Understanding how to say “doctor” in Spanish is more nuanced than a simple translation. Like many words, “doctor” in Spanish can vary depending on the context, whether you’re referring to a medical professional, someone with a doctorate degree, or even using it as a verb. This guide will break down the various translations of “doctor” in Spanish, ensuring you use the correct term in any situation.
Principal Translations of Doctor
The most common translations of “doctor” revolve around its use as a noun, primarily referring to medical professionals and those holding a doctoral degree. Here’s a breakdown of the principal translations:
Doctor (Medical Professional)
When referring to a medical professional, the primary translations are doctor and médico/médica.
| English | Spanish | Notes | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| doctor (medical professional) | doctor, doctora (nm, nf) | Used much like in English, directly translating the word. | Mi marido está enfermo: debe ver a un doctor. (My husband is sick: he needs to see a doctor.) |
| doctor (medical professional) | médico, médica (nm, nf) | A more common and widely used term for medical Doctor In Spanish-speaking countries. | El médico me recomendó reposo. (The doctor recommended rest.) |
Both “doctor” and “médico/médica” are acceptable when talking about a physician. However, “médico/médica” is often favored in everyday conversation.
Doctor (Term of Address)
When used as a title or term of address, “Doctor” also translates to doctor or doctora, but with a common abbreviated written form.
| English | Spanish | Notes | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor (term of address) | doctor, doctora (nm, nf) | Formal term of address. | Nuestro próximo orador es el doctor Roberts. (Our next speaker is Doctor Roberts.) |
| Doctor (term of address, written) | Dr., Dra. (nm, nf) | Abbreviated written form, equivalent to “Dr.” in English. | Can you give me something for the pain, Doctor? / ¿Puede darme algo para el dolor, Dr.? |
“Dr.” and “Dra.” are universally recognized abbreviations for Doctor in Spanish, used in formal writing and sometimes in speech.
Doctor (Holder of PhD, etc.)
“Doctor” also refers to someone who holds a doctorate degree (PhD or equivalent) in any field, not just medicine. The translation remains doctor or doctora.
| English | Spanish | Notes | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| doctor (holder of PhD) | doctor, doctora (nm, nf) | Refers to someone with a doctoral degree. | Nadia se convirtió en doctora cuando hizo un doctorado en ciencias políticas. (Nadia became a doctor when she gained a PhD in political science.) |
In this context, “doctor” signifies academic achievement and expertise in a specific field.
Other Meanings and Translations of Doctor
Beyond the primary noun forms, “doctor” can also function as a verb and take on slang meanings, each with its own Spanish translation.
Doctor as a Verb (To Falsify, Alter)
The verb “to doctor” in English can mean to falsify or alter something, especially documents or evidence. Spanish has several translations for this verb depending on the nuance.
| English | Spanish | Notes | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| to doctor (falsify) | alterar (vtr) | To change or modify something, often negatively. | Se presentaron cargos contra el acusado por alterar las pruebas. (The defendant was accused of doctoring the evidence.) |
| to doctor (liquids, composition) | adulterar (vtr) | Specifically for altering the purity or composition of liquids or food. | |
| to doctor (document) | manipular (vtr) | To manipulate or tamper with a document. |
These verbs capture the negative connotation of “doctoring” something to deceive or change its original state.
Doctor as Slang (Expert)
In slang, “doctor” can figuratively refer to an expert in a particular field, someone who can “fix” problems.
| English | Spanish | Notes | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| doctor (slang, expert) | técnico, técnica (nm, nf) | Technician, skilled in fixing technical issues. | |
| doctor (slang, expert) | experto, experta (nm, nf) | Expert, general term for someone highly skilled. | El técnico en ordenadores vino y arregló el problema. (The computer doctor came by and fixed the problem.) |
This slang usage highlights the problem-solving aspect associated with doctors, extending it metaphorically to other domains.
Doctor (Dated Usage – To Practice Medicine)
Historically, “to doctor” could also mean “to practice medicine.” While dated in English, Spanish has phrases that capture this meaning.
| English | Spanish | Notes | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| to doctor (act as a doctor – dated) | practicar la medicina (loc verb) | To engage in the practice of medicine. | Hace tres años que practica la medicina. (He has been doctoring for three years now.) |
| to doctor (act as a doctor – dated) | ejercer como médico (loc verb) | To work as a doctor. | Hace tres años que ejerce como médico. (He has been doctoring for three years now.) |
These phrases are more formal and emphasize the professional activity of being a doctor.
Doctor (Slang – To Fix)
Similar to the “expert” slang meaning, “doctor” can also mean “to fix” something in informal contexts.
| English | Spanish | Notes | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| to doctor (slang, fix) | arreglar (vtr) | To fix or repair something. | Intenta arreglar el aparato para que funcione de nuevo. (Try to doctor that device into working again.) |
| to doctor (slang, fix) | reparar (vtr) | Another word for to repair. |
These translations are used in casual settings when “doctoring” something implies fixing or making it work again.
Doctor (UK – To Castrate)
In UK English, “to doctor” can also mean “to castrate” an animal. Spanish has a direct translation for this.
| English | Spanish | Notes | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| to doctor (UK, castrate) | castrar (vtr) | To castrate or neuter an animal. | Sí, tenemos que castrar a nuestros dos perros pronto. (Yes, we need to get our two dogs doctored soon.) |
This usage is specific to animal care and uses the straightforward verb “castrar.”
Abbreviations and Informal Terms
Spanish also uses abbreviations and informal terms for “doctor,” mirroring English usage.
Dr. and Dra.
As mentioned earlier, “Dr.” and “Dra.” are the standard abbreviations for “Doctor” in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. (US), Dr (UK) | Dr., Dra. (nm, nf) | Written abbreviation for Doctor. |
These abbreviations are universally understood in Spanish-speaking contexts.
Doc
“Doc” is an informal abbreviation for “doctor” in English, and Spanish also uses a similar informal term, doc.
| English | Spanish | Notes | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| doc (informal, doctor) | doc (n común) | Informal term of address or reference for a doctor. | ¿Existe alguna pastilla para aliviar mis síntomas, doc? (Is there a pill I can take to reduce my symptoms, Doc?) |
| doc (informal, doctor) | doctor, doctora (nm, nf) | Also can be translated back to the standard “doctor/doctora” in informal contexts. | El doctor te verá ahora. (The doc will see you now.) |
“Doc” in Spanish maintains the same informal and colloquial feel as in English.
Compound Forms and Related Phrases
Spanish uses “doctor” in various compound forms, similar to English. Here are a few examples:
- Doctor’s appointment: cita con el médico, cita médica
- Doctor’s office/surgery: consulta médica, consultorio
- Eye doctor: oftalmólogo/oftalmóloga, oculista
- Family doctor: médico de cabecera, médico de familia
- Medical certificate/doctor’s note: certificado médico
These compound forms demonstrate how “doctor” integrates into broader Spanish medical and everyday vocabulary.
Conclusion
Saying “doctor in Spanish” involves understanding the context. While doctor and médico/médica are the primary translations for medical professionals, Dr./Dra. are the written abbreviations, and doc is the informal term. Furthermore, “doctor” as a verb takes on different meanings translated as alterar, adulterar, manipular, arreglar, or castrar depending on the intended sense. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and accurately use “doctor” in Spanish in any situation.
