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recetar means to prescribe — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 12, 2025

🩺 Medical Spanish

recetar

verb • /[reh-seh-TAR]/

to prescribe

Example:

Voy a recetar un antibiótico por siete días.

I will prescribe an antibiotic for seven days.

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🧠 What does recetar mean?

The Spanish verb "recetar" means "to prescribe" in English. It's specifically used in a medical context, referring to a doctor or other healthcare professional authorizing the use of a medication or treatment. It's not used for recommending a film or a restaurant, for example. It implies a formal, professional act of authorizing a medical remedy.

📚 Extra examples

  • El médico me recetó antibióticos para la infección.
    The doctor prescribed me antibiotics for the infection.
  • Le recetaron fisioterapia después de la cirugía.
    They prescribed him physical therapy after the surgery.
  • Voy a la farmacia a recoger la medicina que me recetaron.
    I'm going to the pharmacy to pick up the medicine that was prescribed to me.
  • No debes tomar medicamentos que no te hayan recetado.
    You shouldn't take medication that hasn't been prescribed to you.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to prescribe' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to prescribe' in Spanish, especially in a medical context, is 'recetar'.
How do you pronounce 'recetar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced reh-seh-TAHR, with the stress on the last syllable.
How do you use 'recetar' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: 'El médico me recetó un analgésico' (The doctor prescribed me a painkiller), 'Me recetaron reposo' (They prescribed me rest).
What is the English translation of 'recetar'?
'Recetar' translates to 'to prescribe' in English.
Does 'recetar' change for gender or number?
Yes, like all Spanish verbs, 'recetar' conjugates to agree with the subject. For example: 'Yo receto' (I prescribe), 'Él receta' (He prescribes), 'Ellos recetan' (They prescribe).
Is 'recetar' common in everyday Spanish?
While not an everyday word like 'comer' (to eat), 'recetar' is relatively common, especially when talking about health issues.
Does 'recetar' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'recetar' doesn't have any common slang meanings or double meanings. It's pretty straightforward in its medical usage.
Is 'recetar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'recetar' are consistent across Spain and Latin America.
How do you conjugate 'recetar' in Spanish?
Here's the present tense conjugation: Yo receto Tú recetas Él/Ella/Usted receta Nosotros/as recetamos Vosotros/as recetáis Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes recetan

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "recetar"

Synonyms: formular, indicar, mandar

💡 Did You Know?

While 'recetar' primarily refers to prescribing medication, it can also be used to prescribe other forms of treatment like rest, physiotherapy, or a specific diet.

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