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

📅 Published: January 15, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

consulta

noun • /[con-SOOL-ta]/

appointment

Example:

Tiene una consulta a las 3.

You have an appointment at 3.

🧠 What does consulta mean?

The noun 'consulta' refers to a meeting with a professional, especially a doctor, lawyer, or other expert, for the purpose of getting advice or treatment. While it is often translated as 'appointment', it more specifically means a 'consultation'. Additionally, 'consulta' can also refer to the physical place where this meeting occurs, such as a doctor's office or consulting room. The word is derived from the verb 'consultar', meaning 'to consult' or 'to ask for advice'.

📚 Extra examples

  • Tengo una consulta con la dermatóloga el próximo martes.
    I have an appointment with the dermatologist next Tuesday.
  • La primera consulta con el abogado no tiene costo.
    The first consultation with the lawyer is free of charge.
  • El doctor atiende en la consulta número 3.
    The doctor is seeing patients in consulting room number 3.
  • Realicé una consulta en línea para resolver mi duda sobre el trámite.
    I made an online inquiry to resolve my doubt about the procedure.
  • Después de la consulta, me sentí mucho más tranquilo con el diagnóstico.
    After the consultation, I felt much calmer about the diagnosis.

💡 Did You Know?

A key feature of 'consulta' is its dual meaning, referring to both the event (the consultation) and the location (the consulting room). This is a common characteristic of Spanish nouns where the context clarifies the intended meaning. For example, 'El paciente está en la consulta' means the patient is in the office, while 'El paciente tiene una consulta' means the patient has an appointment.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "consulta"

Synonyms: cita, consultorio, despacho, gabinete, pregunta, indagación
Opposites: respuesta, solución, certeza

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'appointment' in Spanish?
Common words are 'cita' and 'consulta'. 'Cita' is a general term for any appointment or meeting. 'Consulta' is more specific, typically used for a professional consultation with a doctor, lawyer, or expert.
How do you pronounce 'consulta' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is kohn-SOOL-tah, with the stress on the second syllable, 'sul'.
How do you use 'consulta' in a sentence?
An example is: 'Para cancelar la consulta, debe llamar con 24 horas de antelación.' This means, 'To cancel the consultation, you must call 24 hours in advance.'
What is the English translation of 'consulta'?
It translates to 'consultation', 'appointment', 'inquiry', or 'doctor's office'/'consulting room', depending on the context.
Does 'consulta' change for gender or number?
'Consulta' is a feminine noun. Its plural form is 'consultas'. For example, 'El médico tiene varias consultas esta tarde' (The doctor has several consultations this afternoon).
Is 'consulta' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it is a very common and standard term used frequently in contexts related to healthcare, legal advice, and seeking expert opinion.
Does 'consulta' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'consulta' does not have common slang meanings. Its use is consistent and formal, related to the act or place of consultation.
Is 'consulta' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use of 'consulta' is largely consistent across the Spanish-speaking world. In some regions, 'consultorio' may be more common for the physical office, but 'consulta' is universally understood for both the appointment and the room itself.

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