tienes una cita
/tjenes una θita/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you have an appointment" is translated into Spanish as tienes una cita.
This phrase is used to inform someone that they have a scheduled meeting with another person. In Spanish, the word cita can mean both a professional appointment and a romantic date, so the context of your conversation will determine the meaning.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "you have a date/appointment".
Which one should you use?
While cita is the word used for appointments, you should use reunión if you are referring specifically to a business meeting or a gathering of people.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
However, you should use tiene una cita when speaking to a client, a doctor or someone you do not know personally to show respect.
When do people say it?
If you want to politely request an appointment rather than stating one exists, you can use the phrase ¿Podría reservar una hora?, which means "Could I schedule an appointment?"
Did you know?
- The word cita is also used in Spanish to refer to a literal quotation from a book or a famous person.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, arriving exactly at the time of a cita for a social gathering may be seen as too early, as the host may still be preparing.
- The word cita comes from the verb citar, which means 'to cite' or 'to summon', linking your appointment to the idea of being called to a specific place.
Examples in context
- ¿Tienes una cita?Do you have an appointment?This example is useful for asking if someone has an appointment using tienes una cita.Tatoeba #1372923 by enteka, translation #324736 by CK
- Hoy tienes una cita con el dentista.Today you have an appointment with the dentist.
- Mañana tienes una cita para el examen.Tomorrow you have an appointment for the exam.
Example conversation
Alejandro is reminding María about her schedule.
- AlejandroMaría, tienes una cita ahora.María, you have an appointment now.
- MaríaOh, lo olvidé por completo.Oh, I completely forgot.
- AlejandroEl abogado te está esperando.The lawyer is waiting for you.
- MaríaGracias, voy enseguida.Thanks, I'm going right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cita, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
