Lael logo

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

📅 Published: February 11, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

internación

noun • /[in-ter-na-SYON]/

admission

Example:

Requiere internación urgente.

They require urgent admission.

🧠 What does internación mean?

Internación refers to the act or process of admitting a patient to a hospital or clinic for medical treatment, observation, or surgery. It specifically denotes the period during which a patient remains an inpatient in a healthcare facility. This term is fundamental in medical contexts, distinguishing an inpatient stay from an outpatient visit.

📚 Extra examples

  • La internación del paciente duró una semana debido a la gravedad de su condición.
    The patient's admission lasted a week due to the severity of their condition.
  • Se decidió la internación de urgencia después de un examen exhaustivo.
    Emergency admission was decided after a thorough examination.
  • Los costos de internación pueden variar significativamente según el tipo de seguro.
    Hospital admission costs can vary significantly depending on the type of insurance.

💡 Did You Know?

The noun 'internación' derives from the verb 'internar', which means to intern or to admit (especially to a hospital or institution). It shares linguistic roots with words like 'interno' (intern, resident doctor, or internal) and 'internado' (boarding school or the act of interning, often for medical professionals), all related to being 'inside' or 'admitted' to a place.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "internación"

Synonyms: ingreso hospitalario, hospitalización, admisión hospitalaria, estancia hospitalaria
Opposites: alta médica, egreso hospitalario, dada de alta

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'admission' in Spanish?
While 'internación' specifically means medical admission to a hospital or clinic, 'admisión' is a broader term for admission to a school, an event, or a general entry. Another related term is 'ingreso', which can also refer to hospital admission or entry in general. The choice depends on the specific context.
How do you pronounce 'internación' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'internación' is ee-n-tehr-nah-SYOHN. The stress falls on the last syllable, '-ción', which is common for nouns ending in -ción in Spanish. The 'r' sound is a single tap, and the 'n' is a soft nasal sound.
How do you use 'internación' in a sentence?
Examples of using 'internación' in a sentence include: 'La internación de mi abuela fue necesaria' (My grandmother's admission was necessary) or 'Los médicos recomendaron la internación' (The doctors recommended hospital admission). It typically follows articles like 'la' or 'una' as it is a feminine noun.
What is the English translation of 'internación'?
The English translation of 'internación' is 'admission', specifically in the context of being admitted to a hospital or medical facility. It refers to the process or period of being an inpatient.
Does 'internación' change for gender or number?
Internación is a feminine noun, so its gender does not change. However, it does change for number. The singular form is 'internación', and the plural form is 'internaciones'. For example, 'varias internaciones' (several admissions).
Is 'internación' common in everyday Spanish?
'Internación' is common and standard in medical and administrative contexts when discussing hospital stays. While it may not be used in casual everyday conversation as frequently as simpler terms like 'hospital', its use is precise and expected in medical settings.
Does 'internación' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'internación' is a formal and professional medical term. It does not carry slang connotations or double meanings. Its usage is straightforward and specific to the context of hospital admissions.
Is 'internación' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term 'internación' is widely understood and used across both Spain and Latin America with the same meaning of medical admission or hospitalization. In Spain, 'ingreso hospitalario' or simply 'ingreso' might be heard with similar frequency. In some Latin American countries, 'internación' is a very common and preferred term in medical discourse.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store