Overview
Getting sick in a foreign country is stressful, especially when you need to explain your symptoms in a new language. At the N4 level, you need to move beyond basic body parts to more specific medical terminology. This guide covers the essential vocabulary required to describe your condition, navigate different hospital departments, and talk to medical staff. By learning these terms, you will gain the confidence to seek help and understand the instructions provided by doctors or pharmacists. These skills are indispensable for anyone living in Japan or preparing for the JLPT N4 examination.
Essential Words
Japanese medical facilities range from small local clinics to large general hospitals. It is important to know which department to visit. For example, you would go to Internal Medicine (Naika) for a cold, but Dentistry (Shika) for a toothache.
Medical Facilities and Staff
病院
byouin
— hospital
内科
naika
— internal medicine (for colds, stomach aches, etc.)
外科
geka
— surgery (for injuries or physical trauma)
歯科
shika
— dentistry
受付
uketsuke
— reception desk
看護師
kangoshi
— nurse
患者
kanja
— patient
薬局
yakkyoku
— pharmacy
Symptoms and Conditions
When you talk to a doctor, being specific about your discomfort is vital. Use these words to accurately describe how you feel.
症状
shoujou
— symptoms
風邪
kaze
— a cold
熱
netsu
— fever
咳
seki
— cough
吐き気
hakike
— nausea
寒気
samuke
— chills
怪我
kega
— injury
下痢
geri
— diarrhea
Treatment and Procedures
Understanding these terms will help you follow your treatment plan and manage your recovery correctly.
診察
shinsatsu
— medical examination
注射
chuusha
— injection / shot
手術
shujuutsu
— surgery / operation
入院
nyuuin
— hospitalization
退院
taiin
— discharge from hospital
薬
kusuri
— medicine
処方箋
shohousen
— prescription
保険証
hokenshou
— health insurance card
体温計
taionkei
— thermometer
Key Phrases
Beyond individual words, you need to know how to form sentences in a medical setting. Here are common expressions you might hear or use.
昨日から熱が続いています。
kinou kara netsu ga tsuzuite imasu.
I have had a fever since yesterday.
頭がズキズキ痛いです。
atama ga zukizuki itai desu.
My head is throbbing.
医者に診てもらいたいです。
isha ni mite moraitai desu.
I would like to see a doctor.
保険証を持っていますか。
hokenshou o motte imasu ka.
Do you have your health insurance card?
食後にこの薬を飲んでください。
shokugo ni kono kusuri o nonde kudasai.
Please take this medicine after meals.
食欲がありません。
shokuyoku ga arimasen.
I have no appetite.
喉が腫れています。
nodo ga harete imasu.
My throat is swollen.
診察の予約をお願いします。
shinsatsu no yoyaku o onegai shimasu.
I'd like to make an appointment for an exam.
薬のアレルギーがあります。
kusuri no arerugii ga arimasu.
I am allergic to some medicines.
お大事に。
odaiji ni.
Take care / Get well soon.
Cultural Notes
In Japan, the medical system relies on National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenkou Hoken). You must present your insurance card (Hokensho) at every visit to ensure you only pay 30% of the cost. Most people also carry an "Okusuri Techo" (Medicine Notebook) to track their prescriptions and avoid dangerous drug interactions. When visiting a local clinic, you will often need to swap your outdoor shoes for slippers at the entrance. Furthermore, wearing a mask is standard etiquette if you have a cold; this practice shows respect for others by preventing the spread of germs.
Related Articles
- Mastering Shopping & Money in Japanese (Vocabulary N4)
- Visiting a Doctor (Conversation N4)
- Jobs & Occupations (Vocabulary N4)
- City & Directions (Vocabulary N4)
- How to Talk About Hobbies & Sports (Vocabulary N4)
- Travel & Transportation (Vocabulary N4)
Practice Tips
To memorize these terms, group them into logical categories like "symptoms" or "hospital departments." Flashcards are excellent for mastering kanji and their readings. Try role-playing a doctor's visit with a friend, focusing on formal Japanese (Desu/Masu), as hospitals are polite environments. Pay attention to "Gitaigo" (mimetic words) used for pain. For example, use "zuki-zuki" for a throbbing headache or "kiri-kiri" for a sharp stomach pain. Finally, look at a Japanese prescription label to practice recognizing the kanji for dosage and timing.