pedir una cita
/pediɾ una θita/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'schedule an appointment' is translated into Spanish as pedir una cita.
The phrase is used when you want to arrange a specific date and time to meet with someone, such as a professional or a doctor. Although the word pedir translates to 'to ask for', pedir una cita is the standard way to express the act of scheduling or requesting an appointment in Spanish.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, pedir una cita means 'to ask for an appointment'.
Which one should you use?
While pedir una cita is the standard expression, you may also encounter Agendar una cita or Concertar una cita, both of which are more formal ways to express the act of arranging or making an appointment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb pedir is irregular in the first person present tense, where it becomes pido (I schedule/ask for).
How do you pronounce it?
/pediɾ una θita/
Did you know?
- While pedir una cita is used for doctors, the word cita also means 'a date' with a romantic partner. The context determines if you are visiting a dentist or going on a romantic outing.
- The verb pedir shares a common ancestor with the English word 'petition', as both come from the Latin 'petere' which means 'to seek' or 'to request'.
- In some Latin American countries, the verb agendar is common for scheduling. In Spain, this sounds more like the act of writing something down in a physical planner rather than the act of arranging the meeting.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría agendar una cita con el médico.I would like to schedule an appointment with the doctor.
- ¿Puede agendar una cita con el abogado para la próxima semana?Can you schedule an appointment with the lawyer for next week?
- Necesito concertar una cita con el director general.I need to schedule an appointment with the CEO.
- Te llamaré para concertar una cita en el banco.I will call you to schedule an appointment at the bank.
- Quisiera pedir una cita con el dentista.I would like to request an appointment with the dentist.
- He llamado para pedir una cita con el asesor financiero.I called to request an appointment with the financial advisor.
- ¿Puedes hacer una cita con el mecánico para mí?Can you schedule an appointment with the mechanic for me?
- Necesito hacer una cita en el salón de belleza para arreglarme el cabello.I need to schedule an appointment at the beauty salon to get my hair done.
- Quisiera pedir una cita con el médico, por favor.I would like to schedule an appointment with the doctor, please.
- Quiero pedir una cita con el médico.I want to schedule an appointment with the doctor.
- ¿Puedo pedir una cita para el martes?Can I schedule an appointment for Tuesday?
- Necesito pedir una cita con el abogado.I need to schedule an appointment with the lawyer.
Example conversation
Elena calls a dental clinic to see Daniel.
- ElenaHola, quiero pedir una cita con el dentista.Hello, I want to schedule an appointment with the dentist.
- DanielClaro, Daniel tiene un espacio libre mañana.Of course, Daniel has a free slot tomorrow.
- Elena¿A qué hora puede Daniel atenderme?What time can Daniel see me?
- DanielÉl puede recibirla a las diez de la mañana.He can see you at ten in the morning.
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.
