veterinario
/beh-teh-ree-nah-ryoh/
vet
A veterinarian caring for a small puppy.
veterinario(noun)
vet
?short form for veterinarian
veterinarian
?formal title for an animal doctor
📝 In Action
Tengo que llevar al perro al veterinario mañana.
A2I have to take the dog to the vet tomorrow.
El veterinario revisó a los caballos en la granja.
B1The vet checked the horses on the farm.
💡 Grammar Points
Talking about Men and Women
Use 'el veterinario' for a male doctor and 'la veterinaria' for a female doctor. If you don't know the gender, 'el veterinario' is often used as the general term.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't confuse with 'Veterano'
Mistake: "Using 'veterinario' to mean an experienced soldier or expert."
Correction: Use 'veterano' for an old soldier or expert, and 'veterinario' only for an animal doctor.
⭐ Usage Tips
Shortening the Word
Unlike English where 'vet' is very common, Spanish speakers usually say the whole word 'veterinario' or just 'el vet' in very informal settings, but 'veterinario' is safer.
Medical tools used for veterinary care.
veterinario(adjective)
veterinary
?describing something related to animal medicine
animal-related
?in a medical or health context
📝 In Action
El centro veterinario está cerrado los domingos.
A2The veterinary center is closed on Sundays.
Necesitas un certificado veterinario para viajar con tu gato.
B1You need a veterinary certificate to travel with your cat.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun
When this word is used as a description, it must match what you are talking about. Use 'veterinario' for masculine words (like 'centro') and 'veterinaria' for feminine words (like 'clínica').
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Services
In many Spanish-speaking countries, signs often just say 'Veterinaria' to indicate the business or the clinic itself.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: veterinario
Question 1 of 2
If your cat is feeling sick, where should you go?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call a female vet 'veterinario'?
While some people use the masculine form as a general term for the profession, it is much more natural and respectful to call a female vet 'la veterinaria'.
Does 'veterinario' mean an army veteran?
No. In Spanish, an army veteran is a 'veterano'. 'Veterinario' is strictly for animal doctors.