Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| veterinario | /beteɾiˈnaɾjo/ | masculine |
| veterinaria | /beteɾiˈnaɾja/ | feminine |
A veterinarian is a doctor who treats animals. In Spanish, it is common to use the noun veterinario to refer to the clinic or the professional service itself, similar to saying "I'm going to the vet".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico and parts of Central America, the term médico veterinario is commonly used to refer to a veterinarian.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form veterinaria is used when referring specifically to a female veterinarian. The masculine plural form veterinarios is used for a group of male veterinarians or a mixed-gender group of veterinarians. The feminine plural form veterinarias is used when referring to a group consisting only of female veterinarians.
How do you pronounce it?
/beteɾiˈnaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish veterinario shares a common ancestor with the English word 'veteran'. Both come from the Latin word vetus, which means 'old'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is customary to refer to a veterinario as doctor out of respect, even though the term médico is technically reserved for human physicians in strict academic contexts.
- In a professional setting, if you are referring to the field of study or the medical discipline, you might use la veterinaria as a noun rather than the person.
Examples in context
- Pensé que Tom era veterinario.I thought Tom was a veterinarian.This sentence uses the masculine form veterinario to describe Tom.Tatoeba #2072009 by hayastan, translation #1961490 by CK
- Hoy llevé a mi perro al veterinario.I took my dog to the veterinarian today.This sentence uses the masculine form veterinario to refer to the veterinarian or clinic as a destination.Tatoeba #1361108 by hayastan, translation #9795572 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿Cuánto tiempo necesita un veterinario para examinar a un caballo?How long does it take for a veterinarian to examine a horse?Tatoeba #936343 by Shishir, translation #680866 by Source_VOA
- Necesito llevar a mi perro al veterinario para una revisión médica.I need to take my dog to the veterinarian for a medical check-up.
- Mi gato necesita atención urgente, necesito contactar a un médico veterinario lo antes posible.My cat needs urgent care, I need to contact a veterinary doctor as soon as possible.
- Voy a llevar a mi perro al vet para que lo revisen.I'm going to take my dog to the vet to get him checked.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing their pet's health.
- MateoMi gato está enfermo y necesita un veterinario.My cat is sick and needs a veterinarian.
- LucíaYo conozco a un veterinario muy bueno aquí.I know a very good veterinarian here.
- Mateo¿Puede el veterinario atenderlo hoy mismo?Can the veterinarian see him today?
- LucíaSí, Mateo, yo puedo llamarlo ahora.Yes, Mateo, I can call him now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “veterinarian” translations and entries veterinario, veterinaria, 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.
