Visiting the doctor can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re in a foreign country and don’t speak the local language fluently. If you find yourself needing medical attention while in Galicia, Spain, knowing some basic phrases in Galician can be incredibly helpful. Galician, or Galego, is a Romance language spoken primarily in the autonomous community of Galicia. While many medical professionals in Galicia speak Spanish, it’s always appreciated when you make an effort to communicate in the local language.
In this article, we’ll cover essential phrases and vocabulary that will help you navigate a visit to the doctor in Galician. From making an appointment to describing symptoms, these phrases will ensure you can communicate effectively and get the care you need.
Making an Appointment
Before you even set foot in the doctor’s office, you’ll need to make an appointment. Here are some phrases that will help you do just that:
– “Quería pedir unha cita co doutor, por favor.”
– (I would like to make an appointment with the doctor, please.)
– “Cando é a próxima dispoñibilidade para unha cita?”
– (When is the next available appointment?)
– “Podo ver a un doutor hoxe?”
– (Can I see a doctor today?)
– “Cal é o horario de atención?”
– (What are the office hours?)
These questions will help you schedule your visit. If you need to specify a particular time or day, you can use:
– “Podo ter unha cita pola mañá/pola tarde?”
– (Can I have an appointment in the morning/afternoon?)
Upon Arrival
Once you arrive at the doctor’s office, you’ll likely need to check in with the receptionist. Here are some useful phrases:
– “Teño unha cita co doutor.”
– (I have an appointment with the doctor.)
– “O meu nome é [your name].”
– (My name is [your name].)
– “A que hora teño a cita?”
– (At what time is my appointment?)
– “Podería encher este formulario?”
– (Could you fill out this form?)
If you need to wait, the receptionist might say:
– “Por favor, agarde na sala de espera.”
– (Please wait in the waiting room.)
Describing Symptoms
When you finally get to see the doctor, you’ll need to describe your symptoms. Here’s some vocabulary and phrases to help you communicate effectively:
– “Teño dor de cabeza.”
– (I have a headache.)
– “Dóeme o estómago.”
– (My stomach hurts.)
– “Síntome mareado/a.”
– (I feel dizzy.)
– “Teño febre.”
– (I have a fever.)
– “Estou tose.”
– (I am coughing.)
– “Teño dificultades para respirar.”
– (I am having trouble breathing.)
– “Teño unha erupción cutánea.”
– (I have a rash.)
More Detailed Descriptions
Sometimes, your symptoms might be more specific. Here are a few more detailed descriptions:
– “Teño dor aguda no peito.”
– (I have a sharp pain in my chest.)
– “Teño náuseas e vómitos.”
– (I have nausea and vomiting.)
– “Dóenme as articulacións.”
– (My joints hurt.)
– “Teño unha infección na gorxa.”
– (I have a throat infection.)
– “Teño problemas coa visión.”
– (I am having vision problems.)
Medical History and Medications
The doctor might ask about your medical history or any medications you’re currently taking. Here are some phrases that can help:
– “Teño antecedentes de [condition].”
– (I have a history of [condition].)
– “Estou tomando [medication].”
– (I am taking [medication].)
– “Son alérxico/a a [substance].”
– (I am allergic to [substance].)
– “Teño presión arterial alta.”
– (I have high blood pressure.)
– “Son diabético/a.”
– (I am diabetic.)
Undergoing Tests and Exams
If the doctor decides you need further tests or examinations, these phrases might come in handy:
– “Necesitamos facerlle unha análise de sangue.”
– (We need to do a blood test.)
– “Vai necesitar unha radiografía.”
– (You will need an X-ray.)
– “Imos facerlle un electrocardiograma.”
– (We are going to do an electrocardiogram.)
– “Por favor, desvista e póñase esta bata.”
– (Please undress and put on this gown.)
Receiving a Diagnosis
Once the tests are done, the doctor will provide a diagnosis. Here are some common phrases you might hear:
– “Ten unha infección.”
– (You have an infection.)
– “É un virus, non se preocupe.”
– (It’s a virus, don’t worry.)
– “Necesitará antibióticos.”
– (You will need antibiotics.)
– “Teño boas novas, non é nada grave.”
– (I have good news, it’s nothing serious.)
– “Necesitará repouso e hidratación.”
– (You will need rest and hydration.)
Discussing Treatment
After diagnosing your condition, the doctor will discuss the treatment plan. Here are some phrases that will help you understand the instructions:
– “Debe tomar esta medicación dúas veces ao día.”
– (You should take this medication twice a day.)
– “Evite alimentos pesados.”
– (Avoid heavy foods.)
– “Necesitará unha operación.”
– (You will need surgery.)
– “Debe volver para un seguimento.”
– (You should come back for a follow-up.)
– “Descansa e non fagas esforzos.”
– (Rest and do not exert yourself.)
Emergency Situations
In case of an emergency, these phrases could be crucial:
– “Axuda, necesito un doutor!”
– (Help, I need a doctor!)
– “Chame a unha ambulancia!”
– (Call an ambulance!)
– “Houbo un accidente.”
– (There has been an accident.)
– “Está inconsciente.”
– (He/She is unconscious.)
– “Non pode respirar.”
– (He/She can’t breathe.)
General Vocabulary
Here are some additional words that might be useful during your visit to the doctor:
– Doutor/Doutora: Doctor
– Paciente: Patient
– Clínica: Clinic
– Hospital: Hospital
– Recepción: Reception
– Enfermeiro/Enfermeira: Nurse
– Medicamento: Medication
– Receita: Prescription
– Síntoma: Symptom
– Diagnóstico: Diagnosis
– Tratamento: Treatment
Conclusion
Visiting the doctor in a foreign country can be a daunting experience, but being prepared with some basic Galician phrases can make the process much smoother. From making an appointment to discussing your symptoms and understanding your treatment plan, knowing how to communicate in Galician will ensure that you receive the best care possible.
Remember, even if your Galician isn’t perfect, the effort you make will be greatly appreciated by the medical staff. Don’t hesitate to ask them to repeat or clarify anything you don’t understand. Your health is important, and clear communication is key to receiving the care you need.
