How to Say Doctor in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
As of 2026, if you are looking to learn how to say "doctor" in Spanish, you have come to the right place. The word for "Doctor" in Spanish is "Doctor" (IPA: /doctoɾ/), used both for medical doctors and those with doctoral degrees.
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Meaning of "Doctor" in Spanish
The word "doctor" comes from the Latin term "doctus," meaning "learned" or "skilled." In Spanish, it has two primary meanings:
- Medical Doctor: A person who has completed medical school and is licensed to practice medicine. This professional is commonly referred to as "médico" in Spanish.
- Doctoral Degree Holder: Someone with a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D., regardless of their profession.
Pronunciation Guide for Non-Spanish Speakers
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The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →The pronunciation of "doctor" varies across different regions in the Spanish-speaking world. Here are some examples:
- Mexico and Central/South America: Pronounced as "DOCK-tor" (IPA: /ˈdɔk.tor/).
- Spain: Pronounced as "do-KTOHR" (IPA: /doˈktoɾ/) with a stress on the last syllable.
- Argentina and Uruguay: Often referred to as "médico" (IPA: /ˈme.di.ko/).
Common Titles Used with "Doctor"
In Spanish, it's common to use titles such as "Dr." or "Doctora" before the name of a medical doctor or someone holding a doctoral degree. For example:
- Medical Doctor: Dr. Juan Pérez
- Ph.D. Holder: Doctora María González
Regional Differences in Addressing Doctors
The way people address doctors can vary across different Spanish-speaking countries:
- Mexico and Argentina: It's common to use "Doctor" for anyone with a professional degree.
- Spain: The term is more specific, used primarily for medical doctors. Other professionals might be addressed as "Licenciado" (IPA: /lienˈθjensjaðo/) or "Ingeniero" (IPA: /inxeˈnjeɾo/).
Sample Sentences Using "Doctor"
To help you practice, here are some sample sentences:
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar un buen doctor en esta ciudad?
- El doctor me recetó medicamentos para mi resfriado.
- La doctora es experta en cirugía cardiovascular.
How to Say "Doctor" in Spanish: Additional Tips
Incorporating the word "doctor" into your vocabulary can be useful when discussing medical professionals or academic achievements. Remember, context is key!
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