pedir una cita
/pediɾ una θita/from spelling rules
To make an appointment in Spanish, you say pedir una cita.
The phrase is used when you want to arrange a specific time to meet with someone, such as a doctor or a professional. While pedir una cita is often used to request an appointment, be aware that the word cita can mean either a professional appointment or a romantic date depending on the context. To ask if there is any availability, you can use the phrase ¿Tiene algún horario disponible? (Do you have any available time slots?).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'to ask for an appointment'.
Which one should you use?
While pedir una cita focuses on the act of requesting the meeting, other forms may be used depending on your location or the level of formality required.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico, Agendar una cita is often used to mean 'make an appointment'. In Spain, Concertar una cita is a common formal synonym. In Argentina, the phrase Sacar un turno is commonly used instead of Hacer una cita.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb pedir in the first person singular present tense, it becomes pido. For example, pido una cita means 'I am making/asking for an appointment'.
How do you pronounce it?
/pediɾ una θita/
Did you know?
- The word cita can also mean 'a quote' or 'a quotation' from a book or a person. In this context, it refers to 'citing' a source rather than meeting a person.
- While cita can mean a romantic date, it is also the word used for a legal summons or a court date. The word is rooted in the idea of being 'cited' or called to a specific place.
- The verb pedir in this phrase is a distant relative of the English word 'petition', as both share the same Latin root meaning 'to seek or request'.
Examples in context
- Hola, necesito hacer una cita con el médico.Hi, I need to make an appointment with the doctor.
- Buenos días, me gustaría agendar una cita con el abogado.Good morning, I would like to schedule an appointment with the lawyer.
- Quiero pedir una cita con el médico, por favor.I want to make an appointment with the doctor, please.
- Quiero pedir una cita con el médico.I want to make an appointment with the doctor.
- ¿Puedo pedir una cita para mañana?Can I make an appointment for tomorrow?
- Llamé para pedir una cita con el abogado.I called to make an appointment with the lawyer.
Example conversation
Daniel is calling a dental clinic to schedule a visit.
- DanielHola, quiero pedir una cita con el dentista.Hello, I want to make an appointment with the dentist.
- MaríaClaro, ¿prefiere por la mañana o por la tarde?Sure, do you prefer in the morning or in the afternoon?
- DanielPor la mañana está bien para mí.The morning is fine for me.
- MaríaPerfecto, lo anotaré en la agenda, Daniel.Perfect, I will note it in the calendar, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cita, pedir, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
