oftalmólogo
/oftalˈmoloɡo/
The English phrase "eye doctor" is oftalmólogo in Spanish.
The term refers to an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
Meaning: optometrist or ophthalmologist (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form is oftalmóloga, the masculine plural is oftalmólogos and the feminine plural is oftalmólogas.
How do you pronounce it?
/oftalˈmoloɡo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, people might use the word oculista instead of oftalmólogo. While once the standard term, it is now often seen as an older or more informal way to refer to an eye doctor.
- While oftalmólogo is the formal term, some Spanish speakers colloquially refer to the eye clinic as la óptica, even when they are visiting a medical surgeon.
- The word oftalmólogo is an example of a 'cultismo', a word borrowed directly from Latin or Greek that does not follow the usual phonetic evolution of the Spanish language over centuries.
Examples in context
- L. L. Zamenhof fue un oftalmólogo judío.L. L. Zamenhof was a Jewish eye doctor.This sentence is useful for identifying the profession of L. L. Zamenhof using oftalmólogo.Tatoeba #10063082 by manufrutos, translation #10062242 by shekitten
- Necesito hacer una cita con el oftalmólogo.I need to make an appointment with the ophthalmologist.
- El oftalmólogo me recetó unas gotas.The eye doctor prescribed me some drops.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing eye health at home.
- Elena¿Tienes el número de tu oftalmólogo?Do you have your eye doctor's number?
- JavierSí, lo tengo en mi teléfono.Yes, I have it on my phone.
- ElenaEs que no veo bien sin gafas.It's just that I can't see well without glasses.
- JavierEntonces, llámalo ahora mismo.Then, call him right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry oftalmólogo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
