How to Say Appointment in Spanish and Use It in Real Situations

The word for appointment in Spanish is "cita"

Cita is the standard Spanish word for an appointment of any kind — a doctor's visit, a haircut, a meeting with a bank manager, or a date. It works in every Spanish-speaking country and in every formal or casual context. You pronounce it SEE-tah, with the stress on the first syllable.

When you need to talk about an appointment, "cita" is what you use. A doctor's appointment is "una cita con el médico". A hair appointment is "una cita en la peluquería". A business meeting is "una cita de negocios". The word stays the same; only what comes after it changes.

There is one exception: in some parts of Latin America, particularly Mexico, people also use cita to mean a date with a romantic partner. In Spain, a romantic date is usually "una cita" as well. Context makes the meaning clear — if you say "tengo una cita a las tres" (I have an appointment at three), people understand you mean a scheduled meeting, not a social outing.

Key Takeaways

• Use "cita" for any appointment — medical, professional, personal, or service-related — in any Spanish-speaking country.
• To say you have an appointment, use "tengo una cita" followed by the time, date, or type of appointment.
• To ask for an appointment, say "quisiera una cita" (I would like an appointment) or "¿puedo hacer una cita?" (can I make an appointment?).
• The word "cita" is pronounced SEE-tah and works the same way in formal and casual speech.

How to say you have an appointment

The simplest way is "tengo una cita" — literally "I have an appointment". Add the time or type of appointment after that. "Tengo una cita a las dos" means I have an appointment at two o'clock. "Tengo una cita con el dentista" means I have an appointment with the dentist.

If you want to be more specific about when, use "el" (the) before the day or date. "Tengo una cita el lunes" (I have an appointment on Monday). "Tengo una cita el 15 de marzo" (I have an appointment on March 15th). You can combine both: "Tengo una cita con el médico el martes a las diez" (I have an appointment with the doctor on Tuesday at ten).

If you need to say you don't have an appointment, use "no tengo cita". If someone asks whether you have one, you can answer "sí, tengo cita" (yes, I have an appointment) or "no, no tengo cita" (no, I don't have an appointment).

How to ask for or book an appointment

The most polite way to ask for an appointment is "quisiera una cita" — literally "I would like an appointment". This works in any setting, from a doctor's office to a salon. You can add what kind of appointment you need: "quisiera una cita con el peluquero" (I would like an appointment with the hairdresser).

A more direct way is "¿puedo hacer una cita?" (can I make an appointment?) or "¿puedo agendar una cita?" In some countries, particularly Mexico and parts of Central America, people use "agendar" (to schedule) instead of or alongside "hacer" (to make). Both are understood everywhere, but "hacer una cita" is more universal.

If you are asking about availability, say "¿tienes disponibilidad?" (do you have availability?) or "¿cuándo tienes disponible?" (when do you have available?). Staff will usually offer you times or ask what day works for you.

What to say when you arrive for your appointment

When you walk in, the simplest thing to say is "tengo una cita" — I have an appointment. You can add your name: "tengo una cita, me llamo [your name]" (I have an appointment, my name is [your name]). Or give the time: "tengo una cita a las tres" (I have an appointment at three).

If the receptionist or staff member asks your name, they will say "¿cuál es tu nombre?" (what is your name?) or "¿a nombre de quién?" (in whose name?). You answer with your first and last name: "Me llamo María García" (my name is María García) or just "García" if they ask for a last name.

If you are early or late, you can say "llegué temprano" (I arrived early) or "llegué tarde" (I arrived late). Most places do not mind if you are a few minutes early, but it is polite to acknowledge it if you are significantly late.

Useful words and phrases to know

When you are booking or talking about an appointment, these words come up often. Horario means schedule or hours — "¿cuál es tu horario?" (what are your hours?). Disponible means available — "¿está disponible el martes?" (is Tuesday available?). Confirmar means to confirm — many offices will ask "¿confirmas tu cita?" (do you confirm your appointment?) by phone or text a day or two before.

Recordatorio is a reminder — you might receive a text that says "recordatorio: tienes cita mañana a las dos" (reminder: you have an appointment tomorrow at two). Cancelar means to cancel — "necesito cancelar mi cita" (I need to cancel my appointment). Reprogramar or cambiar means to reschedule — "¿puedo reprogramar mi cita?" (can I reschedule my appointment?) or "¿puedo cambiar mi cita?" (can I change my appointment?).

If you need to ask how long the appointment will take, say "¿cuánto tiempo toma?" (how long does it take?) or "¿cuánto dura?" (how long does it last?). If you want to know the cost, ask "¿cuánto cuesta?" (how much does it cost?).

Regional differences and alternatives

Cita is understood and used everywhere Spanish is spoken. However, some regions have slight variations in how people talk about appointments. In Argentina and Uruguay, people sometimes use turno (turn or slot) alongside cita, particularly in medical or government contexts — "me dieron un turno para el viernes" (they gave me a slot for Friday). In Mexico, cita is standard, but agendar is more common than hacer when booking.

In Spain, cita is universal. In some Caribbean countries, you may hear compromiso (commitment or engagement) used informally for a scheduled meeting, but cita is always correct and understood.

For very formal or official appointments — such as with a government office or a lawyer — people sometimes say cita previa (prior appointment), which emphasizes that you need to have scheduled it in advance rather than showing up without notice. This is common in Spain especially, where many offices require "cita previa" and will turn away walk-ins.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is confusing cita with ciudad (city). They sound similar but mean completely different things. "Tengo una cita" means I have an appointment. "Voy a la ciudad" means I'm going to the city. Pronunciation matters: cita is SEE-tah, ciudad is see-oo-DAHD.

Another mistake is using the wrong verb. Do not say "hago una cita" (I make an appointment) when you mean you already have one — use "tengo una cita" (I have an appointment). "Hago" is for creating or doing something in the moment. "Tengo" is for possessing or having something already scheduled.

Do not assume that appointment translates directly to appointmento — that is not a real Spanish word. Stick with cita every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "cita" used the same way in all Spanish-speaking countries?

Yes. "Cita" works everywhere Spanish is spoken. Some countries use additional words like "turno" or "agendar" alongside it, but "cita" is always correct and understood from Spain to Argentina to Mexico.

How do I say I need to cancel my appointment?

"Necesito cancelar mi cita" (I need to cancel my appointment) is the clearest way. You can also say "quiero cancelar mi cita" (I want to cancel my appointment) or simply "cancelar la cita" (cancel the appointment) if you are speaking to staff who already know which one you mean.

What is the difference between "tengo una cita" and "tengo cita"?

Both are correct. "Tengo una cita" (I have an appointment) is slightly more formal or complete. "Tengo cita" (I have appointment) is more casual and common in everyday speech. Native speakers use both interchangeably.

Can I use "cita" for a romantic date?

Yes, "cita" can mean a romantic date in most Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain and Mexico. Context makes the meaning clear — if you say "tengo una cita a las ocho" in a professional setting, people understand it as a scheduled meeting. In a personal conversation, it could mean either.

How do I ask what time my appointment is?

"¿A qué hora es mi cita?" (what time is my appointment?) is the standard way. You can also ask "¿a qué hora tengo cita?" (at what time do I have an appointment?) or simply "¿a qué hora?" (at what time?) if the staff member already knows you are asking about your appointment.