How to Say "treatment" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “treatment” is “tratamiento” — use 'tratamiento' for a general medical or therapeutic process or course of action you are undergoing.
Use 'tratamiento' for a general medical or therapeutic process or course of action you are undergoing.
Learn more →Use 'medicación' when specifically referring to the medication itself, the drugs prescribed or administered.
Learn more →
Use 'remedio' for a specific cure, remedy, or medicine, often for common ailments like colds or flu.
Learn more →
Use 'terapia' for a specific type of medical intervention, most commonly referring to psychotherapy or physical therapy.
Learn more →
Use 'trato' to describe the way someone is treated or behaved towards, especially in a social or customer service context.
Learn more →
Use 'procedimiento' for a formal medical procedure, operation, or a legal proceeding.
Learn more →trah-tah-myen-tohtɾataˈmjento
Examples
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).
medicación
Examples
La doctora me recetó una medicación muy fuerte.
The doctor prescribed me very strong medication.
reh-MEH-dyohreˈmeðjo
Examples
El doctor me dio un remedio muy fuerte para la gripe.
The doctor gave me a very strong medicine for the flu.
Dicen que el ajo es un remedio natural excelente para el resfriado.
They say that garlic is an excellent natural remedy for a cold.
¿Conoces algún remedio casero para las quemaduras?
Do you know any home remedies for burns?
Gender Rule
Even though it ends in '-o', 'remedio' is a masculine noun, so you use 'el remedio' or 'un remedio'.
Remedio vs. Medicina
Mistake: “Usando 'remedio' para referirse a la ciencia médica.”
Correction: 'Remedio' is usually a specific substance or action (like a pill or a treatment). If you mean the general field of study, use 'medicina' (medicine/the field).
teh-RAH-pyahteˈɾapja
Examples
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').
TRAH-tohˈtɾa.to
Examples
El hotel es conocido por su buen trato a los huéspedes.
The hotel is known for its good treatment of guests.
No me gusta el trato que me da tu hermano.
I don't like the way your brother treats me.
Es una persona de trato fácil y agradable.
He is an easy-going and pleasant person (to deal with).
`trato` vs. `tratamiento`
Mistake: “Quiero un trato para mi dolor de espalda.”
Correction: Quiero un tratamiento para mi dolor de espalda. 'Trato' is for how people interact with each other. 'Tratamiento' is for medical procedures, processes, or therapies.
proh-seh-dee-myén-tohpɾo.θe.ðiˈmjen.to
Examples
El juez suspendió el procedimiento hasta la próxima semana.
The judge suspended the proceeding until next week.
El doctor explicó el procedimiento quirúrgico antes de la cirugía.
The doctor explained the surgical operation before the surgery.
Official Language
When used in formal settings, 'procedimiento' often pairs with adjectives like 'administrativo' (administrative) or 'disciplinario' (disciplinary) to specify the type of official action being taken.
Medical vs. Social Treatment
Learners often confuse 'tratamiento' (medical process) with 'trato' (how someone is treated socially). Remember that 'tratamiento' refers to medical care or a process, while 'trato' is about behavior and interaction.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.