Inklingo

How to Say "physicians" in Spanish

English → Spanish

médicos

nounA1general
Use 'médicos' when referring to medical professionals in general, emphasizing their role and profession within the healthcare system.

Examples

Los médicos del hospital están muy ocupados hoy.

The doctors at the hospital are very busy today.

doctores

/dok-TOH-res//dokˈtoɾes/

nounA1formal
Use 'doctores' as a direct synonym for 'médicos' in formal contexts, or when using it as a title before a name (e.g., Doctor García) or as a general respectful address.
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.

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.

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.

Using 'doctores' too broadly

Learners often use 'doctores' for any mention of a physician. While correct, 'médicos' is the more neutral and frequent term for the profession itself. Reserve 'doctores' for more formal situations or when referring to them by title.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.