What does it mean word for word?
The phrase atención médica is composed of atención, meaning 'attention' or 'care' and médica, meaning 'medical'.
Which one should you use?
While atención médica focuses on medical or doctor-led care, atención sanitaria is a broader term used in official or administrative contexts to refer to the entire healthcare system or public health services.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several formal ways to express this concept depending on the context. Cuidado de la salud is a formal way to say 'healthcare'. Asistencia médica refers to medical assistance or healthcare in a broad sense and is a more formal way to describe the provision of care, often found in legal or institutional documents. Additionally, Servicios de salud translates to 'health services' and encompasses the overall healthcare system.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Colombia, the word medicina is occasionally used instead of cuidado de la salud or atención médica.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because atención is a feminine noun, the adjective médica must also be used in its feminine form.
Did you know?
- The word atención is derived from the Latin attentiōnem, which comes from attendō, meaning 'to stretch toward'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of atención extends beyond clinical treatment to include a high level of interpersonal warmth and empathy from the provider.
- In Spanish, the word atención is used not only for medical care but also for customer service in shops or restaurants.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría saber más sobre el cuidado de la salud en este país.I would like to know more about healthcare in this country.
- La asistencia médica en este hospital es excelente.The medical assistance in this hospital is excellent.
- El acceso a la atención médica es un derecho.Access to healthcare is a right.
- La atención médica es un derecho fundamental.Healthcare is a fundamental right.
- Buscamos mejorar la atención médica en el país.We are looking to improve healthcare in the country.
- El costo de la atención médica es muy alto.The cost of healthcare is very high.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing their new jobs.
- SofíaMi nueva empresa ofrece buena atención médica.My new company offers good healthcare.
- JavierEso es muy importante, Sofía.That is very important, Sofía.
- Sofía¿Y tu trabajo, Javier?And your job, Javier?
- JavierLa mía no incluye atención médica.Mine doesn't include healthcare.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atención, CC BY-SA 4.0.
