Navigating a Clinic Visit | Learn Spanish in English

About This Lesson

Use Navigating a Clinic Visit to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Tengo una cita en la clínica.

TEN-goh OO-nah SEE-tah ehn lah KLEE-nee-kah. I have a clinic appointment.

Pero no estoy seguro de qué hacer primero.

PEH-roh noh ehs-TOY seh-GOO-roh deh KEH ah-SEHR pree-MEH-roh. But I am not sure what to do first.

Empieza en recepción y muéstrales tu tarjeta del seguro.

ehm-PYEH-sah ehn reh-sehp-SYOHN ee MWEHS-trah-lehs too tar-HEH-tah del seh-GOO-roh. Start at reception and show them your insurance card.

¿Tendré que llenar un formulario antes de ver a la enfermera?

tehn-DREH keh yeh-NAR oon for-moo-LAH-ryoh AHN-tehs deh behr ah lah ehn-fehr-MEH-rah? Will I need to fill out a form before I see the nurse?

Probablemente, especialmente si es tu primera visita.

proh-bah-BLEH-mehn-teh, ehs-peh-SYAL-mehn-teh see ehs too pree-MEH-rah bee-SEE-tah. Probably, especially if this is your first visit.

¿Debo esperar en la sala de espera principal después de eso?

DEH-boh ehs-peh-RAR ehn lah SAH-lah deh ehs-PEH-rah preen-see-PAHL dehs-PWEHS deh EH-soh? Should I wait in the main waiting room after that?

Quédate allí a menos que recepción te mande a otro lugar.

KEH-dah-teh ah-YEE ah MEH-nohs keh reh-sehp-SYOHN teh MAHN-deh ah OH-troh loo-GAR. Stay there unless reception sends you somewhere else.

Me pongo nervioso cuando no conozco el procedimiento.

meh POHN-goh nehr-BYOH-soh KWAHN-doh noh koh-NOHS-koh ehl proh-seh-dee-MYEHN-toh. I feel nervous when I do not know the procedure.

Es normal. Puedes pedirle al personal que te explique cada paso.

ehs nor-MAHL. PWEH-dehs peh-DEER-leh ahl pehr-soh-NAHL keh teh ehk-SPLEE-keh KAH-dah PAH-soh. That is normal. You can ask the staff to explain each step.

Llegaré temprano para tener suficiente tiempo para el papeleo.

yeh-gah-REH tehm-PRAH-noh pah-rah teh-NEHR soo-fee-SYEHN-teh TYEHM-poh pah-rah ehl pah-peh-LEH-oh. I will arrive early so I have enough time for the paperwork.

Tener tiempo extra debería hacer que la cita sea menos apresurada.

teh-NEHR TYEHM-poh EHKS-trah deh-beh-REE-ah ah-SEHR keh lah SEE-tah seh-ah MEH-nohs ah-preh-SOO-rah-dah. Extra time should make the appointment feel less rushed.

Word by Word

Tengo “Tengo” means “I have” here, referring to the speaker’s clinic appointment. It is a form of “tener” and is commonly used before something a person possesses or has scheduled; use it when telling someone about an appointment or other personal matter.

una “una” means “a” in “una cita” and introduces one unspecified appointment. It comes before a singular feminine noun, and you can reuse this pattern when mentioning one item, appointment, or event.

cita “cita” means “appointment” here, specifically the scheduled clinic visit. It commonly appears with a place or service to identify what the appointment is for; use it when arranging or discussing a scheduled meeting.

en “en” means “at” in “en la clínica,” showing where the appointment takes place. It is commonly used before a place, so use it when giving the location of an appointment or activity.

la “la” means “the” before “clínica,” referring to a specific clinic. It is used before a singular feminine noun when the listener can identify the place; use it with a known location.

clínica “clínica” means “clinic,” the healthcare place discussed in the dialogue. It can be used after a location word such as “en” to say where something happens; use it when talking about medical visits or services.

Pero “Pero” means “but” and introduces a contrast with having an appointment: the speaker still does not know what to do first. It commonly connects two ideas that do not fully match; use it to add a limitation or contrasting point.

no “no” makes the following statement negative, so “no estoy seguro” means the speaker is not sure. It normally comes before the verb or expression being negated; use it when denying or rejecting information.

estoy “estoy” means “I am” in the expression “no estoy seguro,” describing the speaker’s current state of certainty. It is a form of “estar” and is commonly used before temporary states or conditions; use it when describing how you are at a particular moment.

seguro “seguro” means “sure” in “no estoy seguro de qué hacer primero,” expressing uncertainty about the first action. It commonly appears with “estar” and “de” when someone is sure or unsure about information; use it when discussing confidence in a decision.

de “de” connects “seguro” with the matter the speaker is unsure about in “seguro de qué hacer primero.” It commonly follows expressions of certainty or uncertainty to introduce their subject; use it before information someone is confident or uncertain about.

qué “qué” means “what” in the indirect question “qué hacer primero,” identifying the action the speaker should take. It introduces a question about a thing or action inside a larger sentence; use it when asking which action or information is involved.

hacer “hacer” means “to do” in “qué hacer primero,” referring to the first action at the clinic. It is used here in the infinitive after “qué”; use it when talking about an action without naming a specific person who performs it.

primero “primero” means “first” and indicates the order of the clinic steps. It commonly appears with an action to show what should happen before the others; use it when asking or explaining the beginning of a process.

Empieza “Empieza” means “start” in the instruction “Empieza en recepción,” telling the person where to begin. It is a form of “empezar” used as a direct instruction; use it when guiding someone through the first step of a process.

recepción “recepción” means “reception” here, the clinic’s reception desk or check-in area. It commonly follows a location word when giving the starting point of a visit; use it when directing someone to the place where they check in.

y “y” means “and” and links the two instructions about starting at reception and showing the card. It joins related actions or ideas in sequence; use it to connect steps that belong to the same instruction.

muéstrales “muéstrales” means “show them,” telling the visitor to present the insurance card to the staff. The form combines the instruction to show with a pronoun referring to the people receiving it; use it when directing someone to present an object to other people.

tu “tu” means “your” in “tu tarjeta,” identifying the card as belonging to the person being addressed. It comes before the noun it describes; use it when referring to something owned or carried by the listener.

tarjeta “tarjeta” means “card,” specifically the insurance card shown at reception. It commonly appears with a possessive word and a phrase identifying its purpose; use it when discussing an identification, payment, or insurance card.

del “del” means “of the” in “la tarjeta del seguro,” linking the card with insurance. It is the contracted form of “de” and “el,” and it commonly connects a noun with the thing it relates to; use it when identifying what a card or object is for.

Tendré “Tendré” means “will I have to” in the question about completing a form before seeing the nurse. It is a future form of “tener” used with “que” to express a future obligation; use this construction when asking whether a future task will be necessary.

que “que” helps form the obligation in “Tendré que llenar,” meaning that the speaker will need to complete the form. It follows a form of “tener” in this obligation pattern and comes before the action; use it when saying that someone must do something.

llenar “llenar” means “to fill out” in “llenar un formulario,” referring to completing the form with information. It is used in the infinitive after the obligation expression; use it with a form or document that must be completed.

un “un” means “a” in “un formulario,” introducing one unspecified form. It comes before a singular masculine noun; use it when mentioning one document, object, or other item that has not been identified more specifically.

formulario “formulario” means “form,” the document the visitor may need to complete. It commonly appears after a verb meaning “fill out”; use it when discussing paperwork required by a clinic, office, or organization.

antes “antes” means “before” in “antes de ver a la enfermera,” placing the form-filling earlier in the visit. It is commonly followed by “de” and an action to show its earlier timing; use it when ordering two actions.

ver “ver” means “see” in “ver a la enfermera,” referring to meeting or being seen by the nurse. It is used here after “antes de” in the infinitive; use it when talking about seeing a person as part of an appointment.

a “a” marks the person being seen in “ver a la enfermera.” This use commonly comes before a specific person after a verb such as “ver”; use it when an action is directed toward or involves a particular person.

enfermera “enfermera” means “nurse,” the healthcare professional the visitor expects to see. It appears after “ver a” to identify the person involved in the appointment; use it when discussing care provided by a nurse.

Probablemente “Probablemente” means “probably,” giving an answer that is likely but not certain about the form. It commonly appears at the beginning of a reply or before the information being qualified; use it when making a cautious prediction.

especialmente “especialmente” means “especially,” emphasizing the condition of this being the person’s first visit. It commonly highlights one situation as more relevant than others; use it when adding a particularly important case.

si “si” means “if” and introduces the condition “es tu primera visita.” It commonly begins a conditional clause that explains when something applies; use it when connecting advice or a result to a condition.

es “es” means “is” in “si es tu primera visita” and “Es normal,” linking a person, situation, or thing with a description. It is a form of “ser” used for identification or characterization; use it when describing what something is or whether a situation is normal.

primera “primera” means “first” in “tu primera visita,” identifying this as the visitor’s initial clinic visit. It comes before the feminine noun it describes; use it when marking the first item or occurrence in an ordered series.

visita “visita” means “visit,” referring to the person’s trip to the clinic. It commonly appears with a possessive word or an adjective describing its order; use it when discussing a trip to a clinic, office, or another place.

Debo “Debo” means “should I” or “must I” in the question about waiting in the main room. It is a form of “deber” used before an infinitive to ask about obligation or advisable action; use it when asking what action is expected.

esperar “esperar” means “to wait” in “Debo esperar,” referring to remaining in the waiting room. It follows the form of “deber” in this question; use it when talking about waiting for a person, service, or appointment.

sala “sala” means “room” in “la sala de espera,” identifying the area where visitors remain before being called. It commonly combines with another noun phrase to specify a room’s purpose; use it when referring to an indoor area.

espera “espera” means “waiting” in “sala de espera,” describing the room’s purpose. It appears after “sala de” in this fixed type of location expression; use it when identifying a place intended for people who are waiting.

principal “principal” means “main” in “la sala de espera principal,” distinguishing the main waiting room from other possible rooms. It commonly follows the noun it describes; use it when identifying the primary place or part of a facility.

después “después” means “after that” in “después de eso,” referring to the step after completing the form. It commonly marks later time and can be followed by “de” plus an event or action; use it when explaining what happens next.

eso “eso” means “that” and refers back to the previously mentioned step, filling out the form. It commonly points to an idea or action already discussed; use it when referring back without repeating the whole situation.

Quédate “Quédate” means “stay,” instructing the visitor to remain in the waiting room. It is a direct instruction using a form of “quedarse”; use it when telling someone to remain in a place until something changes.

allí “allí” means “there,” pointing to the waiting room just mentioned. It commonly follows a verb of staying or going to identify a location; use it when the place is clear from the conversation.

menos “menos” contributes the meaning “unless” in the expression “a menos que recepción te mande a otro lugar.” It is part of a conditional expression that introduces an exception; use this expression when an instruction applies except under a stated condition.

te “te” means “you” as the person reception may send somewhere else in “te mande.” It appears next to the verb to mark the person affected by the action; use it when referring to the listener in a verb construction.

mande “mande” means “sends” in the exception “a menos que recepción te mande a otro lugar.” It expresses the possible action that would change where the visitor should stay; use it after a condition when describing an action another person or service might direct toward someone.

otro “otro” means “another” in “otro lugar,” referring to a place different from the waiting room. It comes before the noun it specifies; use it when directing someone to a different person, object, or location.

lugar “lugar” means “place” in “otro lugar,” referring to another area of the clinic. It commonly follows a word identifying which place is meant; use it when talking about a location without naming the exact room.

Me “Me” means “me” in “Me pongo nervioso,” marking the speaker as the person whose state changes. It appears before the verb in this expression; use it when describing an effect or feeling experienced by yourself.

pongo “pongo” means “become” in “Me pongo nervioso,” describing a change into a nervous state. It is a form of “ponerse” used with a feeling or condition; use this pattern when explaining that someone starts to feel a certain way.

nervioso “nervioso” means “nervous” in “Me pongo nervioso,” describing the speaker’s reaction to not knowing the procedure. It follows the expression with “ponerse” to name the resulting state; use it when discussing anxiety or unease in an uncertain situation.

cuando “cuando” means “when” and introduces the situation that causes the speaker to feel nervous. It commonly connects a main statement with the time or circumstance in which it occurs; use it to describe a repeated reaction or event.

conozco “conozco” means “know” in “no conozco el procedimiento,” referring to being familiar with the clinic’s procedure. It is a form of “conocer” used with the thing or situation known; use it when talking about familiarity with a person, place, or process.

el “el” means “the” before “procedimiento,” referring to a specific clinic procedure. It comes before a singular masculine noun when the subject is identifiable; use it with a known process, object, or situation.

procedimiento “procedimiento” means “procedure,” the sequence of steps the visitor wants to understand. It commonly appears with verbs of knowing or explaining; use it when discussing an official process at a clinic, office, or organization.

normal “normal” means “normal” in “Es normal,” reassuring the speaker that feeling nervous is understandable. It commonly follows “ser” to characterize a situation; use it when describing something as expected or not unusual.

Puedes “Puedes” means “you can” in the suggestion about asking the staff for an explanation. It is a form of “poder” used before an infinitive to express ability or permission; use it when offering someone a possible action.

pedirle “pedirle” means “ask the staff member or staff” in “pedirle al personal,” with the pronoun referring to the person or group being asked. It combines the action of asking with an indirect object pronoun; use it when asking someone for information, help, or an explanation.

al “al” means “to the” in “al personal,” marking the staff as the people receiving the request. It is the contracted form of “a” and “el,” and it commonly follows a verb of asking or speaking to someone; use it before a masculine singular noun phrase.

personal “personal” means “staff” here, referring to the clinic employees who can explain the steps. It commonly appears after a verb meaning “ask” when identifying who should provide help; use it when addressing employees collectively in a service setting.

explique “explique” means “explain” in “que te explique cada paso,” referring to the staff explaining the procedure to the visitor. It appears after a request for someone to perform an action; use it when asking another person to make information clear.

cada “cada” means “each” in “cada paso,” focusing on the steps one by one. It comes before a singular noun to distribute attention across the members of a group; use it when discussing individual parts of a process.

paso “paso” means “step” in “cada paso,” referring to each part of the clinic procedure. It commonly appears with a word such as “cada” when a process is explained sequentially; use it when asking someone to describe a process one stage at a time.

Llegaré “Llegaré” means “I will arrive,” stating the speaker’s plan to get to the clinic early. It is a future form of “llegar”; use it when making a plan or promise about arriving at a place.

temprano “temprano” means “early,” indicating that the speaker plans to arrive before the appointment time. It commonly modifies a verb of arriving or doing something; use it when explaining that an action will happen ahead of the expected time.

para “para” means “so that” in “para tener suficiente tiempo,” introducing the purpose of arriving early. It commonly comes before an infinitive to explain the goal of an action; use it when giving the reason for a plan.

tener “tener” means “to have” in “para tener suficiente tiempo,” referring to having enough time available. It is used in the infinitive after “para” to express purpose; use it when describing what a plan is intended to provide or achieve.

suficiente “suficiente” means “enough” in “suficiente tiempo,” showing that the available time will meet the need for paperwork. It commonly comes before a noun to express an adequate amount; use it when saying that a quantity meets a requirement.

tiempo “tiempo” means “time” in “suficiente tiempo para el papeleo,” referring to the period available before or during the appointment. It commonly combines with words describing amount or purpose; use it when planning how long an activity will take.

papeleo “papeleo” means “paperwork,” referring to the documents and forms connected with the clinic visit. It commonly appears after a phrase indicating time needed for an administrative task; use it when discussing forms or other required documents.

extra “extra” means “extra” in “tiempo extra,” referring to additional time beyond the minimum needed. It commonly follows the noun it describes; use it when discussing an added amount of time, space, or support.

debería “debería” means “should” in the prediction that extra time will make the appointment less rushed. It is used before an action or result to express an expected or advisable outcome; use it when making a careful prediction about what a plan will achieve.

sea “sea” means “be” in “hacer que la cita sea menos apresurada,” describing the result expected for the appointment. It follows a construction expressing that one thing causes or makes another thing have a quality; use it when describing an intended result.

apresurada “apresurada” means “rushed” in “menos apresurada,” describing an appointment that feels hurried. It modifies “la cita” and is used with “menos” to express a reduced degree; use it when explaining that extra time makes an activity feel calmer or less hurried.

Grammar Points

Imperativo afirmativo de tú: empieza / quédate

Empieza a llenar el formulario y quédate en la sala de espera.

ehm-PYEH-sah ah yeh-NAR ehl for-moo-LAH-ryoh ee KEH-dah-teh ehn lah SAH-lah deh ehs-PEH-rah.

Start filling out the form and stay in the waiting room.

Affirmative tú commands often use a special present-tense form. With reflexive verbs, the pronoun attaches to the end: quédate.

Spanish Vocabulary

cita noun

SEE-tah appointment

Tengo una cita en la clínica.

clínica noun

KLEE-nee-kah clinic

Tengo una cita en la clínica.

empezar verb

ehm-peh-SAR to start Empieza

Empieza en recepción.

enfermera noun

ehn-fehr-MEH-rah nurse

Antes de ver a la enfermera.

especialmente adv

ehs-peh-SYAL-mehn-teh especially

Especialmente si es tu primera visita.

formulario noun

for-moo-LAH-ryoh form

¿Tendré que llenar un formulario?

llenar verb

yeh-NAR to fill out

Llenar un formulario.

primera adj

pree-MEH-rah first

Tu primera visita.

probablemente adv

proh-bah-BLEH-mehn-teh probably

Probablemente, especialmente si es tu primera visita.

recepción noun

reh-sehp-SYOHN reception desk

Empieza en recepción.

seguro noun

seh-GOO-roh insurance

Muéstrales tu tarjeta del seguro.

tarjeta noun

tar-HEH-tah card

Tu tarjeta del seguro.

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

I have a clinic appointment.

Show Answer

Tengo una cita en la clínica.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to fill out

Show Answer

llenar

card

Show Answer

tarjeta

insurance

Show Answer

seguro

nurse

Show Answer

enfermera