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How to Say "clinic" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “clinic” is “clínica” — use 'clínica' when referring to a general medical facility, a hospital, or a specialized center for treatment or diagnosis, as well as for a workshop or training session.

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clínica

nounA1/B2general
Use 'clínica' when referring to a general medical facility, a hospital, or a specialized center for treatment or diagnosis, as well as for a workshop or training session.

Examples

Tuvimos que ir a la clínica dental de urgencia.

We had to go to the emergency dental clinic.

consultorio

con-sool-TOH-ryohkon.sul.ˈto.ɾjo

nounA2general
Use 'consultorio' for a doctor's office or a small, often private, medical practice where a doctor sees patients.
A bright and clean doctor's office with a stethoscope on a desk and an examination table.

Examples

Tengo una cita en el consultorio a las diez.

I have an appointment at the doctor's office at ten.

El consultorio del dentista es muy moderno.

The dentist's office is very modern.

Esperé media hora en la sala del consultorio.

I waited for half an hour in the office waiting room.

Office vs. Consultorio

While 'oficina' means office, Spanish speakers specifically use 'consultorio' for medical or professional consulting rooms. Avoid using 'oficina' for your doctor!

Gender agreement

Since 'consultorio' ends in 'o', it is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Using 'oficina' for medical visits

Mistake: “Voy a la oficina del médico.”

Correction: Voy al consultorio del médico. (In Spanish, 'oficina' is usually for administrative or business work, not medical care.)

Clínica vs. Consultorio

The most common mistake is using 'clínica' when you mean a small doctor's office. Remember, 'consultorio' specifically refers to a doctor's private practice or office, while 'clínica' is broader and can refer to larger medical centers or even workshops.

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