How to Say "to prescribe" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to prescribe” is “recetar” — A2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
El doctor me recetó unas pastillas para la tos.
The doctor prescribed me some pills for my cough.
No debes tomar nada que no te haya recetado un profesional.
You shouldn't take anything that a professional hasn't prescribed for you.
El especialista le recetó reposo absoluto por dos semanas.
The specialist ordered absolute rest for him for two weeks.
Who receives the prescription?
Use 'me', 'te', 'le', etc., to show who the medicine is for. For example: 'El médico LE recetó medicina' (The doctor prescribed medicine TO HIM).
Medical advice vs. Command
When a doctor suggests what you should do using words like 'suggest' or 'recommend,' Spanish uses a special verb form (the subjunctive). Example: 'Es importante que el médico me RECETE algo' (It's important that the doctor prescribes me something).
Confusing 'to prescribe' with 'to receipt'
Mistake: “Voy a recetar el dinero.”
Correction: Voy a recibir el dinero (o pedir un recibo).
Related Translations
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