Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hospital psiquiátrico | /ospital bsikjatɾiko/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| manicomio | /maniˈkomjo/ | masculine, offensive |
| frenopático | /fɾenoˈpatiko/ | colloquial, masculine |
This term refers to a facility designed to treat persons with mental disorders.
Which one should you use?
Use hospital psiquiátrico for a neutral, clinical or professional description. In contrast, manicomio carries the connotation of an asylum or madhouse and frenopático is a slang term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Hospital psiquiátrico is the neutral and professional choice. If you need even more formal or specific medical terms, you can use Hospital Psiquiátrico (psychiatric hospital), Instituto Psiquiátrico (psychiatric institute), Clínica Psiquiátrica (psychiatric clinic) or Sanatorio Mental (mental sanatorium). For informal or colloquial speech, you might hear frenopático. However, be aware that manicomio is often perceived as derogatory or stigmatizing and should be used with caution.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make hospital psiquiátrico plural, change both words to hospitales psiquiátricos.
Did you know?
- In colloquial Spanish, manicomio is often used metaphorically to describe any place that is chaotic or disorganized, such as a messy office or a loud classroom.
- The term frenopático derives from the Greek phrēn, referring to the mind or diaphragm, which ancient Greeks believed was the seat of intelligence.
- The Spanish word hospital shares the same ancient root as the English word 'hostel'.
Examples in context
- Le mandaron a un manicomio.He was sent to a mental hospital.This sentence illustrates the use of manicomio.Tatoeba #1875972 by Shishir, translation #1875818 by Spamster
- Mi tía trabaja en un hospital psiquiátricoMy aunt works in a psychiatric hospital
- Estoy realizando una investigación en un instituto psiquiátricoI'm conducting research at a psychiatric institute
- Mi hermano acude a una clínica psiquiátrica para terapiaMy brother attends a psychiatric clinic for therapy
- Ella fue ingresada en un sanatorio mental durante su crisisShe was admitted to a mental sanatorium during her crisis
- Él fue internado en un hospital psiquiátrico.He was admitted to a mental hospital.
- Buscan un hospital psiquiátrico en esta ciudad.They are looking for a mental hospital in this city.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing a news report about a local clinic.
- Mateo¿Viste la noticia sobre el hospital psiquiátrico?Did you see the news about the mental hospital?
- MaríaNo, Mateo, ¿qué pasó?No, Mateo, what happened?
- MateoHubo un problema con las instalaciones.There was a problem with the facilities.
- MaríaEs una situación muy difícil para todos.It is a very difficult situation for everyone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mental hospital” translations and entries hospital psiquiátrico, manicomio, frenopático, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hospital, manicomio, psiquiátrico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
