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

📅 Published: December 13, 2025

🩺 Medical Spanish

internar

verb • /[een-ter-NAR]/

admit

Example:

Decidieron internarlo para observación.

They decided to admit him for observation.

🧠 What does internar mean?

The verb 'internar' primarily means to admit a person into a hospital, clinic, or other institution for care, treatment, or observation. It is the standard term used when a patient is formally checked into a medical facility to stay overnight or for an extended period. The verb is often used reflexively ('internarse'). Beyond the medical context, 'internar' can also mean to send someone to an institution like a boarding school or correctional facility, or to enter or go deep into a place, such as a forest or a new subject of study.

📚 Extra examples

  • El médico decidió internar al paciente para una evaluación completa.
    The doctor decided to admit the patient for a full evaluation.
  • Mi abuela tuvo que internarse en el hospital por una neumonía.
    My grandmother had to be admitted to the hospital for pneumonia.
  • Los exploradores se internaron en la selva en busca de ruinas antiguas.
    The explorers went deep into the jungle in search of ancient ruins.

💡 Did You Know?

The verb 'internar' is related to the noun 'interno', which can refer to a medical intern or a student at a boarding school ('un internado'). This connection emphasizes the core concept of being 'inside' an institution for a period of time, whether for work, study, or medical care.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "internar"

Synonyms: hospitalizar, ingresar, recluir
Opposites: dar de alta

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'admit' in Spanish?
In a medical context, the most common and precise verb for 'to admit' a patient to a hospital is 'internar'. Another widely used option is 'ingresar'. While 'admitir' can mean 'to admit', it is more frequently used to mean acknowledging a fact or granting entry in a general sense, rather than for hospitalization.
How do you pronounce 'internar' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is een-tehr-NAHR. The stress falls on the final syllable, '-nar'.
How do you use 'internar' in a sentence?
It is used when describing the act of admitting someone to an institution. For example: 'Tuvieron que internar al herido de inmediato.' (They had to admit the injured person immediately.) It is also frequently used in its reflexive form: 'El paciente se internó por voluntad propia.' (The patient checked himself into the hospital voluntarily.)
What is the English translation of 'internar'?
The primary English translation is 'to admit' (to a hospital). Depending on the context, it can also be translated as 'to hospitalize', 'to institutionalize', or 'to confine'.
Does 'internar' change for gender or number?
As a verb, 'internar' itself does not change for gender. However, any associated direct object pronouns must agree with the gender and number of the person being admitted. For instance, 'Lo internaron' for a male patient and 'La internaron' for a female patient.
Is 'internar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'internar' is the standard and common verb used in this specific context across the Spanish-speaking world. While not part of daily casual conversation unless discussing a medical situation, it is the correct and expected term.
Does 'internar' have slang or double meanings?
It does not have common slang meanings. Its other formal meanings include 'to go deep into' a physical place ('internarse en el bosque') or 'to delve into' a topic. It can also mean to intern or confine a person, such as an enemy alien during wartime, but this usage is much less common than the medical one.
Is 'internar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The verb 'internar' is used consistently across Spain and Latin America for admitting someone to a hospital or institution. The verb 'ingresar' is also a very common synonym in all regions.
How do you conjugate 'internar' in Spanish?
'Internar' is a regular -ar verb. The present indicative conjugations are: yo interno, tú internas, él/ella/usted interna, nosotros/as internamos, vosotros/as internáis, ellos/ellas/ustedes internan.

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