óptico
/ˈobtiko/
The Spanish word for optician is óptico.
The term refers to a professional who makes or sells lenses and spectacles. It can also be used to refer to the optical shop itself, in which case it is often used with a feminine article as la óptica.
Meaning: a person who makes or sells lenses, spectacles (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use the masculine form óptico when referring to the profession in general or to a person of unknown gender. Use the feminine form óptica to refer specifically to a female optician.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is an adjective-based noun that changes to óptica to refer to a female optician.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈobtiko/
Did you know?
- The word óptica can refer to an optician's shop, the science of light, or even a person's specific perspective or point of view on a subject.
- While an óptico sells glasses, a person who specifically examines eyes to prescribe a prescription is an optometrista.
- The term óptico is derived directly from the Latin opticus, making it a linguistic 'cognate' that is nearly identical to its English relative.
Examples in context
- María necesita ver a un óptico para revisar su vista.Maria needs to see an optician to check her vision.
- El óptico me recomendó este modelo.The optician recommended this model to me.
- Necesito ir al óptico para mis gafas.I need to go to the optician for my glasses.
- ¿Conoces a un buen óptico en la ciudad?Do you know a good optician in the city?
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking about Daniel's new vision problems.
- DanielNo veo bien sin mis lentillas.I can't see well without my contact lenses.
- LucíaDeberías llamar al óptico hoy mismo.You should call the optician today.
- DanielTienes razón, voy a buscar su número.You're right, I'm going to look for his number.
- LucíaEspero que el óptico pueda ayudarte pronto.I hope the optician can help you soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry óptico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries óptico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
