Lael logo

cita means appointment — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 19, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

cita

noun • /[SEE-ta]/

appointment

Example:

Tengo una cita a las diez.

I have an appointment at ten.

🧠 What does cita mean?

The noun 'cita' refers to a pre-arranged meeting or engagement at a specific time and place. It has three primary meanings depending on the context. Most commonly, it means an 'appointment', such as with a doctor, a lawyer, or for a business meeting. It can also refer to a 'date', a social or romantic meeting between two people. Lastly, in an academic or literary context, 'cita' means a 'quotation' or 'citation', referring to a passage or source mentioned in a text.

📚 Extra examples

  • Tuve que cancelar mi cita con el dentista por un imprevisto.
    I had to cancel my dentist appointment due to an unforeseen event.
  • Fueron a cenar y al cine en su primera cita.
    They went to dinner and a movie on their first date.
  • El ensayo comienza con una cita famosa de Borges.
    The essay begins with a famous quote from Borges.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'cita' comes from the verb 'citar', which means 'to make an appointment', 'to ask someone out on a date', or 'to quote/cite' a source. This single verb neatly connects all three of the noun's primary meanings.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cita"

Synonyms: reunión, encuentro, referencia, mención
Opposites: encuentro casual, casualidad

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'appointment' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'appointment' in Spanish is 'cita'. For example, 'una cita con el médico' means 'a doctor's appointment'.
How do you pronounce 'cita' in Spanish?
The word 'cita' is pronounced /'θi.ta/ in Castilian Spanish (with a 'th' sound for the 'c') and /'si.ta/ in Latin American Spanish (with an 's' sound). It has two syllables: CI-ta.
How do you use 'cita' in a sentence?
You can use 'cita' to refer to any scheduled meeting. For example: 'No puedo olvidar que tengo una cita importante mañana.' (I can't forget I have an important appointment tomorrow.)
What is the English translation of 'cita'?
The English translation of 'cita' is 'appointment', 'date', or 'quotation'/'citation', depending on the specific context.
Does 'cita' change for gender or number?
'Cita' is a feminine noun, so it uses feminine articles like 'la' and 'una'. Its plural form is 'citas'. For example: 'la cita' (the appointment), 'las citas' (the appointments).
Is 'cita' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'cita' is a very common and essential word in daily Spanish, used frequently for scheduling professional appointments, making social plans, and in academic work.
Does 'cita' have slang or double meanings?
The primary double meanings are its standard uses: a professional 'appointment', a romantic 'date', and an academic 'quotation'. Context is crucial to distinguish which meaning is intended. It does not have common slang meanings.
Is 'cita' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the word 'cita' is used consistently across Spain and Latin America for all its main meanings (appointment, date, quotation). There are no significant regional variations in its core usage.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store