otorrinolaringólogo
/ˌotoˌrinoˌlaɾinˈɡoloɡo/
The Spanish word for otolaryngologist is otorrinolaringólogo.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of oto- (ear), rino- (nose), laringo- (larynx) and logo- (specialist/study).
Which one should you use?
In casual conversation, Spanish speakers almost always shorten the word to el otorrino or la otorrino. An informal way to refer to an otolaryngologist is médico de oídos, nariz y garganta.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The formal translation for otolaryngologist is Otorrinolaringólogo / Otorrinolaringóloga. MÉDICO ORL is an informal abbreviation for médico otorrinolaringólogo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term otorrinolaringólogo is used for a male specialist. The masculine form otorrinolaringólogo changes to the feminine otorrinolaringóloga when referring to a female specialist.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌotoˌrinoˌlaɾinˈɡoloɡo/
Did you know?
- The word otorrinolaringólogo is often cited as one of the longest common words in the Spanish language, making it a favorite example for students practicing pronunciation.
- The shortened form otorrino is so common that using the full word otorrinolaringólogo in a casual setting can sound unintentionally pompous or overly clinical.
- Because otorrinolaringólogo is so long, Spanish speakers frequently use 'truncation', a linguistic process where the end of a word is dropped to create a new, permanent noun like otorrino.
Examples in context
- El otorrinolaringólogo padecía hipopotomonstrosesquipedaliofobia.The otolaryngologist suffered from hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia.This sentence demonstrates the use of the term otorrinolaringólogo in a sentence.Tatoeba #1954451 by zahurdias, translation #1955281 by zahurdias
- ¿Conoce algún buen otorrinolaringólogo en la ciudad?Do you know any good otolaryngologist in the city?
- Necesito una cita con un médico de oídos, nariz y garganta.I need an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar un médico ORL en línea?Where can I find an ENT doctor online?
- El otorrinolaringólogo me revisó el oído.The otolaryngologist checked my ear.
- Necesito una cita con el otorrinolaringólogo.I need an appointment with the otolaryngologist.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking about a medical appointment at home.
- Lucía¿Tienes cita con el otorrinolaringólogo, Mateo?Do you have an appointment with the otolaryngologist, Mateo?
- MateoSí, Lucía, tengo cita mañana.Yes, Lucía, I have an appointment tomorrow.
- LucíaEspero que el otorrinolaringólogo te ayude.I hope the otolaryngologist helps you.
- MateoGracias, espero que sea así.Thanks, I hope so.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry otorrinolaringólogo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
