[Easy Japanese - Beginner's Guide #29] Essential "Hospital Visits and Medical Consultations" Phrases for Living in Japan

Earlier in the series, we covered pharmacies and buying over-the-counter medicine, but falling ill or needing to see a doctor at a clinic (「病院 / Byōin」 or 「クリニック / Kurinikku」) is something every resident should be prepared for. Knowing how to explain your symptoms and register as a patient makes medical visits much less stressful.

Don't worry—you don't need difficult vocabulary. Let's learn the essential phrases for visiting a Japanese medical clinic!

1. Registering at Reception (Uketsuke de no Tetsuzuki)

When you arrive at a clinic for the first time, you must fill out a registration form and present your health insurance card.

  • 「保険証を持っています。」 (Hoken-shō o motte imasu.) – I have my health insurance card.

  • 「初診です。」 (Shoshin desu.) – This is my first visit.

  • 「問診票を書いてください。」 (Monshin-hyō o kaite kudasai.) – (Staff request) Please fill out the medical questionnaire.

💡 Tip: Always bring your Health Insurance Card (「健康保険証」) and your Residence Card. If it's your first time at that clinic, arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to complete the initial paperwork.

Figure: A hospital visit, step by step
A hospital visit, step by step1受付:初診ですUketsuke: Shoshin desuReception: first visit + 保険証2問診票を書くMonshin-hyō o kakuFill in the medical questionnaire3診察:熱がありますShinsatsuSee the doctor, explain symptoms4会計・処方せんKaikei / ShohōsenPay and get a prescription5薬局で薬をもらうYakkyokuGet medicine at the pharmacy

2. Explaining Your Symptoms (Shōjō o Tsutaeru)

When the doctor calls your name and examines you, you can explain how you feel using simple words or pointing at a symptom chart.

  • 「熱があります。」 (Netsu ga arimasu.) – I have a fever.

  • 「頭が痛いです。」 (Atama ga itai desu.) – I have a headache.

  • 「お腹が痛いです。」 (Onaka ga itai desu.) – I have a stomachache.

💡 Tip: If explaining in Japanese feels difficult, write down your main symptoms, when they started, and your temperature on a piece of paper or your smartphone beforehand to show the doctor!

3. Receiving Your Prescription (Shohōsen to Kusuri)

After your consultation, the doctor will give you a prescription paper (「処方箋 / Shohōsen」) to take to a nearby pharmacy.

  • 「薬局はどこですか?」 (Yakkyoku wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the pharmacy?

  • 「食後に飲んでください。」 (Shokugo ni nonde kudasai.) – (Pharmacist instruction) Please take this after meals.

  • 「アレルギーはありますか?」 (Arerugī wa arimasu ka?) – (Pharmacist question) Do you have any allergies?

💡 Tip: Prescription papers issued by doctors in Japan are generally valid for only 4 days (including the day of issue). Make sure to visit the pharmacy and pick up your medicine promptly!

Summary: Protecting Your Health

Knowing how to visit a clinic and communicate your symptoms ensures you can receive proper medical care whenever you need it. Your health is the foundation of a happy life in Japan.

"Xana Lab" is always here to support your healthy and secure life in Japan!

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