Inklingo

How to Say "medical" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “medical” is “médico” — use 'médico' when referring to anything related to the field of medicine itself, such as reports, equipment, or professionals in a general sense..

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médico

adjectiveB1general
Use 'médico' when referring to anything related to the field of medicine itself, such as reports, equipment, or professionals in a general sense.

Examples

Necesito un informe médico para el seguro.

I need a medical report for the insurance.

sanitario

/sah-nee-tah-ree-oh//saniˈtaɾjo/

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'sanitario' when talking about healthcare in general, including systems, services, or public health measures.
A shiny red first aid kit with a white cross on the front, sitting on a clean surface.

Examples

El sistema sanitario de este país es excelente.

The health system of this country is excellent.

Necesitamos más material sanitario en el hospital.

We need more medical supplies in the hospital.

Las autoridades sanitarias recomiendan lavarse las manos.

Health authorities recommend washing your hands.

Matching the Ending

Since this is an adjective, it must match the word it describes. Use 'sanitario' for masculine words (el sistema) and 'sanitaria' for feminine words (la crisis).

Health vs. Healthy

Mistake: “Un hombre sanitario.”

Correction: Un hombre sano. Use 'sanitario' for things related to the medical system, but 'sano' for a person who is in good health.

clínico

adjectiveB1general
Use 'clínico' when referring to something directly related to the practice of medicine in a hospital or clinic setting, especially in research or patient care.

Examples

Los científicos están realizando un ensayo clínico para la nueva vacuna.

The scientists are conducting a clinical trial for the new vaccine.

hospitalario

/os-pee-tah-LAH-ryoh//ospitaˈlaɾjo/

adjectiveB2general
Opt for 'hospitalario' when specifically referring to things that belong to or happen within a hospital, such as its facilities or staff.
A clean, modern medical building with a red cross symbol on the front and a waiting area inside.

Examples

El centro hospitalario está a diez minutos de aquí.

The hospital center is ten minutes from here.

El personal hospitalario trabaja turnos muy largos.

The hospital staff works very long shifts.

Se requieren mejores servicios hospitalarios en las zonas rurales.

Better hospital services are required in rural areas.

Noun-Adjective Order

When this word means 'hospital-related,' it always comes after the noun it describes, like 'centro hospitalario' (hospital center).

Using 'Hospital' as an Adjective

Mistake: “Saying 'personal hospital' to mean hospital staff.”

Correction: In Spanish, the noun 'hospital' cannot be used to describe another noun. You must use the adjective 'hospitalario' instead: 'personal hospitalario'.

General vs. Specific Context

Learners often confuse 'médico' and 'sanitario'. Remember that 'médico' relates to medicine as a field or practice, while 'sanitario' refers more broadly to health services and systems.

Related Translations

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