soy enfermero
/soi enfeɾmeɾo/from spelling rules
To say "I am a nurse" in Spanish, use soy enfermero.
This phrase is used to identify your profession as a nurse.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I am nurse" because Spanish does not use indefinite articles when stating a profession.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word soy is the first-person singular present tense of the verb ser, which is used for permanent characteristics like professions. If the speaker is female, the noun must change from enfermero to enfermera.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often incorrectly include the indefinite article un when stating their profession. Avoid saying soy un enfermero. Instead, say soy enfermero.
Did you know?
- The word enfermero is a close relative of the English word 'infirmary'. Both derive from the Latin root for 'sick' or 'weak'.
- The Spanish suffix -ero in enfermero is a common marker for trades, appearing in other words like panadero for 'baker' and cartero for 'mail carrier'.
- While soy enfermero describes a professional identity, the word enfermería can refer to both the academic study of nursing and the physical room where nurses work.
Examples in context
- Soy enfermero.I am a nurse.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase soy enfermero.Tatoeba #630736 by Dejo, translation #1864720 by gleydin
- Soy enfermero en un hospital grande.I am a nurse in a large hospital.
- No soy médico, soy enfermero.I am not a doctor, I am a nurse.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are meeting for the first time at a party.
- DanielHola Sofía, soy Daniel.Hi Sofía, I am Daniel.
- SofíaMucho gusto, Daniel. ¿A qué te dedicas?Nice to meet you, Daniel. What do you do?
- DanielSoy enfermero en la clínica central.I am a nurse at the central clinic.
- Sofía¡Qué bien! Es un trabajo muy importante.That's great! It is a very important job.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enfermero, soy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
