centro de salud
/θentɾo de salud/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "health center" is centro de salud.
The phrase refers to a clinic or facility that provides basic medical care and health services to a community.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "center of health".
Which one should you use?
While centro de salud refers to a community facility, the word hospital is used for larger institutions with inpatient services.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cuba and Argentina, the term Policlínico is used to describe a medical facility. In Asturias, Spain, the phrase Centro de Atención Primaria is used to refer to a primary care health center.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, only the word centro changes to centros.
How do you pronounce it?
/θentɾo de salud/
Did you know?
- The word centro has an unexpected history. It is derived from the Greek kéntron, which originally described a 'sharp point' or something that 'stings'.
- The word salud is used as a toast when drinking, which is the equivalent of saying 'cheers' in English.
- If you are in a Spanish-speaking country and someone sneezes, you might say salud to them. In this context, it serves as the cultural equivalent of the English 'bless you'.
Examples in context
- Tienes que ir al consultorio para que te receten la medicina.You have to go to the health center to get your prescription.
- En Cuba, visité el policlínico para una radiografía.In Cuba, I visited the polyclinic for an x-ray.
- Hay un centro de salud cerca de aquí.There is a health center near here.
- El centro de salud abre a las ocho.The health center opens at eight.
- Debes ir al centro de salud hoy.You must go to the health center today.
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing where to find medical help.
- María¿Sabes dónde está el centro de salud?Do you know where the health center is?
- JavierSí, está al final de esta calle.Yes, it is at the end of this street.
- MaríaGracias, Javier, necesito ir allí pronto.Thanks, Javier, I need to go there soon.
- JavierEspero que te sientas mejor pronto, María.I hope you feel better soon, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries centro, de, salud, CC BY-SA 4.0.
