Inklingo

How to Say "doctors" in Spanish

English → Spanish

médicos

nounA1general
Use 'médicos' when referring specifically to physicians or medical doctors who practice medicine.

Examples

Los médicos del hospital están muy ocupados hoy.

The doctors at the hospital are very busy today.

doctores

/dok-TOH-res//dokˈtoɾes/

nounA1general
Use 'doctores' for medical practitioners, or more broadly for individuals who hold a doctorate (PhD) or a high academic degree.
Two friendly doctors wearing white coats and stethoscopes around their necks, standing in a medical setting.

Examples

Los doctores en el hospital trabajan muchas horas.

The doctors in the hospital work many hours.

Necesitamos hablar con los doctores sobre el tratamiento.

We need to talk with the doctors about the treatment.

Los doctores dijeron que la operación fue un éxito.

The doctors said the operation was a success.

Los doctores en filosofía debatieron la ética moderna.

The doctors (PhDs) in philosophy debated modern ethics.

Masculine Plural Rule

Even if the group of doctors includes both men and women, Spanish uses the masculine plural form 'doctores' as the general, default term.

Academic Title

In academic settings, 'doctores' refers to people who have completed the highest level of university education (a doctorate or PhD), not necessarily medical training.

Confusing 'Doctor' and 'Médico'

Mistake: “Using 'doctor' only for medical professionals when 'médico' is more specific in some regions.”

Correction: While 'doctor' works everywhere, 'médico' specifically means 'medical doctor.' Use 'doctores' when you want the general term or formal address.

doctores

nounB1academic
Use 'doctores' when referring to people who have earned a PhD or a similar high academic title, regardless of their profession.

Examples

Los doctores en filosofía debatieron la ética moderna.

The doctors (PhDs) in philosophy debated modern ethics.

Medical vs. Academic Titles

The most common mistake is not realizing 'doctores' can refer to PhDs, not just medical doctors. While 'médicos' is exclusively for physicians, 'doctores' can mean either a medical doctor or someone with a doctorate. When in doubt for a medical professional, 'médicos' is a safe bet.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.