veterinario
/beteɾiˈnaɾjo/
The English phrase 'vet' is translated into Spanish as veterinario.
In Spanish, when saying 'I went to the vet', you use the definite article el (the) rather than the indefinite article un (a).
Meaning: short form of veterinary surgeon (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
médico veterinario is more commonly used in Latin American countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun changes its ending to veterinaria when referring to a female veterinarian. The plural form veterinarios is used for a group of male vets or a mixed-gender group of vets. The plural form veterinarias is used when referring exclusively to a group of female vets.
How do you pronounce it?
/beteɾiˈnaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word veterinario shares the same ancient root as the English word 'veteran', as both originally described someone who has aged or been around for a long time.
- The word veterinario is derived from the Latin veterinarius, which originally referred specifically to a keeper of horses.
- While veterinario is the standard term, some rural areas in Spain and Latin America may use the word curandero for someone who treats livestock without formal degrees.
Examples in context
- Mi hermano es veterinario.My brother is a vet.Tatoeba #2039300 by Shishir, translation #756704 by CM
- Llevé a mi perro al veterinario.I took my dog to the vet.Tatoeba #2725324 by Shishir, translation #2545585 by CK
- Hoy llevé a mi perro al veterinario.I took my dog to the vet today.Tatoeba #1361108 by hayastan, translation #9795571 by DJ_Saidez
- Mi perro necesita visitar al veterinario para su chequeo anual.My dog needs to visit the vet for his annual check-up.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing a sick cat at home.
- María¿Debo llamar al veterinario?Should I call the vet?
- JavierSí, el veterinario puede ayudar a la gata.Yes, the vet can help the cat.
- MaríaEspero que el veterinario sea amable.I hope the vet is kind.
- JavierNo te preocupes, María, él es muy bueno.Don't worry, María, he is very good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry veterinario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries veterinario, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
