Inklingo

How to Say "appointment" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “appointment” is “cita” — use 'cita' for a general scheduled meeting, such as with a doctor, dentist, or for a business meeting..

English → Spanish

cita

/SEE-tah//ˈsita/

nounA2general
Use 'cita' for a general scheduled meeting, such as with a doctor, dentist, or for a business meeting.
A colorful illustration showing two people enjoying a romantic date at a small cafe table outdoors.

Examples

Tengo una cita con el médico mañana.

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow.

¿Quieres tener una cita conmigo este viernes?

Would you like to go on a date with me this Friday?

No puedo llegar tarde a mi cita en el banco.

I can't be late to my appointment at the bank.

Always feminine

Cita is always feminine: 'una cita', 'la cita'. The ending never changes.

Use 'tener' not 'hacer'

You 'have' an appointment in Spanish: 'tener una cita'. Don't say 'hacer una cita'.

Mixing up appointment and quote

Mistake: “Saying 'Necesito una cita' when you need a quotation from a book.”

Correction: Both use 'cita', but add context: 'cita médica' (doctor) or 'cita del libro' (quote) to be clear.

consulta

/kohn-SOOL-tah//konˈsulta/

nounA2medical
Use 'consulta' specifically when referring to a doctor's visit or a consultation with a medical professional.
A storybook illustration of a friendly doctor wearing a white coat sitting across a small desk from a patient. The doctor is holding a simple clipboard.

Examples

Tengo una consulta con el cardiólogo a las diez.

I have an appointment with the cardiologist at ten o'clock.

La consulta duró solo quince minutos porque era un caso simple.

The consultation only lasted fifteen minutes because it was a simple case.

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'consulta' is a feminine noun, so you always use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Using 'Cita' vs. 'Consulta'

Mistake: “Using 'cita' when you specifically mean the medical/professional act of advice, e.g., 'Tengo una cita médica.'”

Correction: While 'cita' is fine, 'consulta' is more specific to the act of seeking advice from an expert: 'Tengo una consulta con el médico.' (I have a consultation with the doctor.)

hora

/OH-rah//ˈoɾa/

nounA2general
Use 'hora' when asking about or stating the specific time of a scheduled event or meeting.
A friendly doctor in a white coat shaking hands with a patient at the doorway of an office, symbolizing a scheduled appointment or meeting time.

Examples

¿A qué hora empieza la clase?

What time does the class start?

Ya es hora de cenar.

It's time for dinner now.

Tengo hora con la dentista el viernes.

I have an appointment with the dentist on Friday.

'Hora de' + Action

Use the pattern 'hora de + [the base form of a verb]' to say it's time to do something. For example, 'Es hora de estudiar' (It's time to study).

Confusing 'hora' and 'tiempo'

Mistake: “No tengo una hora para ayudarte.”

Correction: No tengo tiempo para ayudarte. Use 'hora' for clock time or appointments. Use 'tiempo' for the general concept of time or an amount of time.

fecha

/FEH-chah//ˈfetʃa/

nounB1general
Use 'fecha' when referring to a specific date or deadline for a task or event.
A small figure sprints towards a bright red finish line banner stretched across a field, symbolizing a deadline.

Examples

La fecha límite para entregar el trabajo es mañana.

The deadline to turn in the work is tomorrow.

Este fin de semana se juega la décima fecha de la liga.

The tenth matchday of the league is being played this weekend.

Pusimos una fecha para vernos de nuevo.

We set a date/time to see each other again.

Using 'Límite'

When talking about a 'deadline,' use the phrase 'fecha límite.' 'Límite' always follows 'fecha.'

reserva

reh-SEHR-vah/reˈseɾ.βa/

nounA2hospitality, travel
While less common for a standard appointment, 'reserva' can be used for a pre-arranged booking, like a table at a restaurant or a hotel room.
An elegant restaurant table where the chair is draped with a decorative red ribbon, visually indicating it is set aside and unavailable.

Examples

¿Tienes una reserva a mi nombre?

Do you have a reservation under my name?

Necesitamos hacer la reserva del hotel con antelación.

We need to make the hotel booking in advance.

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'reserva' is always feminine, so you must use 'la reserva' or 'una reserva'.

Confusing 'cita' with 'fecha'

Learners often confuse 'cita' (a meeting) with 'fecha' (a date or deadline). Remember that 'cita' is for scheduled events or meetings, while 'fecha' refers to a specific day or time limit.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.