SPANISH TO SAY · CATALAN TO READ
The CAP, the doctor, the pharmacy
Getting seen and getting a health card — including when your papers are not in order — then describing a symptom, collecting a prescription, and reading the Catalan letter that told you to come.
The CAP, the doctor, the pharmacy phrases
At the CAP desk
Eight sentences for the desk. All of them are normal requests staff have a procedure for.
1Why you are there
Buenos días. Vengo a pedir la tarjeta sanitaria.BWE-nos DI-as. BEN-go a pe-DIR la tar-KHE-ta sa-ni-TA-ryaGood morning. I’ve come to apply for the health card.
2If you have no card yet
No tengo tarjeta sanitaria todavía.no TEN-go tar-KHE-ta sa-ni-TA-rya to-da-BI-aI don’t have a health card yet.
3If your papers are not in order
No tengo los papeles en regla. ¿Puedo recibir atención igualmente?no TEN-go los pa-PE-les en RRE-gla. PWE-do rre-thi-BIR a-ten-THYON i-GWAL-men-teMy papers are not in order. Can I still be seen?
4Why you qualify
Vivo en Cataluña y estoy empadronado. / empadronada.BI-bo en ka-ta-LU-nya i es-TOI em-pa-dro-NA-do / -NA-daI live in Catalonia and I’m registered on the padró.
5Finding your own centre
¿Cuál es el CAP que me corresponde?kwal es el kap ke me ko-rres-PON-deWhich CAP is mine?
6Booking
Quiero pedir cita con el médico de cabecera.KYE-ro pe-DIR THI-ta kon el ME-di-ko de ka-be-THE-raI’d like an appointment with the family doctor.
7If it cannot wait
Es urgente. Necesito que me vean hoy.es ur-KHEN-te. ne-the-SI-to ke me BE-an oiIt’s urgent. I need to be seen today.
8The one almost nobody asks for
¿Puede llamar al 061 para el servicio de traducción?PWE-de ya-MAR al THE-ro seis U-no PA-ra el ser-BI-thyo de tra-duk-THYONCan you call 061 for the translation service?
061 covers 90+ languages including Tagalog, and health staff can call it themselves.
WORDS YOU SAY
Being seen when your papers are not in order
Catalonia guarantees healthcare to everyone who lives here, and your immigration status does not remove that. This is not encouragement or interpretation. It is the law, in three layers, and every one of them is quotable at a reception desk.
No tengo los papeles en regla. ¿Puedo recibir atención igualmente?
My papers are not in order. Can I still be seen?
Say it like: no TEN-go los pa-PE-les en RRE-gla. PWE-do rre-thi-BIR a-ten-THYON i-GWAL-men-te
Vivo en Cataluña y estoy empadronado. / empadronada.
I live in Catalonia and I’m registered on the padró.
Say it like: BI-bo en ka-ta-LU-nya i es-TOI em-pa-dro-NA-do / -NA-da
Quiero solicitar el acceso a la asistencia sanitaria.
I want to apply for access to healthcare.
Say it like: KYE-ro so-li-thi-TAR el ak-THE-so a la a-sis-TEN-thya sa-ni-TA-rya
Quiero presentar la solicitud hoy, aquí.
I want to submit the application today, here.
Say it like: KYE-ro pre-sen-TAR la so-li-thi-TUD oi, a-KI
¿Me puede dar el documento provisional?
Can you give me the provisional document?
Say it like: me PWE-de dar el do-ku-MEN-to pro-bi-syo-NAL
No tengo el padrón todavía. ¿Sirve otro documento?
I don’t have the padrón yet. Will another document do?
Say it like: no TEN-go el pa-DRON to-da-BI-a. SIR-be O-tro do-ku-MEN-to
Traigo una factura de la luz a mi nombre.
I have an electricity bill in my name.
Say it like: TRAI-go U-na fak-TU-ra de la luth a mi NOM-bre
Estoy embarazada y no tengo papeles.
I am pregnant and I have no papers.
Say it like: es-TOI em-ba-ra-THA-da i no TEN-go pa-PE-les
Es para mi hijo. Es menor de edad.
It’s for my child. He is under eighteen.
Say it like: es PA-ra mi I-kho. es me-NOR de e-DAD
¿Me lo puede dar por escrito, por favor?
Can you give me that in writing, please?
Say it like: me lo PWE-de dar por es-KRI-to, por fa-BOR
¿Qué documentos necesito?
What documents do I need?
Say it like: ke do-ku-MEN-tos ne-the-SI-to
17 sources · checked September 2026
- Real Decreto 180/2026, de 11 de marzoThe state procedure for people in Spain without legal residence. BOE núm. 63, 12/03/2026; in force 13/03/2026. Article 2 (identity documents; padró certificate actualizado; the eight alternatives), article 3 (provisional document on application, duty of centres to help you start at first contact, three-month deadline with silence counting as approval, no back-billing, no expiry), article 4 (under-18s; pregnancy, birth and postpartum for women without papers; violence, trafficking and sexual-violence victims).
- Llei 9/2017, de 27 de juny, d'universalització de l'assistència sanitàriaArticle 1 (all residents in Catalonia); article 2.3 (a resident is anyone on the padró in a Catalan municipality); article 3.2 (urgent care in all cases for non-residents, and the billing caveat); article 3.3 (CatSalut bears the cost where nobody else is liable and means are insufficient). DOGC 7401, 29.6.2017.
- Ley 16/2003, art. 3 terForeign persons not registered or authorised as residents have the right to health protection and healthcare "en las mismas condiciones que las personas con nacionalidad española".
- Real Decreto-ley 7/2018On universal access to the National Health System.
- Ley 41/2002, art. 7Confidentiality of health data, for every person.
- LO 4/2000, DA 5ªDirect access by immigration authorities to the municipal padró.
- CatSalut — Qui té accés al sistema sanitari públic
- CatSalut — accés per a les persones en situacions especials (RDL 7/2018, RD 1192/2012)TSI issued at cobertura sanitària general (grup a). Updated 25 Nov 2025 — predates RD 180/2026.
- CatSalut — Accés CatSalut segon nivellWho it is for and exactly what it covers. Updated 2 Jun 2025.
- CatSalut — nivells de cobertura, què són i com s'assignen
- CatSalut — obtenció de la TSIPadró requirement, documents to bring (DNI, NIE or passport; padró certificate issued within three months), card posted free. Updated 27 Nov 2025 — predates RD 180/2026.
- CatSalut — sol·licitud de la TSI en línia
- CatSalut — quin CAP correspon a una adreça
- CatSalut — programació de visites
- Canal Salut — Immigració i salutHealthcare guaranteed to migrants from the first moment they arrive; 061's 90+ language translation service available to health professionals as well as the public; intercultural mediators in health centres.
- Ajuntament de Barcelona — empadronamentPadró registration; "no cal tenir residència regular al país"; registration without a fixed address.
- Ajuntament de Barcelona — SAIERServei d'atenció a immigrants, emigrants i refugiats, including its interpreting service.
WORDS YOU SAY
Getting the health card
Applying for the TSI — the health card — is a short counter visit, and once you’re approved CatSalut posts the card to your home.
Buenos días. Vengo a pedir la tarjeta sanitaria.
Good morning. I’ve come to apply for the health card.
Say it like: BWE-nos DI-as. BEN-go a pe-DIR la tar-KHE-ta sa-ni-TA-rya
Es la primera vez.
It’s my first time.
Say it like: es la pri-ME-ra beth
Traigo el pasaporte y el certificado de empadronamiento.
I have my passport and the padrón certificate.
Say it like: TRAI-go el pa-sa-POR-te i el ther-ti-fi-KA-do de em-pa-dro-na-MYEN-to
¿Cuánto tarda en llegar?
How long does it take to arrive?
Say it like: KWAN-to TAR-da en ye-GAR
Quiero cambiar mi dirección.
I want to change my address.
Say it like: KYE-ro kam-BYAR mi di-rek-THYON
He perdido la tarjeta.
I’ve lost the card.
Say it like: e per-DI-do la tar-KHE-ta
WORDS YOU SAY
Booking, moving and cancelling an appointment
You will hear both cita and hora at the counter for the same thing — moving or cancelling either one is the same script.
Quiero pedir hora.
I’d like an appointment.
Say it like: KYE-ro pe-DIR O-ra
¿Tienen algo para hoy?
Do you have anything for today?
Say it like: TYE-nen AL-go PA-ra oi
Es urgente. Necesito que me vean hoy.
It’s urgent. I need to be seen today.
Say it like: es ur-KHEN-te. ne-the-SI-to ke me BE-an oi
Me encuentro muy mal.
I feel very unwell.
Say it like: me en-KWEN-tro mwi mal
¿Puedo esperar por si hay una cancelación?
Can I wait in case there’s a cancellation?
Say it like: PWE-do es-pe-RAR por si ai U-na kan-the-la-THYON
¿Cuál es el CAP que me corresponde?
Which CAP is mine?
Say it like: kwal es el kap ke me ko-rres-PON-de
Vivo en esta dirección.
I live at this address.
Say it like: BI-bo en ES-ta di-rek-THYON
¿A qué hora cierran?
What time do you close?
Say it like: a ke O-ra THYE-rran
Tengo que anular la cita.
I need to cancel the appointment.
Say it like: TEN-go ke a-nu-LAR la THI-ta
¿Puedo cambiar la cita a otro día?
Can I move the appointment to another day?
Say it like: PWE-do kam-BYAR la THI-ta a O-tro DI-a
No puedo venir por la mañana. Trabajo.
I can’t come in the morning. I work.
Say it like: no PWE-do be-NIR por la ma-NYA-na. tra-BA-kho
¿Tienen algo por la tarde?
Do you have anything in the afternoon?
Say it like: TYE-nen AL-go por la TAR-de
WORDS YOU SAY
Asking for language help
You do not have to bring your own interpreter — the doctor or nurse in front of you can call 061 and put one on the line themselves.
¿Tienen servicio de traducción?
Do you have a translation service?
Say it like: TYE-nen ser-BI-thyo de tra-duk-THYON
Necesito un intérprete.
I need an interpreter.
Say it like: ne-the-SI-to un in-TER-pre-te
Vengo con mi amiga. Ella traduce.
I’ve come with my friend. She translates.
Say it like: BEN-go kon mi a-MI-ga. E-ya tra-DU-the
¿Me lo puede escribir en un papel?
Can you write it down on paper for me?
Say it like: me lo PWE-de es-kri-BIR en un pa-PEL
¿Puede llamar al 061 para el servicio de traducción?
Can you call 061 for the translation service?
The document flags this as the single most useful sentence in this section.
Say it like: PWE-de ya-MAR al THE-ro seis U-no PA-ra el ser-BI-thyo de tra-duk-THYON
Hablo tagalo.
I speak Tagalog.
Say it like: A-blo ta-GA-lo
WORDS YOU SAY
At the CAP and the doctor
If you need someone to interpret, ask at the reception desk before your appointment rather than during it. The word to ask for at the front desk afterwards is certificat d’assistència — proof you attended, for your employer.
Quería pedir cita con el médico de cabecera.
I'd like an appointment with my family doctor.
Say it like: keh-REE-a peh-DEER THEE-ta kon el MEH-di-ko deh ka-beh-THEH-ra
Todavía no tengo la tarjeta sanitaria.
I don't have the health card yet.
Say it like: to-da-BEE-a no TEN-go la tar-HEH-ta sa-ni-TA-rya
Me duele aquí.
It hurts here. (point)
Say it like: meh DWEH-leh a-KEE
Me duele la cabeza.
My head hurts.
Say it like: meh DWEH-leh la ka-BEH-tha
Me duele el estómago.
My stomach hurts.
Say it like: meh DWEH-leh el es-TO-ma-go
Me duele el pecho.
My chest hurts.
Say it like: meh DWEH-leh el PEH-tcho
Desde hace tres días.
For the last three days.
Say it like: DES-deh A-theh tres DEE-as
Tengo fiebre.
I have a fever.
Say it like: TEN-go FYEH-breh
Estoy mareada.
I feel dizzy. (a man says mareado)
Say it like: es-TOY ma-reh-A-da
Soy alérgica.
I'm allergic. (a man says alérgico — then name what to)
Say it like: soy a-LER-hi-ka
Estoy embarazada.
I'm pregnant.
Say it like: es-TOY em-ba-ra-THA-da
Es urgente. ¿Dónde están las urgencias?
It's urgent. Where is the emergency department?
Say it like: es oor-HEN-teh. DON-deh es-TAN las oor-HEN-thyas
WORDS YOU SAY
Since when?
¿Desde cuándo? (DES-de KWAN-do) — since when? The answers below are what to say back.
Desde hoy.
Since today.
Say it like: DES-de oi
Desde ayer.
Since yesterday.
Say it like: DES-de a-YER
Desde anoche.
Since last night.
Say it like: DES-de a-NO-che
Desde hace una semana.
For a week now.
Say it like: DES-de A-the U-na se-MA-na
Desde hace un mes.
For a month now.
Say it like: DES-de A-the un mes
Desde hace mucho tiempo.
For a long time.
Say it like: DES-de A-the MU-cho TYEM-po
Empezó de repente.
It started suddenly.
Say it like: em-pe-THO de rre-PEN-te
Empezó poco a poco.
It started gradually.
Say it like: em-pe-THO PO-ko a PO-ko
WORDS YOU SAY
How often?
¿Cada cuánto? (KA-da KWAN-to) — how often? The answers below are what to say back.
Todo el día.
All day.
Say it like: TO-do el DI-a
Todos los días.
Every day.
Say it like: TO-dos los DI-as
Dos veces al día.
Twice a day.
Say it like: dos BE-thes al DI-a
Una vez a la semana.
Once a week.
Say it like: U-na beth a la se-MA-na
Solo por la noche.
Only at night.
Say it like: SO-lo por la NO-che
Solo cuando me muevo.
Only when I move.
Say it like: SO-lo KWAN-do me MWE-bo
Solo cuando como.
Only when I eat.
Say it like: SO-lo KWAN-do KO-mo
Va y viene.
It comes and goes.
Say it like: ba i BYE-ne
No se me quita.
It doesn’t go away.
Say it like: no se me KI-ta
WORDS YOU SAY
Pain
Where it hurts, how much, and what kind of pain it is.
Me duele mucho.
It hurts a lot.
Say it like: me DWE-le MU-cho
Me duele un poco.
It hurts a little.
Say it like: me DWE-le un PO-ko
Es un dolor punzante.
It’s a stabbing pain.
Say it like: es un do-LOR pun-THAN-te
Es como una quemazón.
It’s like a burning.
Say it like: es KO-mo U-na ke-ma-THON
Es un dolor sordo.
It’s a dull pain.
Say it like: es un do-LOR SOR-do
Siento presión en el pecho.
I feel pressure in my chest.
Say it like: SYEN-to pre-SYON en el PE-cho
Es como un calambre.
It’s like a cramp.
Say it like: es KO-mo un ka-LAM-bre
El dolor se va hacia el brazo.
The pain travels to my arm.
Say it like: el do-LOR se ba A-thya el BRA-tho
No puedo dormir del dolor.
I can’t sleep because of the pain.
Say it like: no PWE-do dor-MIR del do-LOR
Me duele la espalda.
My back hurts.
Say it like: meh DWEH-leh la es-PAL-da
WORDS YOU SAY
Fever, dizziness, breathing, bleeding
Fever, dizziness, breathing, bleeding — the symptom words that come up most in a consultation.
Tengo treinta y ocho y medio.
I have 38.5.
Say it like: TEN-go TREIN-ta i O-cho i ME-dyo
Tengo escalofríos.
I have chills.
Say it like: TEN-go es-ka-lo-FRI-os
Me he desmayado.
I fainted.
Say it like: me e des-ma-YA-do
Me falta el aire.
I can’t get enough air.
Say it like: me FAL-ta el AI-re
Me cuesta respirar.
Breathing is hard.
Say it like: me KWES-ta rres-pi-RAR
Tengo tos.
I have a cough.
Say it like: TEN-go tos
Tengo tos con sangre.
I’m coughing up blood.
Say it like: TEN-go tos kon SAN-gre
Estoy sangrando.
I’m bleeding.
Say it like: es-TOI san-GRAN-do
Sangro por la nariz.
My nose is bleeding.
Say it like: SAN-gro por la na-RITH
He vomitado.
I’ve vomited.
Say it like: e bo-mi-TA-do
Tengo diarrea.
I have diarrhoea.
Say it like: TEN-go dya-RRE-a
No puedo orinar.
I can’t urinate.
Say it like: no PWE-do o-ri-NAR
Me escuece al orinar.
It stings when I urinate.
Say it like: me es-KWE-the al o-ri-NAR
Estoy muy cansado. / cansada.
I’m very tired.
Say it like: es-TOI mwi kan-SA-do / -SA-da
He perdido peso.
I’ve lost weight.
Say it like: e per-DI-do PE-so
No tengo hambre.
I have no appetite.
Say it like: no TEN-go AM-bre
WORDS YOU SAY
Injury
What happened, and where it happened.
Me he caído.
I fell.
Say it like: me e ka-I-do
Me he cortado.
I’ve cut myself.
Say it like: me e kor-TA-do
Me he quemado.
I’ve burnt myself.
Say it like: me e ke-MA-do
Me he torcido el tobillo.
I’ve twisted my ankle.
Say it like: me e tor-THI-do el to-BI-yo
Me he dado un golpe en la cabeza.
I hit my head.
Say it like: me e DA-do un GOL-pe en la ka-BE-tha
Creo que está roto.
I think it’s broken.
Say it like: KRE-o ke es-TA RRO-to
No puedo moverlo.
I can’t move it.
Say it like: no PWE-do mo-BER-lo
Fue en el trabajo.
It happened at work.
Say it like: fwe en el tra-BA-kho
Fue en casa.
It happened at home.
Say it like: fwe en KA-sa
Me lo hizo otra persona.
Another person did this to me.
Say it like: me lo I-tho O-tra per-SO-na
WORDS YOU SAY
Pregnancy
Sentences for pregnancy, and for asking to see the midwife.
Estoy de tres meses.
I’m three months along.
Say it like: es-TOI de tres ME-ses
Estoy de treinta semanas.
I’m thirty weeks.
Say it like: es-TOI de TREIN-ta se-MA-nas
Creo que estoy embarazada.
I think I’m pregnant.
Say it like: KRE-o ke es-TOI em-ba-ra-THA-da
Estoy dando el pecho.
I’m breastfeeding.
Say it like: es-TOI DAN-do el PE-cho
Estoy sangrando y estoy embarazada.
I’m bleeding and I’m pregnant.
Say it like: es-TOI san-GRAN-do i es-TOI em-ba-ra-THA-da
Tengo contracciones.
I’m having contractions.
Say it like: TEN-go kon-trak-THYO-nes
He roto aguas.
My waters have broken.
Say it like: e RRO-to A-gwas
No noto al bebé.
I can’t feel the baby moving.
Say it like: no NO-to al be-BE
Quiero ver a la comadrona.
I want to see the midwife.
Say it like: KYE-ro ber a la ko-ma-DRO-na
WORDS YOU SAY
Allergies, medicines, conditions
Say these at the start of any consultation, before anything is prescribed.
Soy alérgica a la penicilina.
I’m allergic to penicillin.
Say it like: soi a-LER-khi-ka a la pe-ni-thi-LI-na
No soy alérgico a nada.
I’m not allergic to anything.
Say it like: no soi a-LER-khi-ko a NA-da
Tomo esta medicación.
I take this medicine.
Say it like: TO-mo ES-ta me-di-ka-THYON
Aquí está la caja.
Here’s the box.
Say it like: a-KI es-TA la KA-kha
Una pastilla cada mañana.
One tablet every morning.
Say it like: U-na pas-TI-ya KA-da ma-NYA-na
No tomo ninguna medicación.
I don’t take any medicine.
Say it like: no TO-mo nin-GU-na me-di-ka-THYON
Tengo diabetes.
I have diabetes.
Say it like: TEN-go dya-BE-tes
Tengo asma.
I have asthma.
Say it like: TEN-go AS-ma
Tengo la tensión alta.
I have high blood pressure.
Say it like: TEN-go la ten-SYON AL-ta
Tengo el colesterol alto.
I have high cholesterol.
Say it like: TEN-go el ko-les-te-ROL AL-to
Tengo problemas de corazón.
I have heart problems.
Say it like: TEN-go pro-BLE-mas de ko-ra-THON
Me operaron aquí.
I was operated on here.
Say it like: me o-pe-RA-ron a-KI
Fumo. / No fumo.
I smoke. / I don’t smoke.
Say it like: FU-mo / no FU-mo
Estoy vacunado. / vacunada.
I’m vaccinated.
Say it like: es-TOI ba-ku-NA-do / -NA-da
WORDS YOU SAY
Making sure you understood
Never leave without understanding the instruction. Use these until you do.
No he entendido.
I didn’t understand.
Say it like: no e en-ten-DI-do
¿Me lo puede explicar otra vez, más despacio?
Can you explain it again, slower?
Say it like: me lo PWE-de eks-pli-KAR O-tra beth, mas des-PA-thyo
¿Cuántas veces al día?
How many times a day?
Say it like: KWAN-tas BE-thes al DI-a
¿Cuántos días tengo que tomarlo?
How many days do I take it for?
Say it like: KWAN-tos DI-as TEN-go ke to-MAR-lo
¿Antes o después de comer?
Before or after eating?
Say it like: AN-tes o des-PWES de ko-MER
¿Tengo que volver?
Do I have to come back?
Say it like: TEN-go ke bol-BER
¿Cuándo tengo los resultados?
When will I have the results?
Say it like: KWAN-do TEN-go los rre-sul-TA-dos
¿Es grave?
Is it serious?
Say it like: es GRA-be
¿Puedo ir a trabajar?
Can I go to work?
Say it like: PWE-do ir a tra-ba-KHAR
¿Me puede dar la baja?
Can you sign me off work?
Say it like: me PWE-de dar la BA-kha
¿Me deriva al especialista?
Are you referring me to a specialist?
Say it like: me de-RI-ba al es-pe-thya-LIS-ta
Quiero una segunda opinión.
I’d like a second opinion.
Say it like: KYE-ro U-na se-GUN-da o-pi-NYON
WORDS YOU SAY
Body parts
Say it in Spanish. Read it in Catalan — forms, doors and signs are in Catalan.
la cabeza
head
On a sign or formel cap
Say it like: la ka-BE-tha
el ojo / los ojos
eye / eyes
On a sign or forml'ull / els ulls
Say it like: el O-kho / los O-khos
el oído
ear (inside)
On a sign or forml'oïda
Say it like: el o-I-do
la oreja
ear (outside)
On a sign or forml'orella
Say it like: la o-RE-kha
la nariz
nose
On a sign or formel nas
Say it like: la na-RITH
la boca
mouth
On a sign or formla boca
Say it like: la BO-ka
el diente / la muela
tooth / back tooth
On a sign or formla dent / el queixal
Say it like: el DYEN-te / la MWE-la
la garganta
throat
On a sign or formla gola
Say it like: la gar-GAN-ta
el cuello
neck
On a sign or formel coll
Say it like: el KWE-yo
el hombro
shoulder
On a sign or forml'espatlla
Say it like: el OM-bro
el brazo
arm
On a sign or formel braç
Say it like: el BRA-tho
el codo
elbow
On a sign or formel colze
Say it like: el KO-do
la muñeca
wrist
On a sign or formel canell
Say it like: la mu-NYE-ka
la mano
hand
On a sign or formla mà
Say it like: la MA-no
el dedo
finger / toe
On a sign or formel dit
Say it like: el DE-do
el pecho
chest
On a sign or formel pit
Say it like: el PE-cho
la espalda
back
On a sign or forml'esquena
Say it like: la es-PAL-da
la barriga / el vientre
belly
On a sign or formla panxa / el ventre
Say it like: la ba-RRI-ga / el BYEN-tre
el estómago
stomach
On a sign or forml'estómac
Say it like: el es-TO-ma-go
la cadera
hip
On a sign or formel maluc
Say it like: la ka-DE-ra
la pierna
leg
On a sign or formla cama
Say it like: la PYER-na
la rodilla
knee
On a sign or formel genoll
Say it like: la rro-DI-ya
el tobillo
ankle
On a sign or formel turmell
Say it like: el to-BI-yo
el pie
foot
On a sign or formel peu
Say it like: el pye
la piel
skin
On a sign or formla pell
Say it like: la pyel
la sangre
blood
On a sign or formla sang
Say it like: la SAN-gre
el corazón
heart
On a sign or formel cor
Say it like: el ko-ra-THON
el pulmón
lung
On a sign or formel pulmó
Say it like: el pul-MON
el riñón
kidney
On a sign or formel ronyó
Say it like: el rri-NYON
el hígado
liver
On a sign or formel fetge
Say it like: el I-ga-do
la vejiga
bladder
On a sign or formla bufeta
Say it like: la be-KHI-ga
el útero / la matriz
womb
On a sign or forml'úter / la matriu
Say it like: el U-te-ro / la ma-TRITH
la regla
period
On a sign or formla regla
Say it like: la RRE-gla
1 source · checked September 2026
WORDS YOU SAY
Symptom words
The symptom words that go with the body parts above — said in Spanish, read in Catalan.
el dolor
pain
On a sign or formel dolor
Say it like: el do-LOR
la fiebre
fever
On a sign or formla febre
Say it like: la FYE-bre
la tos
cough
On a sign or formla tos
Say it like: la tos
el mareo
dizziness
On a sign or formel mareig
Say it like: el ma-RE-o
el desmayo
fainting
On a sign or formel desmai
Say it like: el des-MA-yo
los vómitos
vomiting
On a sign or formels vòmits
Say it like: los BO-mi-tos
la diarrea
diarrhoea
On a sign or formla diarrea
Say it like: la dya-RRE-a
el estreñimiento
constipation
On a sign or formel restrenyiment
Say it like: el es-tre-nyi-MYEN-to
la hinchazón
swelling
On a sign or formla inflor
Say it like: la in-cha-THON
el picor
itching
On a sign or formla picor
Say it like: el pi-KOR
el sarpullido
rash
On a sign or forml'erupció
Say it like: el sar-pu-YI-do
el sangrado
bleeding
On a sign or formel sagnat
Say it like: el san-GRA-do
la herida
wound
On a sign or formla ferida
Say it like: la e-RI-da
el moratón
bruise
On a sign or formel blau
Say it like: el mo-ra-TON
el bulto
lump
On a sign or formel bony
Say it like: el BUL-to
la infección
infection
On a sign or formla infecció
Say it like: la in-fek-THYON
la falta de aire
shortness of breath
On a sign or formla falta d'aire
Say it like: la FAL-ta de AI-re
la ansiedad
anxiety
On a sign or forml'ansietat
Say it like: la an-sye-DAD
el insomnio
not sleeping
On a sign or forml'insomni
Say it like: el in-SOM-nyo
los mocos
mucus, blocked nose
On a sign or formels mocs
Say it like: los MO-kos
el escozor
stinging
On a sign or formla coïssor
Say it like: el es-ko-THOR
1 source · checked September 2026
WORDS YOU SAY
Buying without a prescription
The green cross is a farmacia (Spanish) / farmàcia (Catalan). Pharmacists in Spain are trained to advise, and asking them is normal and free.
¿Tiene algo para el dolor de cabeza?
Do you have something for a headache?
Say it like: TYE-ne AL-go PA-ra el do-LOR de ka-BE-tha
¿Tiene algo para la tos?
Something for a cough?
Say it like: TYE-ne AL-go PA-ra la tos
¿Tiene algo para el dolor de garganta?
Something for a sore throat?
Say it like: TYE-ne AL-go PA-ra el do-LOR de gar-GAN-ta
Sin receta, por favor.
Without a prescription, please.
Say it like: sin rre-THE-ta, por fa-BOR
¿Esto necesita receta?
Does this need a prescription?
Say it like: ES-to ne-the-SI-ta rre-THE-ta
¿Tiene el genérico?
Do you have the generic?
Say it like: TYE-ne el khe-NE-ri-ko
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much is it?
Say it like: KWAN-to KWES-ta
¿Hay algo más barato?
Is there anything cheaper?
Say it like: ai AL-go mas ba-RA-to
Es para mí.
It’s for me.
Say it like: es PA-ra mi
Es para un niño de cinco años.
It’s for a five-year-old.
Say it like: es PA-ra un NI-nyo de THIN-ko A-nyos
Estoy embarazada. ¿Puedo tomarlo?
I’m pregnant. Can I take it?
Say it like: es-TOI em-ba-ra-THA-da. PWE-do to-MAR-lo
Soy alérgica a la penicilina.
I’m allergic to penicillin.
Say it like: soi a-LER-khi-ka a la pe-ni-thi-LI-na
Ya tomo esta medicación. ¿Se pueden mezclar?
I already take this. Can they be mixed?
Say it like: ya TO-mo ES-ta me-di-ka-THYON. se PWE-den meth-KLAR
1 source · checked September 2026
WORDS YOU SAY
Collecting a prescription
What to bring to collect an electronic prescription, and what to ask at the counter.
Vengo a recoger la medicación.
I’ve come to collect my medicine.
Say it like: BEN-go a rre-ko-KHER la me-di-ka-THYON
Aquí tiene mi tarjeta sanitaria.
Here is my health card.
Say it like: a-KI TYE-ne mi tar-KHE-ta sa-ni-TA-rya
Aquí está mi plan de medicación.
Here is my medication plan.
Say it like: a-KI es-TA mi plan de me-di-ka-THYON
Se me ha caducado el plan de medicación.
My medication plan has expired.
Say it like: se me a ka-du-KA-do el plan de me-di-ka-THYON
¿Cuánto tengo que pagar?
How much do I pay?
Say it like: KWAN-to TEN-go ke pa-GAR
¿Cuántas veces al día lo tomo?
How many times a day do I take it?
Say it like: KWAN-tas BE-thes al DI-a lo TO-mo
¿Con comida o en ayunas?
With food or on an empty stomach?
Say it like: kon ko-MI-da o en a-YU-nas
¿Puedo conducir?
Can I drive?
Say it like: PWE-do kon-du-THIR
¿Me lo puede apuntar en la caja?
Can you write it on the box for me?
Say it like: me lo PWE-de a-pun-TAR en la KA-kha
1 source · checked September 2026
WORDS YOU SAY
When the pharmacies are closed
Finding the pharmacy that’s open when the others are closed.
¿Qué farmacia está de guardia ahora?
Which pharmacy is on duty now?
Say it like: ke far-MA-thya es-TA de GWAR-dya a-O-ra
¿Hay alguna abierta veinticuatro horas?
Is there one open 24 hours?
Say it like: ai al-GU-na a-BYER-ta bein-ti-KWA-tro O-ras
¿Está lejos?
Is it far?
Say it like: es-TA LE-khos
2 sources · checked September 2026
WORDS YOU READ
Reading the box and the leaflet
These words appear on the packet, on the pharmacy label and in the folded paper inside.
prospecto
the folded information leaflet inside
Say it like: pros-PEK-to
dosis
dose — how much you take
Say it like: DO-sis
comprimidos
tablets
Say it like: kom-pri-MI-dos
cápsulas
capsules
Say it like: KAP-su-las
sobres
sachets
Say it like: SO-bres
jarabe
syrup
Say it like: kha-RA-be
gotas
drops
Say it like: GO-tas
vía oral
by mouth — swallow it
Say it like: BI-a o-RAL
uso externo
on the skin only — do not swallow
Say it like: U-so eks-TER-no
cada 8 horas
every 8 hours
Say it like: KA-da O-cho O-ras
cada 12 horas
every 12 hours
Say it like: KA-da DO-the O-ras
antes de las comidas
before meals
Say it like: AN-tes de las ko-MI-das
después de las comidas
after meals
Say it like: des-PWES de las ko-MI-das
en ayunas
on an empty stomach, before you eat
Say it like: en a-YU-nas
con el estómago vacío
on an empty stomach (same thing, other wording)
Say it like: kon el es-TO-ma-go ba-THI-o
Conducción y uso de máquinas
Driving and using machines — the section that tells you whether it is safe to drive
Say it like: kon-duk-THYON i U-so de MA-ki-nas
No conducir
Do not drive
Say it like: no kon-du-THIR
fecha de caducidad
expiry date
Say it like: FE-cha de ka-du-thi-DAD
caducidad
expiry
Say it like: ka-du-thi-DAD
Conservación
Storage
Say it like: kon-ser-ba-THYON
No tome este medicamento si es alérgico a…
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to…
Say it like: no TO-me ES-te me-di-ka-MEN-to si es a-LER-khi-ko a
Lea todo el prospecto
Read the whole leaflet
Say it like: LE-a TO-do el pros-PEK-to
1 source · checked September 2026
WORDS YOU SAY
Asking for mental-health help
You can raise this with your family doctor at the CAP. You do not need a special reason and you do not need to have a diagnosis.
No estoy bien.
I am not well.
Say it like: no es-TOI byen
Necesito ayuda psicológica.
I need psychological help.
Say it like: ne-the-SI-to a-YU-da si-ko-LO-khi-ka
Estoy muy triste desde hace tiempo.
I’ve been very sad for a long time.
Say it like: es-TOI mwi TRIS-te DES-de A-the TYEM-po
Tengo mucha ansiedad.
I have a lot of anxiety.
Say it like: TEN-go MU-cha an-sye-DAD
No puedo dormir.
I can’t sleep.
Say it like: no PWE-do dor-MIR
No puedo parar de llorar.
I can’t stop crying.
Say it like: no PWE-do pa-RAR de yo-RAR
Estoy sola aquí. Mi familia está en Filipinas.
I’m alone here. My family is in the Philippines.
Say it like: es-TOI SO-la a-KI. mi fa-MI-lya es-TA en fi-li-PI-nas
Tengo pensamientos de hacerme daño.
I have thoughts of hurting myself.
Say it like: TEN-go pen-sa-MYEN-tos de a-THER-me DA-nyo
Quiero hablar con un psicólogo.
I want to speak to a psychologist.
Say it like: KYE-ro a-BLAR kon un si-KO-lo-go
¿Me puede derivar a salud mental?
Can you refer me to mental health services?
Say it like: me PWE-de de-ri-BAR a sa-LUD men-TAL
1 source · checked September 2026
WORDS YOU SAY
At the paediatric appointment
Children have their own doctor at the CAP — el pediatra / la pediatra in Spanish, pediatria on the door in Catalan.
Es para mi hijo. / Es para mi hija.
It’s for my son. / for my daughter.
Say it like: es PA-ra mi I-kho / mi I-kha
Tiene cuatro años.
He/she is four.
Say it like: TYE-ne KWA-tro A-nyos
Tiene seis meses.
He/she is six months old.
Say it like: TYE-ne seis ME-ses
Tiene fiebre desde anoche.
He/she has had a fever since last night.
Say it like: TYE-ne FYE-bre DES-de a-NO-che
No quiere comer.
He/she won’t eat.
Say it like: no KYE-re ko-MER
No para de llorar.
He/she won’t stop crying.
Say it like: no PA-ra de yo-RAR
Está muy decaído. / decaída.
He/she is very listless.
Say it like: es-TA mwi de-ka-I-do / -I-da
Le cuesta respirar.
He/she is struggling to breathe.
Say it like: le KWES-ta rres-pi-RAR
Ha vomitado tres veces.
He/she has vomited three times.
Say it like: a bo-mi-TA-do tres BE-thes
Le ha salido una erupción.
He/she has come out in a rash.
Say it like: le a sa-LI-do U-na e-rup-THYON
Se ha dado un golpe en la cabeza.
He/she has banged their head.
Say it like: se a DA-do un GOL-pe en la ka-BE-tha
Se ha tragado una cosa.
He/she has swallowed something.
Say it like: se a tra-GA-do U-na KO-sa
Aquí está el carnet de vacunas.
Here is the vaccination record.
Say it like: a-KI es-TA el kar-NET de ba-KU-nas
Le vacunaron en Filipinas.
He/she was vaccinated in the Philippines.
Say it like: le ba-ku-NA-ron en fi-li-PI-nas
¿Le toca alguna vacuna?
Is any vaccination due?
Say it like: le TO-ka al-GU-na ba-KU-na
¿Puedo darle paracetamol?
Can I give paracetamol?
Say it like: PWE-do DAR-le pa-ra-the-ta-MOL
¿Cuánta cantidad, y cada cuánto?
What amount, and how often?
Say it like: KWAN-ta kan-ti-DAD, i KA-da KWAN-to
¿Puede ir a la escuela?
Can he/she go to school?
Say it like: PWE-de ir a la es-KWE-la
Necesito un justificante para la escuela.
I need a note for the school.
Say it like: ne-the-SI-to un khus-ti-fi-KAN-te PA-ra la es-KWE-la
WORDS YOU READ
The appointment letter, word by word
The letter is short, but every word in it is an instruction, and getting one wrong — arriving having eaten when it says en dejú — can cost you the appointment.
visita
appointment
dia
day, date
hora de visita
appointment time
hora d'arribada
time to arrive (earlier than the appointment)
cal presentar-se 15 minuts abans
you must arrive 15 minutes early
centre
the health centre or hospital
planta
floor of the building
consultori
consulting room
taulell / admissions
reception desk / admissions
sala d'espera
waiting room
cal portar
you must bring
cal
it is necessary / you must
no cal
it is not necessary / you don’t have to
cal portar la targeta sanitària
bring your health card
en dejú
fasting — do not eat
mostra d'orina
urine sample
analítica
blood test / lab work
extracció de sang
blood draw
radiografia
X-ray
ecografia
ultrasound scan
proves
tests
resultats
results
derivació
referral — you are being sent on to someone else
especialista
specialist
metge / metgessa de família
family doctor (male / female)
infermeria
nursing
pediatria
children’s medicine
llevadora
midwife
ASSIR
the sexual and reproductive health unit
urgències
emergency department
recepta
prescription
justificant
a note proving you attended
anul·lar la visita
cancel the appointment
canviar la visita
change the appointment
si no hi podeu anar, aviseu
if you cannot come, tell us
cita prèvia
by appointment only
2 sources · checked September 2026
- DIEC — Diccionari de la llengua catalana (Institut d'Estudis Catalans)Normative entries for dejú, analítica, derivació, consultori, guàrdia.
- ViccionariDejú ("no haver menjat res des que s'ha fet de dia"; compound en dejú), planta ("pis o nivell d'una construcció"), consultori, guàrdia.
WORDS YOU READ
Health words on a sign, a door or a letter
The words that name a place, a card or a service rather than a step in a letter: the sign on the building, the card in your wallet, the app your results live in. The step-by-step vocabulary of an appointment letter is in the group above, and nothing is repeated between the two.
CAP · centre d’atenció primària
your local health centre
Your first stop for everything that is not an emergency. CatSalut has a Quin CAP correspon a una adreça finder.
Where you’ll see it: The sign on the building; every letter
CUAP
primary-care urgent centre
Open when your CAP is closed, for things that are urgent but not an emergency.
Where you’ll see it: Signs on certain centres
targeta sanitària individual (TSI)
your individual health card
Bring it to every appointment and every pharmacy. Without it you pay full price for medicines.
Where you’ll see it: The card; letters about it
La Meva Salut
the public health portal and app
Where your results, prescriptions and appointments live.
Where you’ll see it: Letters, posters at the CAP
demanar hora · demanar cita · programació de visites
to book an appointment
Where you’ll see it: CatSalut pages; the CAP counter
taulell
the counter / reception desk
Where you go if you cannot use the phone or the app.
Where you’ll see it: Demanar cita al taulell del CAP
acompanyant
companion, person coming with you
Letters say whether an acompanyant is allowed — important if you need someone to translate.
Where you’ll see it: Appointment letters, hospital rules
llista d'espera
waiting list
Where you’ll see it: Letters about specialist care and surgery
dejuni
the fast itself (the period)
Same instruction, different grammar. Both appear. Eat before a fasting test and the test is wasted; you rebook and wait again.
Where you’ll see it: "8 hores de dejuni"; "dejú de 3 hores" for small children
farmàcia de guàrdia
on-duty pharmacy, open out of hours
Nights and Sundays, only the guàrdia is open. The list is on the window of the closed one.
Where you’ll see it: A notice in every pharmacy window
jubilat / pensionista
retired / pensioner
Different co-payment.
Where you’ll see it: Pharmacy pricing
professional de referència
the professional assigned to you
Where you’ll see it: La Meva Salut screens
metge de capçalera · medicina de família
your assigned family doctor
You are assigned one. You may change them. A woman doctor is a metgessa de família.
Where you’ll see it: Appointment letters; Canviar de metge de capçalera
interconsulta
referral to a specialist
Where you’ll see it: Follow-up letter
certificat d'assistència
proof you attended, for your employer
The word to ask for at the desk is certificat d'assistència, not justificant.
Where you’ll see it: Ask at the CAP’s front desk
comunicat de baixa
the certificate (of sick leave)
Where you’ll see it: Doctor and employer
alta mèdica
cleared to return
Where you’ll see it: Doctor and employer
extraccions
the blood-draw room
Where you’ll see it: Test letter, corridor sign
6 sources · checked September 2026
- CatSalut homepage and service indexDemanar hora al CAP, Canviar de metge de capçalera, TSI, urgències, recepta electrònica, CUAP.
- CatSalut — Programació de visitesDemanar cita en línia, al taulell del CAP, medicina de família / pediatria / infermeria.
- CatSalut — atenció farmacèutica
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu — Visites al laboratori8 hours; 3 hours for children 1–3.
- Althaia"Heu d'estar en dejú d'aliments sòlids 8 hores abans."
- Hospital ClínicEn dejú and el dejuni in their correct roles.