Spanish word

hospital

Pronunciation

IPA/ospiˈtal/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhospital

Example

Necesito ir al hospital.

I need to go to the hospital.

Illustration for hospital (hospital)

More examples

Mi hermano está ingresado en el hospital desde ayer.

My brother has been hospitalized since yesterday.

Core concept

Healthcare facility that conducts diagnoses, treatments, and may admit patients.

Common phrases

  • ir al hospital

    go to the hospital

  • estar en el hospital

    be in the hospital

  • sala de urgencias del hospital

    hospital emergency room

Similar words

clínica: Small outpatient medical center for exams, short treatments, and minor procedures.
consultorio: Doctor's small office for one-on-one consultations, examinations, and prescriptions.
urgencia: Emergency department providing immediate first aid and short-term care for acute problems.
centro de salud: Community health center providing preventive care, routine checkups, and chronic-disease support.

Definition in Spanish

Establecimiento sanitario donde se presta atención médica, se realizan diagnósticos y tratamientos, y se ofrecen cuidados que pueden incluir hospitalización.

Word origin

The Spanish hospital derives from Latin hospitalis, from hospes 'guest', with a historical sense of hospitable lodging that becomes a place for care.

Usage tips

  • Spanish commonly uses the definite article with hospital, as in está en el hospital, and llevar a alguien al hospital commonly signals taking someone for serious or emergency care.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word