Meaning
The kanji 医 (い) means "medicine," "doctor," or "to heal/cure." It's essential for discussing health, medical professionals, and healthcare in Japanese. When you see 医, you can expect it to relate to the field of healing or someone who practices it.
Historically, the character for medicine was a much more complex form: 醫. This intricate pictograph told a fascinating story. It depicted a container or box (匚) for tools, often shown with an arrow (矢), perhaps symbolizing precise treatment or acupuncture. Inside, it also included wine or fermented liquids (酉), commonly used as medicine, disinfectant, or anesthetic in ancient times. The 殳 (shū) radical at the top right might have represented a weapon or striking tool, possibly relating to early medical instruments or treatments.
The modern, simplified kanji 医 simplifies to just the 匚 (box frame) and 矢 (arrow) components. Even in this form, we can still see echoes of its origins. Imagine the 匚 as a container for medicine, a clinic, or even the protective walls of a hospital. The 矢, meaning 'arrow,' can symbolize the precision needed in diagnosis and treatment. It might also represent a syringe for injections, or even the swiftness a doctor aims for when curing an ailment. Together, these elements clearly represent the core of medical practice: containing remedies and applying them with precision to heal.
This kanji has 7 strokes and is taught to Japanese elementary students in the 3rd grade. It's an essential character for N4 JLPT learners.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main, almost exclusive on'yomi reading for 医 is イ (i). This reading comes from its historical Chinese pronunciation and is used in nearly all compound words related to medicine, doctors, and healthcare.
- 医師 (ishi) — This term refers to a formal, qualified doctor or physician. It's often used in official contexts or to emphasize professional medical expertise. For instance, a hospital employs many 医師.
- 医学 (igaku) — Meaning "medical science" or "medicine" as an academic field. If someone is studying to become a doctor, they are likely studying 医学.
- 医療 (iryou) — This compound refers to "medical care" or "healthcare" in general. It includes everything from diagnosis and treatment to prevention.
- 医院 (iin) — This term means "clinic" or a doctor's office, typically a smaller private practice compared to a large hospital. Many local doctors operate their own 医院.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 医 does not have any common kun'yomi (native Japanese readings) on its own. It doesn't function as a standalone verb or adjective with a native Japanese pronunciation. Therefore, you'll almost exclusively encounter it in combination with other kanji, always using its on'yomi reading, イ (i).
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 医 forms many compound words essential for discussing health and medical topics in Japanese. Here are some key examples, grouped by theme:
Medical Professionals & Facilities
- 医師 (ishi) — A formal term for a doctor or physician. This is the official title for someone licensed to practice medicine.
- 医者 (isha) — A more common and colloquial term for a doctor. This is the word you'll most frequently hear in everyday conversation.
- 医院 (iin) — A clinic or a small doctor's office. Often refers to a single practitioner's establishment.
- 医務室 (imushitsu) — An infirmary or medical office, often found in schools, workplaces, or public facilities.
- 歯科医 (shikai) — A dentist. This combines 歯 (ha, tooth) with 医.
- 獣医 (juui) — A veterinarian. This combines 獣 (juu, beast/animal) with 医.
Medical Fields & Concepts
- 医学 (igaku) — Medical science; the study of medicine. Students aspiring to become doctors major in this field.
- 医療 (iryou) — Medical care; healthcare services in general. This includes all forms of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
- 医薬 (iyaku) — Medicine (as in pharmaceuticals) or medical products. This refers to drugs and other substances used for treatment.
- 医術 (ijutsu) — Medical art or medical skill. Refers to the technical expertise involved in medical practice.
- 医薬品 (iyakuhin) — Medical products; pharmaceuticals. A more specific term for drugs and other medical goods.
- 漢方医 (kanpou-i) — A doctor specializing in traditional Chinese medicine (Kampo).
Example Sentences
医者は私の熱を測りました。
Isha wa watashi no netsu o hakarimashita.
The doctor measured my fever.
彼は将来、医者になりたいです。
Kare wa shourai, isha ni naritai desu.
He wants to become a doctor in the future.
急いで医者を呼んでください！
Isoide isha o yonde kudasai!
Please call a doctor quickly!
この近所にはいい医者がたくさんいます。
Kono kinjo ni wa ii isha ga takusan imasu.
There are many good doctors in this neighborhood.
私の夢は、人を助ける医者になることです。
Watashi no yume wa, hito o tasukeru isha ni naru koto desu.
My dream is to become a doctor who helps people.
医学の進歩は目覚ましいです。
Igaku no shinpo wa mezamashii desu.
The progress in medical science is remarkable.
彼女は大学で医学を専攻しています。
Kanojo wa daigaku de igaku o senkou shite imasu.
She is majoring in medicine at university.
その医院は土曜日も開いています。
Sono iin wa doyoubi mo aite imasu.
That clinic is also open on Saturdays.
現代の医療は多岐にわたります。
Gendai no iryou wa taki ni watarimasu.
Modern medical care covers a wide range of fields.
彼は町で一番信頼されている医師です。
Kare wa machi de ichiban shinrai sarete iru ishi desu.
He is the most trusted physician in town.
Related Kanji
- 弟 — Younger Brother, Junior (Kanji N4)
- 以 — By Means Of, With, From (Kanji N4)
- 黒 — Black, Dark (Kanji N4)
- 洗 — Wash (Kanji N4)
- 短 — Short, brief, defect (Kanji N4)
- 田 — Rice Field (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 医, focus on its two main components: 匚 (box frame) and 矢 (arrow). Imagine a doctor with a medical bag or first-aid kit, shaped like a box (匚). Inside, they have essential tools, including a syringe, which you can visualize as a sharp, precise arrow (矢). Thus, the kanji can represent a "box of arrows"—tools for precise treatment that a doctor uses for medicine. Alternatively, visualize a clinic (匚) where precise treatments (矢) are administered. This imagery directly connects the visual components to the meanings of 'medicine' and 'doctor'.