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receta means prescription — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 27, 2025

✈️ Travel Spanish

receta

noun • /[reh-SEH-tah]/

prescription

Example:

La medicina requiere receta del médico local.

The medicine requires a prescription from a local doctor.

🧠 What does receta mean?

Receta primarily means "prescription" in Spanish, referring to the document a doctor gives you to obtain medication. It can also mean "recipe" when talking about cooking. Knowing this dual meaning is helpful for travelers, as you might need to ask for a prescription refill or discuss a local recipe.

📚 Extra examples

  • Necesito renovar mi receta para la alergia.
    I need to renew my allergy prescription.
  • ¿Me puede dar la receta para este pastel?
    Can you give me the recipe for this cake?
  • La receta del médico dice que debo tomar dos pastillas al día.
    The doctor's prescription says I should take two pills a day.
  • Esta receta de paella es un secreto de familia.
    This paella recipe is a family secret.

💡 Did You Know?

The word "receta" comes from the Latin word "recipere," meaning "to receive."

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "receta"

Synonyms: fórmula (for recipe), prescripción médica (for prescription)

🔍 See more travel spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'prescription' in Spanish?
The most common way to say "prescription" in Spanish is "receta."
How do you pronounce 'receta' in Spanish?
It's pronounced reh-SEH-tah, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
How do you use 'receta' in a sentence?
You can use 'receta' in sentences like: "Perdí mi receta" (I lost my prescription) or "¿Tiene la receta para este plato?" (Do you have the recipe for this dish?).
What is the English translation of 'receta'?
Receta translates to either "prescription" (medical) or "recipe" (cooking) in English.
Does 'receta' change for gender or number?
No, 'receta' stays the same whether you're talking about one or multiple prescriptions/recipes. It's always feminine.
Is 'receta' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'receta' is a common word used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing health or cooking.
Does 'receta' have slang or double meanings?
While 'receta' primarily means prescription or recipe, it can sometimes be used figuratively to mean a "formula" or "method" for something, but this is less common.
Is 'receta' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'receta' are generally the same across Spain and Latin America.

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