hospital
/ospiˈtal/masculine
The English word 'hospital' is translated into Spanish as hospital. If unsure, use hospital. Wiktionary also lists nosocomio.
Meaning: large medical facility (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hospital | /ospiˈtal/ | masculine |
| nosocomio | /nosoˈkomjo/ | masculine |
The term refers to a large medical facility.
Which one should you use?
hospital is the standard, everyday term used in most situations. nosocomio is a highly formal or technical synonym used specifically in legal, medical or administrative contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term nosocomio is used in Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective hospitalario is used to describe things related to a hospital, such as hospital services. The related adjective nosocomial may also be used in technical contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/ospiˈtal/
What mistakes should you avoid?
The 'h' in hospital is always silent in Spanish. Do not pronounce it as you would the 'h' in the English word 'house'.
Did you know?
- The word hospital is a doublet of the Spanish word hostal, meaning 'hostel'. Both words share the same root in the Latin term for a guest or stranger.
- The Spanish word hospitalario can describe both a medical professional and the quality of being 'hospitable' or welcoming.
- In Spanish, the term nosocomial is used specifically to describe infections acquired within a hospital setting.
Examples in context
- Él irá al hospital.He'll go to hospital.This sentence shows how to use hospital when describing someone going to the hospital.Tatoeba #4589454 by DarkHollow, translation #296620 by sundown
- Hoy irá al hospital.He'll go to the hospital today.This sentence demonstrates using hospital to indicate a person is going to the hospital today.Tatoeba #987242 by Shishir, translation #986514 by CK
- Esto es un hospital.This is a hospital.This sentence shows how to use hospital to identify a building.Tatoeba #2119510 by Shishir, translation #61614 by adjusting
- 304 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are driving in the city.
- Daniel¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano?Where is the nearest hospital?
- LucíaEl hospital está a dos calles.The hospital is two streets away.
- DanielGracias, Lucía, por ayudarme.Thanks, Lucía, for helping me.
- LucíaNo hay de qué, Daniel.You're welcome, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hospital” translations and entries hospital, nosocomio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hospital, nosocomio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
