/hos.piˈtal/
The word "hospital" in Spanish refers to a healthcare institution that provides treatment and care for patients, as well as emergency care, surgeries, and various medical services. It is used quite frequently in both oral and written contexts, particularly in discussions related to health, medical care, and emergencies. The term is commonly used across various scenarios, from casual conversations to formal medical documentation.
The term "hospital" is widely used in Spanish-speaking countries due to its fundamental role in healthcare systems. It appears frequently in media, literature, and everyday conversations. Its usage is roughly equal in both oral speech and written contexts.
"El hospital de la ciudad está muy bien equipado para emergencias."
"The city hospital is very well equipped for emergencies."
"Mi abuela fue al hospital para una revisión anual."
"My grandmother went to the hospital for her annual check-up."
"Los médicos en el hospital trabajan arduamente para salvar vidas."
"The doctors in the hospital work hard to save lives."
While "hospital" is not as prevalent in idiomatic expressions as some other words, here are a few related phrases:
Example: "El accidente fue tan grave que tuvieron que dejarlo en el hospital."
"The accident was so severe that they had to leave him in the hospital."
"Hospital de campaña"
"Field hospital"
Example: "El ejército estableció un hospital de campaña durante la guerra."
"The army set up a field hospital during the war."
"Hospitalizar"
"To hospitalize"
The term "hospital" comes from the Latin word "hospitale," which means "place of shelter" or "guest house." The origin of "hospitale" is linked to the word "hospes," meaning "guest" or "host," which is indicative of the historical function of hospitals as places to care for those in need, often not just for medical reasons but also as shelters for travelers.
Synonyms: - Clínica (clinic) - Sanatorio (sanatorium) - Centro de salud (health center)
Antonyms: - No existe un antónimo directo, pero puede considerarse como "fuera" o "en el hogar" cuando se habla de una situación médica.
In conclusion, "hospital" is a fundamental word in the context of health and medical care in Spanish, paralleling its importance in English, with various usages and expressions that highlight its relevance in everyday language and specialized contexts.