, so healthcare professionals should listen to the language each patient uses and clarify when needed.

Clear communication matters in every healthcare setting, especially when a patient is in pain, frightened, or experiencing an emergency. For healthcare professionals working with Spanish-speaking patients, a working knowledge of Medical Spanish can help begin an assessment, explain immediate actions, and make the patient feel more supported while additional language assistance is arranged.

Important: These phrases are a learning tool and are not a replacement for a qualified medical interpreter or your organization’s language-access procedures.

Want to learn more about why Medical Spanish matters? Read Why Learn Medical Spanish to explore how stronger communication skills can support patient care and professional development.

1. Basic Questions for Triage and Diagnosis

When a patient first arrives, it’s essential to assess their situation quickly. Here are some key questions you’ll need to ask to get an immediate understanding of their emergency:

• ¿Cuál es su emergencia?
  What is your emergency?
• ¿Qué le pasó?
  What happened to you?
• ¿Tiene dolor?
  Do you have pain?
• ¿Dónde le duele?
  Where does it hurt?
• ¿Es un dolor constante o intermitente?
  Is it constant or does it come and go?
• ¿Desde cuándo le duele?
  How long have you had the pain?
• ¿Puede describir su dolor?
  Can you describe your pain?
• 
  

  ¿El dolor es agudo, sordo o punzante?
  Is it sharp, dull, or stabbing?

2. Respiratory and Systemic Questions

Next, you’ll want to assess the patient’s overall health, including any signs of respiratory distress or underlying conditions.

• ¿Tiene dificultad para respirar?
  Do you have difficulty breathing?
• ¿Tiene náuseas o vómitos?
  Do you have nausea or vomiting?
• ¿Ha tenido fiebre?
  Have you had a fever?
• ¿Siente debilidad o mareo?
  Do you feel weak or dizzy?
• ¿Está tomando algún medicamento?
  Are you taking any medications?
• ¿Tiene alergias a medicamentos o alimentos?
  Do you have allergies to medications or foods?
• ¿Tiene algún problema de salud, como diabetes o presión alta?
  Do you have a medical condition such as diabetes or hypertension?

3. Pregnancy and Health History

For female patients, knowing key phrases related to pregnancy and menstrual history can be vital in understanding their condition.

• ¿Está embarazada o podría estar embarazada?
  Are you pregnant or could you be pregnant?
• ¿Cuándo fue su último período menstrual?
  When was your last menstrual period?
• ¿Ha tenido este problema antes?
  Have you had this problem before?

4. Diagnostic and Treatment Questions

Once you have the necessary information, you might need to perform tests or provide immediate care. Use these phrases to guide your actions:

• Voy a medirle la presión arterial.
  I’m going to check your blood pressure.
• Voy a tomarle la temperatura.
  I’m going to take your temperature.
• Voy a revisar sus signos vitales.
  I’m going to check your vital signs.
• Necesitamos hacerle un análisis de sangre.
  We need to do a blood test.
• Voy a ponerle una inyección.
  I’m going to give you an injection.
• Necesitamos tomar una radiografía.
  We need to take an X-ray.

5. Common Commands and Instructions

During medical procedures, giving clear instructions is key. Use these phrases to guide the patient through the process:

• Por favor, respire profundo.
  Please take a deep breath.
• ¿Puede levantar/mover esto?
  Can you lift/move this?
• Por favor, quédese quieto.
  Please stay still.
• Voy a escuchar su corazón/sus pulmones.
  I’m going to listen to your heart/your lungs.

6. Closing Questions and Follow-Ups

At the end of an appointment or treatment, you need to ensure the patient has everything they need for follow-up care.

• Espere aquí, por favor.
  Please wait here.
• El médico llegará pronto.
  The doctor will arrive soon.
• ¿Tiene algún contacto de emergencia?
  Do you have an emergency contact?
• Voy a solicitar un intérprete médico.
  I’m going to request a medical interpreter.

7. Special Considerations

Some situations may require additional clarification or action. Here are a few extra phrases to cover those:

• ¿Ha tenido algún accidente reciente?
  Have you had a recent accident?
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  ¿Tiene alguna otra alergia?
  Are you allergic to anything else?

• ¿Tiene algún problema con el corazón o los pulmones?
  Do you have any heart or lung problems?

Medical Spanish Phrases: Frequently Asked Questions

Can Medical Spanish phrases replace a medical interpreter?

No. These phrases can help healthcare professionals begin basic communication, but they do not replace a qualified medical interpreter, complete clinical assessment, or an organization’s language-access procedures.

Do healthcare professionals need to be fluent in Spanish?

Fluency is not required to begin learning Medical Spanish. However, clinicians should understand the limits of their language ability and use qualified interpretation when accurate, detailed communication is necessary.

Does Medical Spanish vary between countries?

Yes. Vocabulary, pronunciation, and common expressions differ across Spanish-speaking regions. The phrases in this guide are broadly understandable, but patients may use different words to describe symptoms or parts of the body.

What is the best way to learn Medical Spanish?

A phrase list provides a useful foundation. Structured instruction and realistic practice can help healthcare professionals become more comfortable listening and responding in clinical situations.

Watch highlights from a MedTreks trip to Cuba, where Medical Spanish lessons were offered as part of the experience.

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