At the Hospital / ER
Use these phrases to register, explain what happened, and ask important questions when you need medical help at a hospital or ER.
Key Phrases
¡Necesito ayuda rápido!
casualI need help fast!
Use this only in a true, immediate emergency to get attention.
Necesito un médico ahora mismo. Es una emergencia.
neutralI need a doctor right now. It's an emergency.
Clear and direct, good for the reception desk.
Por favor, ¿puede ayudarme? Es urgente.
politePlease, can you help me? It's urgent.
More polite—use with staff when the situation is serious but you are waiting in line.
Me caí y me duele mucho el brazo.
neutralI fell and my arm hurts a lot.
Use 'me caí' (I fell) to talk about an accident in the past.
Mi hijo está muy enfermo. Tiene fiebre.
neutralMy son is very sick. He has a fever.
You can change 'hijo' (son) to 'hija' (daughter) or 'esposo' (husband).
Aquí tiene mi tarjeta de seguro y mi pasaporte.
neutralHere is my insurance card and my passport.
They will always ask for these when you register.
¿Va a tardar mucho?
casualIs it going to take long?
A very common, natural way to ask if you will wait a long time.
Disculpe, ¿cuánto tiempo tenemos que esperar?
politeExcuse me, how long do we have to wait?
More polite—use this with the receptionist so you don't sound angry.
¿Dónde está la sala de espera?
neutralWhere is the waiting room?