717+ Spanish Phrases For Nurses: Build Trust And Deliver Better Care

If you’re a nurse, you already know that communication is the heart of good care. But what happens when your patient speaks only Spanish, and you don’t?

That’s where Spanish phrases for nurses become your secret superpower.

These handy phrases help you connect, comfort, and care for patients in a language they understand.

From taking vital signs to giving medication instructions, knowing a few key Spanish phrases can make your job smoother and your patients feel respected and safe.

Whether you work in a hospital, clinic, or home care setting, learning basic Spanish for nurses bridges the gap between kindness and understanding.

Let’s explore useful phrases you can use every day to make a real difference in your patient care journey.

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Why It Matters ❤️

When a patient doesn’t speak English, simple things like asking about pain or explaining a treatment can become stressful for both sides.

That’s why Spanish phrases for nurses are not just about convenience they’re about compassion, trust, and safety.

Imagine a nurse trying to explain a medication dose, but the patient doesn’t understand.

A small misunderstanding could lead to big problems. But with simple Spanish like “Tome esta medicina cada cuatro horas” the nurse ensures clear communication.

Speaking even basic Spanish phrases helps nurses:

• Build trust quickly
• Reduce errors
• Make patients feel heard and respected
• Improve care quality

Let’s look at essential Spanish phrases that every nurse should know, grouped by common healthcare situations.

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Basic Spanish Greetings for Nurses 👋

When you first meet a patient, a warm greeting in their language can set the tone for trust and comfort.

Hola – Hello

Use When: Greeting your patient at the start of a shift or visit.
Example: “Hola, soy tu enfermera hoy.” (Hello, I’m your nurse today.)

Buenos días – Good morning

Use When: You begin the morning rounds or start a daytime shift.
Example: “Buenos días, ¿cómo se siente hoy?” (Good morning, how are you feeling today?)

Buenas tardes – Good afternoon

Use When: You enter the patient’s room later in the day.
Example: “Buenas tardes, vengo a revisar su presión.” (Good afternoon, I’m here to check your blood pressure.)

Buenas noches – Good night

Use When: You’re finishing your rounds or helping a patient settle for the night.
Example: “Buenas noches, que descanse.” (Good night, rest well.)

¿Cómo está? – How are you?

Use When: Checking on how your patient feels.
Example: “¿Cómo está hoy?” (How are you today?)

These small greetings go a long way in showing warmth and respect.

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Essential Spanish for Taking Vital Signs 🌡️

Checking vitals is a daily task for nurses, and clear communication is key. These Spanish phrases for nurses will make that process smoother.

Voy a tomar su temperatura – I’m going to take your temperature

Use When: Explaining what you’re about to do.
Example: “Voy a tomar su temperatura, por favor abra la boca.” (I’m going to take your temperature, please open your mouth.)

Voy a tomar su presión – I’m going to take your blood pressure

Use When: During vital sign checks.
Example: “Voy a tomar su presión, relaje el brazo.” (I’m going to take your blood pressure, relax your arm.)

Voy a medir su pulso – I’m going to check your pulse

Use When: You’re measuring heart rate.
Example: “Voy a medir su pulso, no se mueva.” (I’m going to check your pulse, don’t move.)

Respire profundo – Take a deep breath

Use When: During an exam or while using a stethoscope.
Example: “Respire profundo, por favor.” (Take a deep breath, please.)

Su temperatura está normal – Your temperature is normal

Use When: Giving results after checking.
Example: “Su temperatura está normal, todo bien.” (Your temperature is normal, all good.)

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Spanish Phrases for Pain and Comfort 💊

Pain assessment is one of the most critical parts of patient care. These Spanish medical phrases for nurses help you ask the right questions.

¿Tiene dolor? – Do you have pain?

Use When: Checking for pain.
Example: “¿Tiene dolor ahora?” (Do you have pain now?)

¿Dónde le duele? – Where does it hurt?

Use When: Asking for the pain location.
Example: “¿Dónde le duele más?” (Where does it hurt the most?)

Califique su dolor del uno al diez – Rate your pain from one to ten

Use When: Assessing pain intensity.
Example: “Del uno al diez, ¿qué tan fuerte es su dolor?” (From one to ten, how strong is your pain?)

Voy a darle medicina para el dolor – I’m going to give you pain medicine

Use When: Preparing to administer medication.
Example: “Voy a darle medicina para el dolor ahora.” (I’m going to give you pain medicine now.)

¿Se siente mejor? – Do you feel better?

Use When: After giving treatment.
Example: “¿Se siente mejor después de la medicina?” (Do you feel better after the medicine?)

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Spanish Phrases for Medication and Treatment 💉

When it comes to medicine, clear instructions matter most. These phrases ensure patients understand how and when to take their meds.

Tome esta medicina cada cuatro horas – Take this medicine every four hours

Use When: Giving dosage instructions.
Example: “Tome esta medicina cada cuatro horas con agua.” (Take this medicine every four hours with water.)

No coma antes de la medicina – Don’t eat before the medicine

Use When: When fasting is needed.
Example: “No coma nada antes de tomar esta medicina.” (Don’t eat anything before taking this medicine.)

Inhale profundo – Inhale deeply

Use When: Giving respiratory treatments.
Example: “Inhale profundo y mantenga el aire.” (Inhale deeply and hold your breath.)

Voy a ponerle una inyección – I’m going to give you an injection

Use When: Preparing to give a shot.
Example: “Voy a ponerle una inyección en el brazo.” (I’m going to give you an injection in the arm.)

Necesita descansar – You need to rest

Use When: Giving aftercare advice.
Example: “Necesita descansar y beber mucha agua.” (You need to rest and drink plenty of water.)

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Spanish Phrases for Patient Comfort and Reassurance 🤗

Sometimes words can comfort as much as medicine. These Spanish phrases for nurses show care and empathy.

Está bien – It’s okay

Use When: Calming a nervous patient.
Example: “Está bien, no se preocupe.” (It’s okay, don’t worry.)

Tranquilo/a – Calm down / Relax

Use When: During stressful moments.
Example: “Tranquilo, todo va a estar bien.” (Calm down, everything will be fine.)

Estoy aquí para ayudar – I’m here to help

Use When: Offering reassurance.
Example: “Estoy aquí para ayudarle, no está solo.” (I’m here to help you, you’re not alone.)

Ya casi terminamos – We’re almost done

Use When: During a procedure or exam.
Example: “Ya casi terminamos, respire despacio.” (We’re almost done, breathe slowly.)

Usted está en buenas manos – You’re in good hands

Use When: Giving comfort and confidence.
Example: “Usted está en buenas manos, confíe en nosotros.” (You’re in good hands, trust us.)

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Spanish Phrases for Family Communication 👨‍👩‍👧

Families play a big role in patient care. These phrases help nurses speak with them kindly and clearly.

Su familia puede esperar aquí – Your family can wait here

Use When: Guiding family members.
Example: “Su familia puede esperar aquí mientras reviso al paciente.” (Your family can wait here while I check the patient.)

Voy a explicar el tratamiento – I’m going to explain the treatment

Use When: Talking to family about care plans.
Example: “Voy a explicar el tratamiento para que todos entiendan.” (I’m going to explain the treatment so everyone understands.)

Puede entrar ahora – You may come in now

Use When: Allowing visitors in.
Example: “Puede entrar ahora, pero solo por unos minutos.” (You may come in now, but only for a few minutes.)

Necesitamos su firma aquí – We need your signature here

Use When: For consent forms.
Example: “Necesitamos su firma aquí para continuar el procedimiento.” (We need your signature here to continue the procedure.)

Todo está bajo control – Everything is under control

Use When: Offering reassurance to worried families.
Example: “Todo está bajo control, no se preocupe.” (Everything is under control, don’t worry.)

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Spanish Phrases for Emergencies 🚨

In emergencies, fast and clear communication saves lives. These urgent phrases help you act quickly and calmly.

Respire – Breathe

Use When: Assisting a patient struggling to breathe.
Example: “Respire, despacio, por favor.” (Breathe, slowly please.)

No se mueva – Don’t move

Use When: During an injury or procedure.
Example: “No se mueva, voy a ayudarle.” (Don’t move, I’m going to help you.)

Llame al doctor – Call the doctor

Use When: Asking others for help.
Example: “Llame al doctor ahora, por favor.” (Call the doctor now, please.)

Necesita oxígeno – You need oxygen

Use When: Explaining emergency care.
Example: “Necesita oxígeno, lo voy a poner ahora.” (You need oxygen, I’m putting it on now.)

Todo va a estar bien – Everything will be fine

Use When: Calming patients during panic.
Example: “Todo va a estar bien, estamos con usted.” (Everything will be fine, we’re with you.)

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Bonus Recap Table 📋

Category	Spanish Phrase	Meaning	Use When
Greetings	Hola	Hello	Starting conversation
Vitals	Respire profundo	Take a deep breath	Checking lungs
Pain	¿Dónde le duele?	Where does it hurt?	Assessing pain
Medication	Tome esta medicina cada cuatro horas	Take this medicine every 4 hours	Giving instructions
Comfort	Está bien	It’s okay	Calming patient
Family	Todo está bajo control	Everything is under control	Reassuring family
Emergencies	No se mueva	Don’t move	During injury

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Final Thoughts 💬

Learning Spanish phrases for nurses isn’t about becoming fluent overnight. It’s about showing kindness through effort and understanding.

Even a few words can ease fear, reduce confusion, and build trust.

Start small practice one or two phrases each day.

Use them naturally with your patients. Over time, these words become tools of compassion, not just communication.

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