Going to the Doctor
病院に行く
How to describe symptoms and navigate Japanese healthcare.
Phrases (7)
1
予約したいのですが
よやくしたいのですが
yoyaku shitai no desu ga
I'd like to make an appointment
のですが (no desu ga) softens the request. Very polite way to ask for something.
2
初診です
しょしんです
shoshin desu
This is my first visit
初診 (shoshin) = first visit. You'll fill out a 問診票 (monshin-hyou) questionnaire.
3
保険証をお持ちですか
ほけんしょうをおもちですか
hokenshou wo omochi desu ka
Do you have your insurance card?
Always bring your 健康保険証 (kenkou hokenshou). Without it, you pay 100% (can get 70% back later).
4
熱があります
ねつがあります
netsu ga arimasu
I have a fever
Common symptoms: 頭痛 (zutsuu) headache, 腹痛 (fukutsuu) stomachache, 咳 (seki) cough, 鼻水 (hanamizu) runny nose.
5
ここが痛いです
ここがいたいです
koko ga itai desu
It hurts here
Point while saying this. 痛い (itai) = painful/hurts. ずきずきする (zuki-zuki suru) = throbbing pain.
6
アレルギーがあります
あれるぎーがあります
arerugii ga arimasu
I have allergies
Important to mention. 薬 (kusuri) medicine, 食べ物 (tabemono) food, 花粉 (kafun) pollen.
7
処方箋をお願いします
しょほうせんをおねがいします
shohousen wo onegai shimasu
Prescription, please
Take 処方箋 (shohousen) to a 薬局 (yakkyoku) pharmacy. They're often right next to clinics.
Cultural Notes
- Japanese clinics are often specialized. 内科 (naika) internal medicine, 皮膚科 (hifuka) dermatology, 歯科 (shika) dentist.
- AMDA International Medical Information Center (06-4395-0555) offers free phone interpretation for medical visits.
- Always bring your residence card and health insurance card. Clinics may refuse treatment without insurance.
Practice Tips
- Shadowing: Repeat each phrase out loud immediately after reading
- Context: Imagine yourself in the situation while practicing
- Real use: Try one new phrase each day in real situations