doctor
/dok-TOR/
doctor
The most common use of doctor (or doctora) is to refer to a medical professional or physician.
📝 In Action
Necesito una cita con el doctor.
A1I need an appointment with the doctor.
Mi hermana es doctora en un hospital.
A2My sister is a doctor at a hospital.
El doctor me dijo que necesito descansar.
A2The doctor told me I need to rest.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine and Feminine Forms
This word changes based on who you're talking about. Use 'doctor' for a man and 'doctora' for a woman. For example: 'El doctor es amable' (The male doctor is kind), 'La doctora es amable' (The female doctor is kind).
Using Titles with Names
When talking about a doctor using their last name, you usually add 'el' or 'la'. For example, 'El doctor García no trabaja hoy'. But when you talk to them directly, you drop the 'el' or 'la': 'Buenos días, doctor García'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Feminine Form
Mistake: "Mi madre es un doctor muy famoso."
Correction: Mi madre es una doctora muy famosa. (Since 'madre' is female, you need to use the feminine form 'doctora' and the matching article 'una').
⭐ Usage Tips
Abbreviations
You'll often see this word abbreviated in writing. 'Dr.' is for a male doctor, and 'Dra.' is for a female doctor. For example: 'Dra. Ana López'.
In formal settings, doctor (or doctora) refers to a person who holds a doctorate degree (PhD).
📝 In Action
Es doctor en Historia y da clases en la universidad.
B1He's a doctor in History and teaches at the university.
La conferencia será impartida por la doctora Elena Soto, una experta en biología.
B2The lecture will be given by Dr. Elena Soto, an expert in biology.
Para ser profesor titular, necesitas ser doctor en tu campo.
C1To be a tenured professor, you need to be a doctor in your field.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Still Applies
Just like with medical doctors, use 'doctor' for a man with a PhD and 'doctora' for a woman. For example: 'La nueva rectora es doctora en derecho' (The new chancellor is a doctor in law).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
How do you know which 'doctor' someone means? Listen to the context. If they mention a university, a thesis, or an academic subject like 'history' or 'literature', they mean the PhD kind.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: doctor
Question 1 of 1
My aunt studied physics for many years and finally got her highest degree. Now she is a...
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'doctor' and 'médico'?
They are often used to mean the same thing in everyday speech when talking about a medical doctor. However, 'médico' (or 'médica') is a more precise term that *only* means medical doctor. 'Doctor' can mean either a medical doctor or someone with a PhD.
How do I say 'I'm going to the doctor's office'?
You can say 'Voy al doctor' or 'Voy a la consulta del doctor'. Both are very common. 'Voy al médico' also works perfectly.