Spanish Phrase
¿El Dr. Smith acepta pacientes?
Meaning
The speaker is asking whether Dr. Smith is currently taking on new patients. It can be used in a clinic, over the phone, or in an email to confirm availability.
When to use
Use this question when you need to know if a specific doctor is open to seeing new patients, for example when scheduling an appointment, calling a medical office, or asking a receptionist.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ElDr.Smithaceptapacientes?
Definite article (El)
Use the masculine singular article 'el' before a masculine noun or title like 'Dr.'
Abbreviation (Dr.)
In Spanish, 'Dr.' is the standard abbreviation for 'doctor' and is placed before the surname.
Present indicative (acepta)
The verb 'aceptar' conjugated in third‑person singular present indicates a habitual or current action.
Plural noun (pacientes)
The noun 'paciente' becomes 'pacientes' to refer to more than one patient.
Interrogative punctuation
Spanish questions are enclosed by opening (¿) and closing (?) question marks.
🗨In Conversation
¿El Dr. Smith acepta pacientes?
Does Dr. Smith accept patients?
Sí, todavía tiene disponibilidad para nuevos pacientes.
Yes, he still has availability for new patients.
✕Common Mistakes
¿El Dr. Smith es pacientes?
Use 'acepta' (accepts) instead of 'es' (is) because you are asking about an action, not a description.
¿El Dr. Smithes acepta pacientes?
Do not attach the article to the surname; keep the article separate: 'El Dr. Smith', not 'El Dr. Smithes'.
¿El Dr. Smith acepta paciente?
The question refers to multiple patients, so use the plural 'pacientes'.
↔Alternatives
¿El doctor Smith está tomando pacientes?
Is Dr. Smith taking patients?
¿El Dr. Smith recibe pacientes nuevos?
Does Dr. Smith receive new patients?
¿Acepta el Dr. Smith nuevos pacientes?
Does Dr. Smith accept new patients?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries the full word 'doctor' is often used instead of the abbreviation, especially in spoken language: '¿El doctor Smith acepta pacientes?'. Also, it is polite to add a courtesy phrase such as 'por favor' or to introduce yourself before asking the question.