otorrinolaringólogo
/ˌotoˌrinoˌlaɾinˈɡoloɡo/
The English phrase 'ent doctor' is translated into Spanish as otorrinolaringólogo.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of oto- (ear), rino- (nose), laringo- (larynx/throat) and -logo (specialist/one who studies).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal or professional contexts, you can use Médico Otorrinolaringólogo or Doctor Especialista en Otorrinolaringología. In casual conversation, Spanish speakers almost always shorten the long word to the informal el otorrino or la otorrino.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female ENT doctor, change the ending to otorrinolaringóloga. For the plural form, add an s to the end, resulting in otorrinolaringólogos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌotoˌrinoˌlaɾinˈɡoloɡo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the phrase doctor de ENT, as this is not used in Spanish. Instead, use the full term otorrinolaringólogo.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, people may jokingly refer to the profession as el doctor de los tres agujeros meaning 'the doctor of the three holes'.
- Because the word is so long, it is a common target for 'tongue-twister' challenges among Spanish speakers testing their articulation.
- The word otorrinolaringólogo is one of the longest common words in the Spanish language, often cited alongside esternocleidomastoideo as a benchmark for vocabulary complexity.
Examples in context
- Necesito hacer una cita con un médico otorrinolaringólogoI need to make an appointment with an ENT doctor.
- Voy a visitar al médico de oído, nariz y garganta para que me revise la garganta.I'm going to visit the ENT doctor to have my throat checked.
- Necesito una cita con el otorrinolaringólogo.I need an appointment with the ENT doctor.
- El otorrinolaringólogo revisó mis oídos.The ENT doctor checked my ears.
- ¿Es usted el otorrinolaringólogo de la clínica?Are you the ENT doctor at the clinic?
Example conversation
María is at the doctor's office explaining her symptoms to Alejandro.
- AlejandroHola María, ¿qué te sucede?Hello María, what is wrong?
- MaríaMe duele mucho la garganta, Alejandro.My throat hurts a lot, Alejandro.
- AlejandroDebes ir a ver al otorrinolaringólogo.You should go see the ENT doctor.
- MaríaTienes razón, buscaré una cita.You are right, I will look for an appointment.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry otorrinolaringólogo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
