se atiende sin cita
/se atjende sin θita/from spelling rules
The English phrase "walk-ins welcome" is translated into Spanish as se atiende sin cita.
This phrase is used by businesses such as barbershops, clinics and salons to indicate that customers can visit without making an appointment. It is often found on signage or websites.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase se atiende sin cita literally means "one is attended to without an appointment".
Which one should you use?
While se atiende sin cita is the standard, you can add previa to the end of the phrase (sin cita previa) to make the expression sound more formal or complete. For instance, sin cita previa translates to "without prior appointment".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, common variations include Se aceptan clientes sin cita and Recibimos visitas sin previa cita. In Argentina, you might see Atendemos sin previa cita or No hace falta sacar turno previo.
How does it change in a sentence?
If a business is referring to multiple types of services or people being attended to, the verb can change to the plural form se atienden.
Did you know?
- In Argentina, you might see the word turno used instead of cita when discussing appointments. While cita often implies a social or romantic date, turno specifically refers to a scheduled slot or a turn in a queue.
- The word cita is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'cite'. Both stem from the idea of 'calling' someone or summoning them to a specific place or time.
Examples in context
- En nuestra clínica se atiende sin cita.In our clinic, walk-ins are welcome.
Example conversation
Elena is asking Alejandro about a local hair salon.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿hay que reservar en la peluquería?Alejandro, do we have to book at the hair salon?
- AlejandroNo, allí se atiende sin cita.No, walk-ins are welcome there.
- ElenaQué bien, vamos ahora mismo.That's great, let's go right now.
- AlejandroPerfecto, yo te acompaño, Elena.Perfect, I'll go with you, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cita, se, sin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
