Essential Japanese Vocabulary for Visiting the Doctor284

Navigating the Japanese healthcare system can be challenging, even for fluent speakers. The specialized vocabulary used in medical settings often differs significantly from everyday Japanese. This comprehensive guide provides a foundational vocabulary set focusing on seeing a doctor in Japan, categorized for ease of understanding and memorization. Understanding these terms will significantly enhance your experience and ensure effective communication with medical professionals.

I. Describing Your Symptoms (症状 – shōjō): Accurately communicating your symptoms is crucial for receiving appropriate care. Here are some essential phrases:
頭痛 (ずつう) - zutsuu: Headache
腹痛 (ふくつう) - fukutsuu: Stomach ache
吐き気 (げき) - geki: Nausea
嘔吐 (おうと) - ōto: Vomiting
下痢 (げり) - geri: Diarrhea
便秘 (便秘) - benpi: Constipation
発熱 (はつねつ) - hatsunetsu: Fever
咳 (せき) - seki: Cough
鼻水 (はなみず) - hanamizu: Runny nose
くしゃみ (くしゃみ) - kushami: Sneezing
風邪 (かぜ) - kaze: Cold
インフルエンザ (インフルエンザ) - Influenza: Influenza
痛み (いたみ) - itami: Pain (general)
熱 (ねつ) - netsu: Temperature/fever (often used interchangeably with 発熱)
倦怠感 (けんたいかん) - kentaikan: Fatigue/lethargy

II. At the Doctor's Office (病院 – byōin): Understanding the flow of a doctor's visit requires familiarity with these terms:
受付 (うけつけ) - uketsuke: Reception
診察券 (しんさつけん) - shinsatsuken: Medical insurance card
診察 (しんさつ) - shinsatsu: Medical examination
先生 (せんせい) - sensei: Doctor (polite form)
看護師 (かんごし) - kangoshi: Nurse
薬 (くすり) - kusuri: Medicine
処方箋 (しょほうせん) - shohōsen: Prescription
薬局 (やっきょく) - yakkyoku: Pharmacy
レントゲン (レントゲン) - Rentogen: X-ray (loanword)
血液検査 (けつえきけんさ) - ketsukeki kensa: Blood test
問診 (もんしん) - monshin: Medical interview/inquiry
検査 (けんさ) - kensa: Examination/test
予約 (よやく) - yoyaku: Reservation/appointment

III. Asking for Help (助けを求める – tasuke o motomeru): Knowing how to ask for assistance is critical:
助けてください (たすけてください) - tasukete kudasai: Please help me!
医者にかかりたいです (いしゃにかかりたいです) - isha ni kakaritai desu: I want to see a doctor.
病院はどこですか (びょういんはどこですか) - byōin wa doko desu ka: Where is the hospital?
痛いです (いたい です) - itai desu: It hurts.
具合が悪いです (ぐあい が わるいです) - guai ga warui desu: I don't feel well.
わかりません (わかりません) - wakarimasen: I don't understand.

IV. Useful Phrases (便利なフレーズ – benri na furēzu): These phrases can facilitate smoother communication:
少し (すこし) - sukoshi: A little
とても (とても) - totemo: Very
すごく (すごく) - sugoku: Extremely
何回も (なんかいも) - nankaimo: Many times
毎日 (まいにち) - mainichi: Everyday
ここ (ここ) - koko: Here
そこ (そこ) - soko: There
ここが痛いです (ここがいたいです) - koko ga itai desu: This part hurts.

V. Beyond the Basics: While this list provides a solid foundation, learning more specialized terms related to specific conditions or medical procedures is beneficial for more complex situations. Consider using a medical dictionary or phrasebook for more detailed information. Remember that politeness is paramount in Japanese interactions, so using polite verb conjugations (e.g., -masu form) is essential.

This vocabulary list serves as a starting point for navigating medical encounters in Japan. While memorizing these terms will significantly improve your communication, it's advisable to always carry a phrasebook or translation app as a backup. Don't hesitate to use gestures and visual aids to communicate your needs, and remember that medical professionals are generally understanding and patient with those who are struggling with the language.

2025-03-19

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