How to Say "doctor" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “doctor” is “doctor” — use this word for a male medical doctor or as a general, gender-neutral term when the gender is unknown or irrelevant.
doctor
dok-TORdokˈtoɾ
Examples
Necesito una cita con el doctor.
I need an appointment with the doctor.
Mi hermana es doctora en un hospital.
My sister is a doctor at a hospital.
El doctor me dijo que necesito descansar.
The doctor told me I need to rest.
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'.
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').
médico
Examples
Tengo una cita con el médico mañana.
I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow.
doctora
dohk-TOH-rahdokˈtoɾa
Examples
La doctora dijo que necesito descansar dos días.
The doctor said I need to rest for two days.
¿A qué hora es tu cita con la doctora Ramírez?
What time is your appointment with Doctor Ramírez?
Trabaja como doctora en el hospital central.
She works as a doctor in the central hospital.
Ella es Doctora en Historia Medieval por la Universidad de Salamanca.
She holds a Doctorate in Medieval History from the University of Salamanca.
Gender and Profession
In Spanish, the title must match the person's gender. Since 'doctora' ends in '-a', it is used only for women, paired with the feminine article 'la'.
Academic Distinction
This meaning refers to someone who has completed the highest degree of academic study (a Ph.D. or equivalent), which is separate from being a medical professional.
Using 'Doctor' for a Woman
Mistake: “El doctora es muy buena.”
Correction: La doctora es muy buena. (Always use 'doctora' and 'la' for a female doctor.)
dr.
/dok-TOR/ (The way the title is spoken)dokˈtoɾ
Examples
La Dra. Ramírez me atendió muy bien en la clínica.
Dr. Ramírez took very good care of me at the clinic.
Necesito la receta firmada por el Dr. García.
I need the prescription signed by Dr. García.
El Dr. Soto es experto en literatura medieval.
Dr. Soto is an expert in medieval literature.
Always Capitalize and Use a Period
Even though you see the lowercase 'dr' sometimes, the correct written abbreviation is always capitalized and followed by a period: 'Dr.' (for male) and 'Dra.' (for female).
Pronouncing the Title
When you see 'Dr.' written down, you must say the full word 'Doctor' or 'Doctora' when speaking aloud.
Using the Abbreviation When Speaking
Mistake: “Hablé con el 'dr' Pérez.”
Correction: Hablé con el 'Doctor' Pérez. The abbreviation is only for writing, not speaking.
Gender Agreement for Medical Doctors
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.