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Spanish Phrase

¿Puedo pedir cita con el médico?

/ˈpwe.ðo peˈðir ˈθi.ta kon el ˈme.ði.ko/
Meaning"Can I request an appointment with the doctor?"
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Meaning

This question politely asks whether it is possible to request an appointment with the doctor. It is a neutral, courteous way to start a conversation at a clinic or over the phone.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you call a medical office, speak to a receptionist, or ask a friend to help you schedule a visit. It works both in formal settings (hospital) and informal ones (private practice).

✦Grammar Breakdown

¿Puedopedircitaconelmédico?

1

Puedo (modal verb)

Puedo is the first‑person singular present of poder, used to ask for permission or ability.

2

Infinitive after poder

When poder is followed by another verb, that verb stays in its infinitive form (pedir).

3

cita (noun)

Cita means ‘appointment’; it is a feminine noun, so the article ‘una’ can be added for emphasis.

4

con + el médico

The preposition con introduces the person you want the appointment with; el médico is the standard term for ‘the doctor.’

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Puedo pedir cita con el médico?

Can I make an appointment with the doctor?

Claro, ¿para qué día le viene bien?

Sure, what day works for you?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • ¿Puedo pedir cita al médico?

    The correct preposition is con (with), not al (to the).

  • ¿Puedo pedir cita con el médico?

    Add the article ‘una’ for clarity, especially for beginners.

  • ¿Puedo pedir cita con el médico?

    In very formal contexts, use ‘¿Podría…?’ instead of ‘¿Puedo…?’ to sound more courteous.

↔Alternatives

  • ¿Me puede dar una cita con el doctor?

    Could you give me an appointment with the doctor?

  • Quisiera programar una cita con el médico.

    I would like to schedule an appointment with the doctor.

  • ¿Hay disponibilidad para una cita con el médico?

    Is there availability for an appointment with the doctor?

es

Cultural Tip

In many Spanish‑speaking countries the word ‘cita’ is preferred over ‘consulta’ when talking about a scheduled visit. While ‘doctor’ is widely understood, ‘médico’ sounds slightly more formal and is the term used in hospitals. Remember to use the polite form (¿Puede…? / ¿Podría…?) if you’re speaking to someone you don’t know well.