pedir una cita
/pediɾ una θita/from spelling rules
To schedule an appointment in Spanish is pedir una cita.
This phrase is commonly used in medical, legal or professional contexts to arrange a meeting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase pedir una cita literally translates to to ask for an appointment.
Which one should you use?
You can use Agendar una cita as a common and neutral alternative. If you want to emphasize the act of reaching an agreement on a time, use concertar una cita. In informal settings across Latin America, you may hear Arreglar una cita to mean 'to arrange an appointment'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Central America, you may hear the variations Agendar una cita and Marcar una cita. In Spain, the variation Pedir cita is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb pedir is used in the infinitive form to express the general action of requesting or scheduling an appointment.
How do you pronounce it?
/pediɾ una θita/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word cita is used for both a professional appointment and a romantic date. Depending on the context, tengo una cita could mean you are visiting a dentist or going on a first date.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a cita is seen as a flexible window of time rather than a rigid start time. Arriving slightly after the scheduled hour is often culturally acceptable in social or semi-professional contexts.
- While pedir una cita is used for professionals, the word cita also refers to a literary quotation. To quote a book or an author is to citar them.
Examples in context
- Necesito agendar una cita para revisar mis documentosI need to schedule an appointment to review my documents
- Entonces nos vemos el martes 10 de agosto a las 2 pm en la oficina principal, ¿correcto?So, we'll meet on Tuesday, August 10th, at 2 pm in the main office, correct?
- 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 dentista.I want to schedule an appointment with the dentist.
- ¿Puedo pedir una cita para el lunes?Can I schedule an appointment for Monday?
- Ella llamó para pedir una cita médica.She called to schedule a medical appointment.
Example conversation
Sofía is calling a clinic to see Javier, the doctor.
- SofíaHola, necesito pedir una cita con el doctor Javier.Hello, I need to schedule an appointment with doctor Javier.
- JavierClaro, ¿qué día le viene mejor, Sofía?Of course, what day works best for you, Sofía?
- SofíaEl próximo martes por la mañana sería perfecto.Next Tuesday morning would be perfect.
- JavierEstá bien, ya tiene su cita programada.Alright, your appointment is now scheduled.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
