programar una cita
/pɾoɡɾamaɾ una θita/from spelling rules
To set up an appointment in Spanish is to programar una cita.
This phrase is used to arrange a specific date and time to meet with someone. Note that the word cita is polysemous. It can refer to a professional appointment, such as with a doctor or lawyer or it can mean a romantic date.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb programar (to schedule or program) and the noun phrase una cita (an appointment or date).
Which one should you use?
While programar una cita focuses on the act of scheduling the time, you might also use pedir una cita to express the intent of requesting an appointment from a professional.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb programar is a regular -ar verb. For example, in the past tense, you would say programé una cita to mean 'I scheduled an appointment'.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoɡɾamaɾ una θita/
Did you know?
- The word cita also refers to a literary 'quote', as both involve 'citing' or bringing a specific piece of text or a person to a specific point.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, arriving exactly at the time of a cita for a social gathering may be considered too early and can surprise the host.
- The word cita comes from the same root as the rare English legal term 'cital', meaning to call up or summon someone.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, quisiera solicitar una cita para la próxima semana, preferiblemente el martes a las 10:00 a.m.Good morning, I would like to request an appointment for next week, preferably on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
- Hola Ana, ¿podemos quedar para el jueves a las 5:00 p.m.? Tengo una idea que me gustaría compartir contigo.Hi Ana, can we meet on Thursday at 5:00 p.m.? I have an idea I would like to share with you.
- Quisiera programar una cita con el doctor, por favor.I would like to schedule an appointment with the doctor, please.
- Necesito programar una cita con el dentista.I need to set up an appointment with the dentist.
- ¿Podemos programar una cita para el lunes?Can we set up an appointment for Monday?
- Ella quiere programar una cita con el abogado.She wants to set up an appointment with the lawyer.
Example conversation
Javier is calling María to organize a meeting at the clinic.
- JavierHola María, ¿podemos programar una cita para mañana?Hello María, can we set up an appointment for tomorrow?
- MaríaSí, Javier. ¿A qué hora te viene bien?Yes, Javier. What time works for you?
- JavierA las diez de la mañana es perfecto.Ten in the morning is perfect.
- MaríaDe acuerdo, te veo mañana a esa hora.All right, I will see you tomorrow at that time.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cita, programar, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
