# Japanese Hospital Vocabulary: Essential Phrases for Your Life in Japan
> Learn Japanese hospital vocabulary for doctor visits, symptoms, medicine, and emergencies. Practical phrases to navigate Japan's healthcare system.
**URL:** https://migaku.com/blog/japanese/japanese-hospital-vocabulary
**Last Updated:** 2026-04-05
**Tags:** vocabulary, phrases
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Getting sick or injured while traveling or living in Japan can be stressful enough without the language barrier adding extra anxiety. Knowing the right Japanese hospital vocabulary makes a huge difference when you need to explain symptoms, understand a diagnosis, or pick up medicine at the pharmacy. This guide covers everything from booking appointments to talking with doctors, so you'll feel more confident navigating Japan's healthcare system in your [Japanese learning](https://migaku.com/learn-japanese) journey.

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## Basic Japanese phrases for hospital visits
Before diving into specific vocabulary, let's cover the essential phrases you'll use when you visit a hospital or clinic in Japan.

When you first arrive at reception, you'll need to say: <typo lang="ja" syntax="初[はじ;a]めてです"></typo> (hajimete desu) which means "This is my first time here." If you're a returning patient, say <typo lang="ja" syntax="二回目[にかいめ;h]です"></typo> (nikaime desu).

The receptionist will likely ask: <typo lang="ja" syntax="保険証[ほけんしょう;h]はお 持[も;a]ちですか"></typo>? This translates to "Do you have a health insurance card?" Super important question since it affects what you'll pay.

When describing how you feel, these phrases are gold:
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="具合[ぐあい;h]が 悪[わる;a]いです"></typo> (guai ga warui desu) means "I feel unwell." This is your general catch-all phrase.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="痛[いた;a]いです"></typo> (itai desu) means "It hurts." You'll use this one a lot if you're injured.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="熱[ねつ;h]があります"></typo> (netsu ga arimasu) means "I have a fever."

The doctor might ask <typo lang="ja" syntax="どうしましたか"></typo>? (doushimashita ka?) which means "What happened?" or "What's wrong?" Be ready to explain your symptoms in Japanese.

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## Essential hospital and clinic vocabulary
Let's break down the core vocabulary you'll encounter at medical facilities in Japan.

- <typo lang="ja" syntax="病院[びょういん;h]"></typo> (byouin) means hospital. This refers to larger medical facilities that handle serious conditions, surgeries, and emergencies.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="診療所[しんりょうじょ;h]"></typo> (shinryoujo) or <typo lang="ja" syntax="クリニック"></typo> (kurinikku) means clinic. These are smaller facilities where you'd go for routine checkups, minor illnesses, or initial consultations.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="受付[うけつけ;h]"></typo> (uketsuke) is the reception desk. This is where you'll check in and handle paperwork.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="待合室[まちあいしつ;h]"></typo> (machiaishitsu) means waiting room. You'll spend time here before seeing the doctor.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="診察室[しんさつしつ;h]"></typo> (shinsatsushitsu) is the examination room where you'll meet with the doctor.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="医者[いしゃ;h]"></typo> (isha) or <typo lang="ja" syntax="医師[いし;h]"></typo> (ishi) means doctor. You might also hear <typo lang="ja" syntax="先生[せんせい;h]"></typo> (sensei) used respectfully.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="看護師[かんごし;h]"></typo> (kangoshi) means nurse. The pronunciation can be tricky, so practice this one.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="患者[かんじゃ;h]"></typo> (kanja) means patient. That's you in this scenario.

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## Hospital departments you should know
Japanese hospitals organize by department, and you might need to specify where you need to go.

- <typo lang="ja" syntax="内科[ないか;h]"></typo> (naika) is internal medicine. This is where you'd go for general illness, fever, stomach problems, or anything internal.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="外科[げか;h]"></typo> (geka) means surgery or surgical department. Injuries, wounds, or conditions requiring surgery get handled here.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="整形外科[せいけいげか;h]"></typo> (seikei geka) is orthopedics. Broken bones, joint problems, or sports injuries would send you to this department.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="耳鼻咽喉科[じびいんこうか;h]"></typo> (jibiinkouka) covers ear, nose, and throat. The pronunciation is a mouthful, but ear infections and sore throats get treated here.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="眼科[がんか;h]"></typo> (ganka) is ophthalmology. Eye problems, vision issues, or needing glasses would bring you here.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="皮膚科[ひふか;h]"></typo> (hifuka) means dermatology. Skin rashes, allergies, or acne get treated in this department.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="小児科[しょうにか;h]"></typo> (shounika) is pediatrics. If you're traveling with kids, this is where they'd receive care.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="歯科[しか;h]"></typo> (shika) means dentistry. Toothaches or dental emergencies would send you here.

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## Describing symptoms in Japanese
Being able to explain what's wrong makes the whole visit smoother. Here are the most common symptoms and how to express them.

- <typo lang="ja" syntax="頭痛[ずつう;h]"></typo> (zutsuu) means headache. Add <typo lang="ja" syntax="がします"></typo> (ga shimasu) to say "I have a headache."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="腹痛[ふくつう;h]"></typo> (fukutsuu) or <typo lang="ja" syntax="お 腹[なか;a]が 痛[いた;a]い"></typo> (onaka ga itai) means stomachache.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="咳[せき;h]"></typo> (seki) means cough. <typo lang="ja" syntax="咳[せき;h]が 出[で;a]ます"></typo> (seki ga demasu) means "I have a cough."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="鼻水[はなみず;h]"></typo> (hanamizu) is a runny nose. <typo lang="ja" syntax="鼻[はな;h]が 詰[つ;a]まっています"></typo> (hana ga tsumatteimasu) means "My nose is stuffed up."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="喉[のど;h]が 痛[いた;a]い"></typo> (nodo ga itai) means "My throat hurts."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="めまいがします"></typo> (memai ga shimasu) means "I feel dizzy."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="吐[は;a]き 気[け;h]がします"></typo> (hakike ga shimasu) means "I feel nauseous."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="下痢[げり;h]"></typo> (geri) means diarrhea. <typo lang="ja" syntax="便秘[べんぴ;h]"></typo> (benpi) means constipation.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="怪我[けが;h]"></typo> (kega) means injury. <typo lang="ja" syntax="怪我[けが;h]をしました"></typo> (kega wo shimashita) means "I got injured."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="火傷[やけど;h]"></typo> (yakedo) means burn.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="切[き;a]り 傷[きず;h]"></typo> (kirikizu) means cut.

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## Medicine and pharmacy vocabulary
After seeing a doctor in Japan, you'll take your prescription to a pharmacy to get medicine. Sometimes the clinic has an in-house pharmacy, but often you'll need to go separately.

- <typo lang="ja" syntax="薬局[やっきょく;h]"></typo> (yakkyoku) or <typo lang="ja" syntax="薬屋[くすりや;h]"></typo> (kusuriya) means pharmacy. The question "Can I go to any pharmacy?" is relevant because you can usually fill prescriptions at any licensed pharmacy in Japan.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="処方箋[しょほうせん;h]"></typo> (shohousen) means prescription. Don't lose this paper because you'll need it to get your medicine.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="薬[くすり;h]"></typo> (kusuri) is the general word for medicine or medication.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="飲[の;a]み 薬[ぐすり;h]"></typo> (nomigusuri) means oral medicine or pills you swallow.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="塗[ぬ;a]り 薬[ぐすり;h]"></typo> (nurigusuri) means topical medicine or ointment you apply to skin.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="目薬[めぐすり;h]"></typo> (megusuri) means eye drops.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="痛[いた;a]み 止[ど;a]め"></typo> (itamidome) means painkiller.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="解熱剤[げねつざい;h]"></typo> (genetsuzai) means fever reducer.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="抗生物質[こうせいぶっしつ;h]"></typo> (kouseibusshitsu) means antibiotics.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="副作用[ふくさよう;h]"></typo> (fukusayou) means side effects. Always good to ask about these.

The pharmacist will explain dosage using these terms: 
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="一日[いちにち;h] 三回[さんかい;h]"></typo> (ichinichi sankai) means "three times a day."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="食後[しょくご;h]"></typo> (shokugo) means "after meals."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="食前[しょくぜん;h]"></typo> (shokuzen) means "before meals."

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## Common questions doctors ask
Understanding what the doctor asks helps you respond appropriately during the examination.

- <typo lang="ja" syntax="いつからですか"></typo>? (itsu kara desu ka?) means "Since when?" or "When did this start?" They want to know the timeline of your symptoms.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="どこが 痛[いた;a]いですか"></typo>? (doko ga itai desu ka?) means "Where does it hurt?"
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="アレルギーはありますか"></typo>? (arerugii wa arimasu ka?) means "Do you have any allergies?" Super important for prescribing medicine safely.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="今[いま;h]、何[なに;h]か 薬[くすり;h]を 飲[の;a]んでいますか"></typo>? (ima, nanika kusuri wo nondeimasu ka?) means "Are you currently taking any medication?"
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="妊娠[にんしん;h]していますか"></typo>? (ninshin shiteimasu ka?) means "Are you pregnant?" They ask this before prescribing certain medications.

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## Useful phrases during medical consultations
These phrases help you communicate during the actual consultation.

- <typo lang="ja" syntax="ここが 痛[いた;a]いです"></typo> (koko ga itai desu) means "It hurts here." Point to the affected area while saying this.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="昨日[きのう;h]から 熱[ねつ;h]があります"></typo> (kinou kara netsu ga arimasu) means "I've had a fever since yesterday."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="もっとゆっくり 話[はな;a]してください"></typo> (motto yukkuri hanashite kudasai) means "Please speak more slowly." Don't be shy about using this.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="英語[えいご;h]が 話[はな;a]せる 人[ひと;h]はいますか"></typo>? (eigo ga hanaseru hito wa imasu ka?) means "Is there someone who speaks English?"
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="書[か;a]いてください"></typo> (kaite kudasai) means "Please write it down." Helpful when you don't catch something verbally.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="いくらですか"></typo>? (ikura desu ka?) means "How much is it?" You'll ask this at the payment counter.

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## Health insurance and payment terms you need after the appointments
Understanding the financial side of healthcare in Japan helps avoid surprises.

- <typo lang="ja" syntax="保険証[ほけんしょう;h]"></typo> (hokenshou) is your health insurance card. If you have Japanese national health insurance, bring this card to every visit. It typically covers 70% of costs.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="自己負担[じこふたん;h]"></typo> (jikofutan) means out-of-pocket payment or copayment. This is the portion you pay yourself.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="領収書[りょうしゅうしょ;h]"></typo> (ryoushuusho) means receipt. Keep these for insurance claims or tax purposes.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="診察料[しんさつりょう;h]"></typo> (shinsatsuryou) means consultation fee. This is what you pay for the doctor's time.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="治療費[ちりょうひ;h]"></typo> (chiryouhi) means treatment cost. This covers procedures or treatments beyond basic consultation.

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## Body parts vocabulary for medical situations
You'll need to know body parts to explain where the problem is.

| Japanese | English |
| - | - |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="頭[あたま;h]"></typo> | Head |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="目[め;h]"></typo> | Eye |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="耳[みみ;h]"></typo> | Ear |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="鼻[はな;h]"></typo> | Nose |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="口[くち;h]"></typo> | Mouth |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="首[くび;h]"></typo> | Neck |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="肩[かた;h]"></typo> | Shoulder |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="腕[うで;h]"></typo> | Arm |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="手[て;h]"></typo> | Hand |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="指[ゆび;h]"></typo> | Finger |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="胸[むね;h]"></typo> | Chest |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="背中[せなか;h]"></typo> | Back |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="お 腹[なか;a]"></typo> | Stomach / Belly |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="腰[こし;h]"></typo> | Lower back / Waist |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="足[あし;h]"></typo> | Leg / Foot |
| <typo lang="ja" syntax="膝[ひざ;h]"></typo> | Knee |

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## Emergency vocabulary you hope you never need
Emergency situations require specific vocabulary that could literally save your life.

- <typo lang="ja" syntax="救急車[きゅうきゅうしゃ;h]"></typo> (kyuukyuusha) means ambulance. Call 119 in Japan for emergency services.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="緊急[きんきゅう;h]"></typo> (kinkyuu) means emergency or urgent.
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="助[たす;a]けてください"></typo> (tasukete kudasai) means "Please help me."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="救急[きゅうきゅう;h]です"></typo> (kyuukyuu desu) means "This is an emergency."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="意識[いしき;h]がありません"></typo> (ishiki ga arimasen) means "They're unconscious."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="呼吸[こきゅう;h]していません"></typo> (kokyuu shiteimasen) means "They're not breathing."
- <typo lang="ja" syntax="血[ち;h]が 出[で;a]ています"></typo> (chi ga deteimasu) means "They're bleeding."

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## Making Japanese medical vocabulary stick
The best way to internalize this vocabulary is through context and repetition. 

1. **Watching Japanese medical dramas gives you real conversational examples of how doctors and patients communicate.** Shows like <typo lang="ja" syntax="ドクターX"></typo> (Doctor X) or <typo lang="ja" syntax="コウノドリ"></typo> (Kounodori) feature tons of medical dialogue.
2. **Creating your own example sentences helps too.** Instead of just memorizing <typo lang="ja" syntax="頭痛[ずつう;h]"></typo> (headache), make a sentence like <typo lang="ja" syntax="昨日[きのう;h]から 頭痛[ずつう;h]がひどいです"></typo> (I've had a terrible headache since yesterday). This builds the neural pathways you'll actually use in conversation.
3. **Group vocabulary by situation rather than alphabetically.** Create mental categories like "at the reception desk," "describing symptoms," "understanding the diagnosis," and "picking up medicine." Your brain retrieves information more easily when it's organized by context.
4. **Practice pronunciation regularly because medical terms can be tricky.** <typo lang="ja" syntax="処方箋[しょほうせん;h]"></typo> (prescription) has that challenging double consonant. <typo lang="ja" syntax="整形外科[せいけいげか;h]"></typo> (orthopedics) is a mouthful. Record yourself saying these terms and compare with native pronunciation to improve.

By the way, if you want to pick up medical vocabulary naturally from Japanese shows and content, Migaku's browser extension and app let you look up terms instantly while watching. You can save phrases directly to your flashcards for review later. There's a 10-day free trial if you want to check it out.

<img src="https://migaku-cms-assets.migaku.com/Screenshot_2026_04_21_060456_6735082654/Screenshot_2026_04_21_060456_6735082654.png" width="1920" height="1080" alt="Learn Japanese vocabulary with Migaku" />

<prose-button href="/learn-japanese" text="Learn Japanese with Migaku"></prose-button>

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## Knowing Japanese healthcare vocabulary transforms a potentially scary situation into something manageable😃
You'll walk into a clinic feeling prepared rather than anxious. You'll understand what the doctor asks and communicate your symptoms clearly. You'll pick up your prescription without confusion and take your medicine correctly. And if you're a fan of Japanese medical TV shows, all the better! Now you can understand more of the dialogue without English subtitles.

> If you consume media in Japanese, and you understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will make progress. *Period*.

Always stay ready for the unexpected! 💪