cita sin turno previo
/θita sin tuɾno pɾebjo/from spelling rules
The English phrase walk-in appointment is translated into Spanish as cita sin turno previo.
This phrase is used to describe an appointment made by visiting a business or clinic without scheduling a time in advance. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, you may also see the phrase atención por orden de llegada used to indicate that service is provided to whoever arrives first or the phrase atención sin cita to describe service provided without a prior booking.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'appointment without a prior turn' or 'appointment without a prior slot'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural for walk-in appointments, change cita to citas so it becomes citas sin turno previo.
How do you pronounce it?
/θita sin tuɾno pɾebjo/
Did you know?
- While 'cita' is the standard word for an appointment, it also means a 'date' in a romantic context. If you ask for a cita without context, someone might think you are asking them out on a romantic outing rather than a business meeting.
- While cita sin turno previo is common, some regions use cita espontánea to describe a walk-in visit, treating the lack of a schedule as a spontaneous act.
- The preposition sin used in this phrase is a direct cognate of the English word 'sans', as seen in the French 'sans'. This connects the Spanish way of saying 'without' to a more formal or literary English term.
Examples in context
- No tengo cita, pero ¿aceptan cita sin turno previo?I don't have an appointment, but do you accept walk-in appointments?
- Es difícil conseguir una cita sin turno previo hoy.It is difficult to get a walk-in appointment today.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are talking at a medical clinic reception.
- Lucía¿Es posible conseguir una cita sin turno previo?Is it possible to get a walk-in appointment?
- JavierSí, Lucía, pero tendrá que esperar un poco.Yes, Lucía, but you will have to wait a bit.
- LucíaNo hay problema, Javier, puedo esperar.No problem, Javier, I can wait.
- JavierPerfecto, tome asiento mientras le atienden.Perfect, take a seat while they assist you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cita, previo, sin, turno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
