otorrinolaringólogo
/ˌotoˌrinoˌlaɾinˈɡoloɡo/
The Spanish phrase for 'ear nose and throat doctor' is otorrinolaringólogo.
If you wish to refer to the medical field of otolaryngology itself, use the noun otorrinolaringología.
Which one should you use?
While otorrinolaringólogo is the standard term, you can also use the descriptive phrase especialista en oídos, nariz y garganta to mean 'specialist in ears, nose and throat'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal contexts, you may use médico otorrinolaringólogo. In informal or casual conversation, it is common to use médico otorrino or simply shorten the word to el otorrino to mean 'the ENT'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes its ending based on gender and number. Use otorrinolaringóloga to refer to a female doctor and add '-s' to the end to create the plural form otorrinolaringólogos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌotoˌrinoˌlaɾinˈɡoloɡo/
Did you know?
- The word otorrinolaringólogo is a linguistic 'chimera' constructed from four distinct Ancient Greek roots joined into a single medical term.
- While English uses the acronym 'ENT', Spanish prefers 'clipping' the word to create otorrino, a process where the end of the word is removed rather than using initials.
- The term otorrino is so ubiquitous in daily speech that using the full word otorrinolaringólogo in a casual setting can sound intentionally overly formal or pretentious.
Examples in context
- Creo que deberías visitar a un médico otorrino.I think you should visit an ear nose and throat doctor.
- Necesito ver a un otorrinolaringólogo.I need to see an ear nose and throat doctor.
- El otorrinolaringólogo me examinó el oído.The ear nose and throat doctor examined my ear.
- ¿Dónde está el consultorio del otorrinolaringólogo?Where is the ear nose and throat doctor's office?
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing a medical appointment at home.
- María¿Tienes una cita con el otorrinolaringólogo, Mateo?Do you have an appointment with the ear nose and throat doctor, Mateo?
- MateoSí, tengo cita mañana por la tarde.Yes, I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon.
- MaríaEspero que te sientas mejor pronto.I hope you feel better soon.
- MateoGracias, María. Espero que así sea.Thanks, María. I hope so.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry otorrinolaringólogo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries otorrinolaringólogo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
