Understanding basic Spanish phrases in a medical setting can be a real lifesaver for travelers. In this guide, you’ll learn essential vocabulary and sentence structures using the "pasado perfecto" (present perfect), a tense that’s especially helpful for describing recent experiences. This is a perfect starting point for beginners, helping you communicate effectively in a doctor’s office or pharmacy during your trip.
Key Vocabulary for Visiting a Doctor in Spanish
Below are key phrases and vocabulary to use when discussing health issues in Spanish. These words cover common symptoms and terms you might need.
El dolor de estómago – Stomachache
Example: He tenido dolor de estómago todo el día. (I have had a stomachache all day.)
El dolor de garganta – Sore throat
Example: No he tomado nada para la garganta. (I haven’t taken anything for my throat.)
La fiebre – Fever
Example: Tengo fiebre desde ayer. (I have had a fever since yesterday.)
El resfriado – Cold
Example: He tenido un resfriado desde ayer. (I have had a cold since yesterday.)
El jarabe – Syrup/medicine
Example: Te recomiendo este jarabe. (I recommend you this syrup.)
Using Pasado Perfecto for Beginners: Spanish Phrases in a Doctor’s Office
The "pasado perfecto" is used in Spanish to talk about actions that have happened recently or affect the present. It’s formed by using "he," "has," or "ha" followed by the past participle of the main verb. Here’s a quick look at the main verbs in the phrases above:
He tomado – I have taken
Example: He tomado un paracetamol. (I have taken a paracetamol.)
Has comido – Have you eaten?
Example: ¿Has comido algo hoy? (Have you eaten anything today?)
He tenido – I have had
Example: He tenido fiebre desde ayer. (I have had a fever since yesterday.)
By using "he" (I have), "has" (you have), or "ha" (he/she has) with past participles like "tomado" (taken), "comido" (eaten), or "tenido" (had), you can quickly describe symptoms, ask about someone’s condition, or discuss treatments.
Sample Conversations in a Doctor’s Office
Pasado Perfecto for Beginners: Spanish Phrases in a Doctor’s Office:
En la Farmacia (In the Pharmacy)
Cliente: He tenido dolor de garganta todo el día. ¿Tiene algo para el dolor?
(I have had a sore throat all day. Do you have something for the pain?)
Farmacéutico: ¿Has tomado algo para la garganta?
(Have you taken anything for your throat?)
Cliente: No, no he tomado nada.
(No, I haven’t taken anything yet.)
Farmacéutico: Te recomiendo este jarabe.
(I recommend this syrup.)
En el Doctor (At the Doctor's Office)
Paciente: Doctor, he tenido un resfriado con fiebre desde ayer y no he comido nada hoy.
(Doctor, I have had a cold with fever since yesterday, and I haven’t eaten anything today.)
Doctor: ¿Has tenido dolor de estómago?
(Have you had a stomachache?)
Paciente: No, pero no he tenido hambre.
(No, but I haven’t felt hungry.)
Doctor: ¿Has tomado alguna medicina?
(Have you taken any medicine?)
Paciente: Sí, he tomado un paracetamol.
(Yes, I have taken a paracetamol.)
Doctor: Mmmm, vas a tomar esta medicina para el resfriado, ¡y necesitas comer algo!
(You're going to take this cold medicine, and you need to eat something!)
PRÁCTICA EXTRA:
Spanish Phrases in a Doctor’s Office
Ready to Practice?
Would you like to get more confident using the pasado perfecto? Book a free 60-minute session with Fluency Lab and start practicing Spanish today!
Коментарі