Inklingo

How to Say "therapy" in Spanish

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terapia

/teh-RAH-pyah//teˈɾapja/

nounA2general
Use 'terapia' for general medical or psychological treatments, and also for activities that provide comfort or relief from stress.
A simple illustration showing a professional therapist sitting across from a person who is reclining on a couch, suggesting a psychological counseling session.

Examples

Mi amigo va a terapia para superar su ansiedad.

My friend goes to therapy to overcome his anxiety.

Mi hermana va a terapia una vez a la semana.

My sister goes to therapy once a week.

El doctor recomendó terapia física después de la operación.

The doctor recommended physical therapy after the operation.

La terapia ocupacional ayuda a las personas a recuperar habilidades diarias.

Occupational therapy helps people recover daily skills.

Gender Alert

Remember that 'terapia' is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la mejor terapia', 'una terapia larga').

tratamiento

/trah-tah-myen-toh//tɾataˈmjento/

nounA2general
Use 'tratamiento' when referring to a course of action or a specific medical procedure designed to cure or alleviate an illness or condition.
A cartoon doctor gently applying a colorful bandage to a smiling child's knee, illustrating a medical procedure.

Examples

El médico recomendó un tratamiento para la gripe.

The doctor recommended a treatment for the flu.

Necesito empezar un tratamiento para mi alergia.

I need to start a treatment for my allergy.

El tratamiento duró seis meses y fue muy efectivo.

The treatment lasted six months and was very effective.

El tratamiento facial me dejó la piel muy suave.

The facial treatment left my skin very smooth.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'tratamiento' ends in '-o', it is always masculine, so you must use 'el' (el tratamiento) or 'un' (un tratamiento).

rehabilitación

nounB1medical
Use 'rehabilitación' specifically when referring to the process of restoring physical function or regaining skills after an injury, illness, or surgery.

Examples

La rehabilitación después de la fractura fue muy intensa.

The rehabilitation after the fracture was very intense.

Confusing 'terapia' and 'tratamiento'

Learners often confuse 'terapia' and 'tratamiento'. While 'terapia' can refer to ongoing psychological sessions or stress relief, 'tratamiento' is more often used for a specific medical plan or procedure to cure an ailment. Think of 'tratamiento' as the doctor's prescribed cure and 'terapia' as the broader concept of healing or coping.

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