tengo una cita
/tenɡo una θita/from spelling rules
To say "I have an appointment" in Spanish, use tengo una cita.
This phrase is used to state that you have a scheduled meeting with a professional or another person. You can use it for various professional appointments, such as meeting with a doctor, a lawyer or a hair stylist.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tengo (I have), una (an/one) and cita (appointment/date).
Which one should you use?
The word cita is versatile and can refer to either a professional appointment or a romantic date.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify the person you are meeting, add the preposition con after the phrase, as in tengo una cita con… (I have an appointment with…).
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo una θita/
Did you know?
- While cita means 'appointment' or 'date', it also refers to a 'quote' from a book or a person in a literary or journalistic context.
- While tengo una cita is perfectly correct, in many Latin American countries, it is very common to use the verb tener with turno to describe a medical or professional appointment.
- The word cita is a 'deverbal' noun, meaning it is derived directly from the verb citar, which means 'to cite' or 'to summon'.
Examples in context
- Tengo una cita el lunes.I have an appointment on Monday.This sentence shows how to include a specific day using tengo una cita.Tatoeba #6810665 by arh, translation #6810522 by CK
- Tengo una cita a las tres.I have an appointment at three.This sentence shows how to include a specific time using tengo una cita.Tatoeba #3441815 by Shishir, translation #3444808 by macaboy
- Esta tarde tengo una cita.I have an appointment this afternoon.This sentence shows how to include a time of day using tengo una cita.Tatoeba #11364866 by Jeigmz, translation #11385368 by DJ_Saidez
- Por favor, disculpe. Tengo una cita con el doctor Pérez a las 4 de la tarde.Please excuse me. I have an appointment with Dr. Pérez at 4 PM.
- Disculpe, necesito salir temprano hoy. Tengo una cita médica a las 2 de la tarde.Excuse me, I need to leave early today. I have a medical appointment at 2 PM.
- Le ruego que posponga nuestra reunión. Tengo una cita de negocios a la misma hora.I request to reschedule our meeting. I have a business appointment at the same time.
- No podré ir a la fiesta. Tengo un compromiso a esa hora.I won't be able to attend the party. I have an appointment at that time.
- ¿Podemos hacerlo mañana en lugar de hoy? Tengo una cita pendiente ahora.Can we do it tomorrow instead of today? I have an appointment right now.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking at a cafe about their schedules.
- Mateo¿Quieres ir al cine conmigo?Do you want to go to the cinema with me?
- MaríaLo siento, Mateo, tengo una cita.I'm sorry, Mateo, I have an appointment.
- Mateo¿Es algo importante?Is it something important?
- MaríaSí, es una cita con el médico.Yes, it is an appointment with the doctor.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cita, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
