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30 Medical Spanish Phrases for Nursing Students
A starter list for common moments in clinical: greetings, routine checks, pain questions, and basic care.
This list covers common interactions a nursing student may encounter during a clinical rotation: greeting a patient, explaining a routine check, asking about pain, and offering basic care.
Use the list to study before clinical and practice with the linked tracks. Each entry includes an English meaning, a study note, and a common mistake to avoid.
How to use this list
- Read the English meaning first, then practice the Spanish aloud. Review the sample patient reply to see how an answer may differ from the phrase in the lesson. Read the note about common mistakes. Remember that vocabulary practice does not qualify you to interpret. When a conversation affects care, use a qualified medical interpreter.
Greetings and comfort
These phrases are used to greet the patient, introduce yourself, and offer basic comfort.
- Greetings & Comfort
Good morning. How did you wake up feeling?
«Buenos días. ¿Cómo amaneció?»
Study note. Ask the question as written: “Good morning. How did you wake up feeling?” Give the patient time to answer, then report the answer accurately to the nurse when it affects care.
A patient might answer:
«Mal. No dormí nada en toda la noche.»
Bad. I didn't sleep at all last night.
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Greetings & Comfort
Good afternoon. I'll be caring for you today.
«Buenas tardes. Voy a cuidarle hoy.»
Study note. Use this phrase when the topic comes up: “Good afternoon. I'll be caring for you today.” Keep the message accurate and within your role; pass care-related questions to the nurse.
A patient might answer:
«¿Usted es mi enfermera?»
Are you my nurse?
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Greetings & Comfort
How do you feel?
«¿Cómo se siente?»
Study note. Ask the question as written: “How do you feel?” Give the patient time to answer, then report the answer accurately to the nurse when it affects care.
A patient might answer:
«Me duele más que ayer.»
It hurts more than yesterday.
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Greetings & Comfort
Call me if you need anything.
«Llámeme si necesita algo.»
Study note. Use this phrase to explain the next step or give a simple instruction: “Call me if you need anything.” Say it only when it matches what you are doing and your assigned role.
A patient might answer:
«¿Con este botón?»
With this button?
Watch for. Do not promise help or a return time unless it is realistic. Make sure the patient knows how to request help and follow unit procedure.
- Greetings & Comfort
How did you sleep?
«¿Cómo durmió?»
Study note. Ask the question as written: “How did you sleep?” Give the patient time to answer, then report the answer accurately to the nurse when it affects care.
A patient might answer:
«Mal. El dolor no me dejó.»
Bad. The pain wouldn't let me.
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Greetings & Comfort
I will be back in one hour.
«Regreso en una hora.»
Study note. Use this phrase to explain the next step or give a simple instruction: “I will be back in one hour.” Say it only when it matches what you are doing and your assigned role.
A patient might answer:
«Está bien.»
That's fine.
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Greetings & Comfort
Good night. Rest well.
«Buenas noches. Descanse.»
Study note. Use this phrase when the topic comes up: “Good night. Rest well.” Keep the message accurate and within your role; pass care-related questions to the nurse.
A patient might answer:
«Gracias. Buenas noches.»
Thank you. Good night.
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
Vitals and triage
Tell the patient what routine check you are about to perform before you begin.
- Vitals & Triage
I'm going to take your blood pressure.
«Voy a tomarle la presión arterial.»
Study note. Use this phrase when the topic comes up: “I'm going to take your blood pressure.” Keep the message accurate and within your role; pass care-related questions to the nurse.
A patient might answer:
«Está bien. Me la tomaron ayer también.»
That's fine. They took it yesterday too.
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Vitals & Triage
I'm going to take your temperature.
«Voy a tomarle la temperatura.»
Study note. Use this phrase when the topic comes up: “I'm going to take your temperature.” Keep the message accurate and within your role; pass care-related questions to the nurse.
A patient might answer:
«¿En la boca o en la frente?»
In the mouth or on the forehead?
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Vitals & Triage
I need to check your pulse.
«Necesito revisarle el pulso.»
Study note. Use this phrase when the topic comes up: “I need to check your pulse.” Keep the message accurate and within your role; pass care-related questions to the nurse.
A patient might answer:
«Claro, aquí está mi muñeca.»
Of course, here is my wrist.
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Vitals & Triage
I am going to check your oxygen.
«Voy a revisar su oxígeno.»
Study note. Use this phrase to explain the next step or give a simple instruction: “I am going to check your oxygen.” Say it only when it matches what you are doing and your assigned role.
A patient might answer:
«¿Esa lucecita qué es?»
What is that little light?
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Vitals & Triage
Breathe in deeply.
«Respire profundo.»
Study note. Use this phrase to explain the next step or give a simple instruction: “Breathe in deeply.” Say it only when it matches what you are doing and your assigned role.
A patient might answer:
«Así... ¿está bien?»
Like this... is that right?
Watch for. Report the patient's answer and any new or worsening symptom to the nurse. Do not infer a diagnosis or urgency from this phrase alone.
- Vitals & Triage
Breathe out slowly.
«Exhale lentamente.»
Study note. Use this phrase to explain the next step or give a simple instruction: “Breathe out slowly.” Say it only when it matches what you are doing and your assigned role.
A patient might answer:
«Me cuesta soltar el aire.»
It is hard for me to let the air out.
Watch for. Report the patient's answer and any new or worsening symptom to the nurse. Do not infer a diagnosis or urgency from this phrase alone.
- Vitals & Triage
You will feel a small pinch.
«Va a sentir un piquete pequeño.»
Study note. Use this phrase when the topic comes up: “You will feel a small pinch.” Keep the message accurate and within your role; pass care-related questions to the nurse.
A patient might answer:
«Ay... ¿ya pasó?»
Ow... is it done?
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Vitals & Triage
Hold still for a moment.
«Quédese quieto un momento.»
Study note. Use this phrase to explain the next step or give a simple instruction: “Hold still for a moment.” Say it only when it matches what you are doing and your assigned role.
A patient might answer:
«Es que me duele si no me muevo.»
It hurts if I do not move.
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
Pain questions
Practice asking about pain location, timing, severity, and allergies. Report the patient's answers according to your role and unit procedure.
- Pain Assessment
Where does it hurt?
«¿Dónde le duele?»
Study note. Ask the question as written: “Where does it hurt?” Give the patient time to answer, then report the answer accurately to the nurse when it affects care.
A patient might answer:
«Me duele aquí, en el pecho.»
It hurts here, in my chest.
Watch for. Report the patient's answer and any new or worsening symptom to the nurse. Do not infer a diagnosis or urgency from this phrase alone.
- Pain Assessment
Point to where it hurts.
«Señale dónde le duele.»
Study note. Use this phrase when the topic comes up: “Point to where it hurts.” Keep the message accurate and within your role; pass care-related questions to the nurse.
A patient might answer:
«Aquí, en la espalda.»
Here, in my back.
Watch for. Report the patient's answer and any new or worsening symptom to the nurse. Do not infer a diagnosis or urgency from this phrase alone.
- Pain Assessment
When did the pain start?
«¿Cuándo empezó el dolor?»
Study note. Ask the question as written: “When did the pain start?” Give the patient time to answer, then report the answer accurately to the nurse when it affects care.
A patient might answer:
«Empezó esta mañana, como a las siete.»
It started this morning, around seven.
Watch for. Report the patient's answer and any new or worsening symptom to the nurse. Do not infer a diagnosis or urgency from this phrase alone.
- Pain Assessment
On a scale of zero to ten, how strong is your pain?
«En una escala de cero a diez, ¿qué tan fuerte es su dolor?»
Study note. Ask the question as written: “On a scale of zero to ten, how strong is your pain?” Give the patient time to answer, then report the answer accurately to the nurse when it affects care.
A patient might answer:
«Un ocho. Me duele mucho.»
An eight. It hurts a lot.
Watch for. Report the patient's answer and any new or worsening symptom to the nurse. Do not infer a diagnosis or urgency from this phrase alone.
- Pain Assessment
Is the pain sharp or dull?
«¿El dolor es agudo o sordo?»
Study note. Ask the question as written: “Is the pain sharp or dull?” Give the patient time to answer, then report the answer accurately to the nurse when it affects care.
A patient might answer:
«Es agudo, como una puñalada.»
It is sharp, like a stabbing.
Watch for. Report the patient's answer and any new or worsening symptom to the nurse. Do not infer a diagnosis or urgency from this phrase alone.
- Pain Assessment
Does the pain come and go, or is it constant?
«¿El dolor va y viene, o es constante?»
Study note. Ask the question as written: “Does the pain come and go, or is it constant?” Give the patient time to answer, then report the answer accurately to the nurse when it affects care.
A patient might answer:
«Va y viene. A veces no siento nada.»
It comes and goes. Sometimes I feel nothing.
Watch for. Report the patient's answer and any new or worsening symptom to the nurse. Do not infer a diagnosis or urgency from this phrase alone.
- Pain Assessment
Are you allergic to any medications?
«¿Es alérgico a algún medicamento?»
Study note. Ask the question as written: “Are you allergic to any medications?” Give the patient time to answer, then report the answer accurately to the nurse when it affects care.
A patient might answer:
«No, ninguna alergia.»
No, no allergies.
Watch for. Do not rely on partial understanding to confirm a medicine, dose, schedule, or allergy. Pause and contact the nurse; use a qualified medical interpreter.
- Pain Assessment
Tell me if the pain gets worse.
«Avíseme si el dolor empeora.»
Study note. Say it as written: “Tell me if the pain gets worse.” Give the patient time to answer, then report the answer accurately to the nurse when it affects care.
A patient might answer:
«Sí, le aviso.»
Yes, I will let you know.
Watch for. Report the patient's answer and any new or worsening symptom to the nurse. Do not infer a diagnosis or urgency from this phrase alone.
Hygiene and basic care
These phrases cover common needs such as using the bathroom, bathing, repositioning, blankets, and returning when promised.
- Hygiene & Comfort
Do you need to use the bathroom?
«¿Necesita ir al baño?»
Study note. Ask the question as written: “Do you need to use the bathroom?” Give the patient time to answer, then report the answer accurately to the nurse when it affects care.
A patient might answer:
«Sí, pero me da pena pedir.»
Yes, but I am embarrassed to ask.
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Hygiene & Comfort
Would you like a shower or a bed bath?
«¿Prefiere una ducha o un baño en la cama?»
Study note. Ask the question as written: “Would you like a shower or a bed bath?” Give the patient time to answer, then report the answer accurately to the nurse when it affects care.
A patient might answer:
«La ducha, pero me da miedo caerme.»
The shower, but I am afraid of falling.
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Hygiene & Comfort
Roll toward me, please.
«Voltéese hacia mí, por favor.»
Study note. Use this phrase when the topic comes up: “Roll toward me, please.” Keep the message accurate and within your role; pass care-related questions to the nurse.
A patient might answer:
«Ay, despacio, por favor.»
Ouch, slowly, please.
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Hygiene & Comfort
Are you cold? I can bring a warm blanket.
«¿Tiene frío? Le puedo traer una cobija caliente.»
Study note. Say it as written: “Are you cold? I can bring a warm blanket.” Give the patient time to answer, then report the answer accurately to the nurse when it affects care.
A patient might answer:
«Sí, y tiemblo.»
Yes, and I am shaking.
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Hygiene & Comfort
Let me raise the head of the bed.
«Déjeme subir la cabecera de la cama.»
Study note. Use this phrase to explain the next step or give a simple instruction: “Let me raise the head of the bed.” Say it only when it matches what you are doing and your assigned role.
A patient might answer:
«Sí, así está bien. Gracias.»
Yes, that is good. Thank you.
Watch for. If the patient’s answer is unclear, do not guess or rely on a gesture you may have misunderstood. Get a qualified medical interpreter when the conversation affects care.
- Hygiene & Comfort
Call me when you finish, please.
«Llámeme cuando termine, por favor.»
Study note. Use this phrase to explain the next step or give a simple instruction: “Call me when you finish, please.” Say it only when it matches what you are doing and your assigned role.
A patient might answer:
«Está bien, no se preocupe.»
It is fine, do not worry.
Watch for. Do not promise help or a return time unless it is realistic. Make sure the patient knows how to request help and follow unit procedure.
- Hygiene & Comfort
I will come back in five minutes to check on you.
«Regreso en cinco minutos para ver cómo está.»
Study note. Use this phrase to explain the next step or give a simple instruction: “I will come back in five minutes to check on you.” Say it only when it matches what you are doing and your assigned role.
A patient might answer:
«Gracias. No se le olvide.»
Thank you. Do not forget.
Watch for. Do not promise help or a return time unless it is realistic. Make sure the patient knows how to request help and follow unit procedure.
The boundary
When a phrase is not enough
Signos teaches medical Spanish vocabulary. It does not train you to interpret or independently assess a patient. If you do not understand the answer, or the conversation could affect care, stop and get a qualified medical interpreter. Notify the nurse or supervising clinician.