Inklingo

enfermera

en-fer-ME-ra/en.feɾˈme.ɾa/

enfermera means nurse in Spanish (female healthcare professional).

nurse

Also: caregiver
NounfA1
Puerto RicoMexico
A drawing of a smiling woman wearing blue medical scrubs and a white nursing cap, holding a stethoscope.

📝 In Action

La enfermera le tomó la temperatura y la presión arterial.

A1

The nurse took his temperature and blood pressure.

Mi tía trabaja como enfermera pediátrica en el hospital local.

A2

My aunt works as a pediatric nurse at the local hospital.

Necesitamos llamar a la enfermera para que cambie el vendaje.

B1

We need to call the nurse so she can change the bandage.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • auxiliar de enfermería (nursing assistant)
  • cuidadora (female caregiver)

Common Collocations

  • enfermera jefehead nurse/charge nurse
  • escuela de enfermeríanursing school

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "enfermera" in Spanish:

caregiver

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: enfermera

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses the masculine form of the word?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
enfermero(male nurse)Noun
enfermería(nursing (the profession) or infirmary (the location))Noun
enfermedad(illness or sickness)Noun
🎵 Rhymes
quimeracalavera
📚 Etymology

This word comes from the Latin term *infirmus*, which means 'not strong' or 'weak.' The root is the same as the Spanish word for 'illness' (enfermedad) and 'infirmary' (enfermería). Thus, an *enfermera* is fundamentally someone who tends to the 'infirm' or weak.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: enfermeiraItalian: infermiera

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'enfermera' the same as 'doctora'?

'No, they are different roles. A 'doctora' (doctor/physician) diagnoses illnesses and prescribes treatment. An 'enfermera' (nurse) provides hands-on care, monitors patients, and assists the doctor.

How can I remember the difference between 'enfermera' and 'enfermería'?

Think of the endings! 'Enfermera' ends in -a, just like most feminine people (person). 'Enfermería' ends in -ía, which often indicates a profession or a place (like 'farmacia' or 'panadería'). It refers to the location (infirmary) or the field of study (nursing).