Essential Medical Vocabulary & Phrases for Hospital Visits in Japan
Falling ill is one of the biggest worries when traveling abroad. Even minor health issues can be stressful in an unfamiliar place, especially with a language barrier. To help ease your concerns, we’ve put together a detailed guide to navigating medical care in Japan, which can be quite different from what you’re used to in your home country. Read on for key Japanese medical phrases, in case you need to visit a hospital or clinic during your trip in Japan.
- Basic information on how to visit a Japanese clinic
- Japanese phrases to make appointments and call an ambulance
- Japanese phrases and vocabulary for medical consultations
- Where to receive medication after seeing a doctor
- Buy travel medication on WAmazing Shop
- Travel with peace of mind and sign up for a travel insurance
Basic information on how to visit a Japanese clinic

When visiting a hospital or clinic in Japan, the first step is to register at the reception desk as a first-time patient, referred to as shoshin.
Clinics and departmens based on your symptoms:
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
Internal Medicine | 内科 | naika |
Pediatrics | 小児科 | shonika |
Surgery | 外科 | geka |
Orthopedics | 整形外科 | seikeigeka |
Obstetrics & Gynecology | 産婦人科 | sanfujinka |
Dermatology | 皮膚科 | hifuka |
Otorhinolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat) | 耳鼻咽喉科 | jibiinkoka |
Urology | 泌尿器科 | hinyokika |
Dentistry | 歯科 | shika |
Hospital | 病院 | byoin |
Clinic | クリニック | kurinikku |
The staff will typically ask if you have Japanese health insurance (kenko hoken-sho) and inquire about your reason for visiting. You'll be required to fill out a medical questionnaire (monshin-hyo.)
While the format may vary between clinics, the content is generally similar. Questions typically include your medical history, drug allergies, current symptoms, lifestyle habits (such as smoking and drinking,) and the possibility of pregnancy. This information helps doctors better understand your condition for accurate treatment and minimizes the risk of medical misunderstandings.
After submitting the questionnaire, you’ll wait for your turn. During the consultation, the doctor may perform an examination and recommend additional tests, such as bloodwork or X-rays, depending on your symptoms.
Payment is made after all examinations are complete. Unlike in many other countries, most medical facilities in Japan don't dispense medication directly. Instead, you'll receive a prescription to take to a pharmacy, where you'll pay separately for your medications.
Important note: While credit card payments are becoming more common at larger hospitals and clinics, many medical facilities in Japan still operate on a cash-only basis. Carry enough cash with you, and keep all receipts for insurance reimbursement when you return home.
Japanese phrases to make appointments and call an ambulance

In Japan, many clinics require advance appointments, and walk-ins may face long waiting times unless it’s an emergency. It's a good idea to call ahead to make a reservation or ask your hotel staff to assist with arranging an appointment. Here are some essential medical terms and phrases to help you navigate healthcare in Japan.
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
Reception Desk | 受付 | ukets(u)ke |
First Visit | 初診 | shoshin |
Hospitalization | 入院 | nyuin |
Outpatient | 外来 | gairai |
Health Insurance Card | 健康保険証 | kenko hoken-sho |
Waiting Room | 待合室 | machiai-shitsu |
Doctor | 医者 | isha |
Medical Examination | 診察 | shinsatsu |
Medical Questionnaire | 問診票 | monshin-hyo |
Nurse | 看護師 | kangoshi |
Prescription | 処方箋 | shohosen |
Japanese phrases for making appointments
Use these two phrases when making medical appointments:
Pronunciation: Yoyaku (w)o toritaindesuga.
English: I would like to make an appointment.
Pronunciation: Saitande aiteiru hi wa itsudes(u)ka?
English: What's the earliest available date?
Japanese phrases for calling an ambulance
In an emergency, dial 119 or use these phrases to request assistance. Keep in mind that 119 is used for both medical emergencies and fires, so the operator will first ask which service you require.
Pronunciation: Kyukyusha (w)o yondekudasai.
English: Please call an ambulance.
Pronunciation: Kyukyu des(u.)
English: This is an emergency.
After contacting emergency services, you'll need to provide your location. Share the exact address, hotel name, or restaurant name if you know it. If you’re unsure, clearly describe nearby landmarks or notable buildings. The operator will also ask about the patient's gender, age, and symptoms.
Pronunciation: Jusho wa 〇〇 des(u.)
English: The address is XXX.
Japanese phrases during medical visits
At the hospital, staff will typically ask if you're a first-time patient, check if you have Japanese health insurance, inquire about your symptoms, and have you fill out a medical questionnaire.
Medical Staff:
Pronunciation: Kochira wa hajimete des(u)ka?
English: Is this your first visit?
Pronunciation: Hoken-sho (w)o o-mochi des(u)ka?
English: Do you have a health insurance card?
Pronunciation: Kyo wa donasaimashitaka?
English: What brings you here today? (What's wrong?)
Pronunciation: Dewa, kochira no monshin-hyo ni kinyu (w)o onegaishimas(u.)
English: Please fill out this medical questionnaire.
Japanese phrases and vocabulary for medical consultations

After registering, you'll wait in the waiting area until your name and assigned examination room number are called. During the consultation, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and may conduct tests like bloodwork, X-rays, or blood pressure checks.
At the end, the doctor will explain the prescribed medications and how to take them. Below are some common phrases you might hear during consultation:
Medical staff:
Pronunciation: 〇〇-san, 〇-ban no shinsatsu-shitsu ni o-hairikudasai.
English: Mr./Ms. XX, please enter examination room number XX.
Doctor:
Pronunciation: Doshimashitaka?
English: What seems to be the problem?
Pronunciation: Its(u)kara des(u)ka?
English: When did it start?
Pronunciation: Saiketsu shimasho.
English: Let's take a blood sample.
Pronunciation: Kusuri (w)o dash(i)te okimas(u)ne.
English: I'll prescribe some medication for you.
Other common medical terms:
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
Medical Examination | 診察 | shinsatsu |
Test/Check-up | 検査 | kensa |
Injection | 注射 | chusha |
Blood test | 採血 | saiketsu |
Treatment | 処置 | shochi |
X-ray | レントゲン | rentogen |
Blood Pressure | 血圧 | ketsuatsu |
Anesthesia | 麻酔 | masui |
Allergy | アレルギー | arerugi |
Japanese phrases to explain drug or rubbing alcohol allergies
If you have any drug allergies, it's recommended to carry a note with your allergies written in English when traveling abroad.
Doctor or pharmacist:
Pronunciation: Kusuri/arukoru no arerugi wa arimas(u)ka?
English: Do you have any drug/rubbing alcohol allergies?
Patient:
Pronunciation: 〇〇 arerugi des(u.)
English: I'm allergic to XXX.
Common Japanese phrases and vocabulary to describe symptoms

Here are some common phrases and words to describe discomfort. Try to provide as much detail as possible about your symptoms, when they started, and what you've eaten, especially if you’re experiencing stomach issues.
Pronunciation: Geri (w)o sh(i)teimas(u.)
English: I have diarrhea.
Pronunciation: Karada ga samuku kanjiraremas(u.)
English: I feel cold.
Pronunciation: Nanika (w)o nomikomimashita.
English: I accidentally swallowed something.
Vocabulary to explain common symptoms:
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
Cough | 咳 | seki |
Nausea | 吐き気 | hakike |
Dizziness | 目まい | memai |
Diarrhea | 下痢 | geri |
Loss of Appetite | 食欲不振 | shokuyoku fushin |
Convulsions | ひきつけ | hikits(u)ke |
Japanese phrases and vocabulary to describe injuries

In addition to illness, you may need medical attention for injuries from activities like skiing. Even minor injuries require prompt attention, and this vocabulary will help you communicate effectively with pharmacists when buying over-the-counter medications.
Pronunciation: Yakedo (w)o shimashita.
English: I have a burn.
Pronunciation: Koronda.
English: I fell.
Pronunciation: Nen no tame, rentogen (w)o totte okimas(u)ne.
English: Let's take an X-ray just to be safe.
Other common injury-related terms:
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
Injury | 怪我 | kega |
Burn | やけど | yakedo |
Nosebleed | 鼻血 | hanaji |
Traffic Accident | 交通事故 | kotsu jiko |
Insect Bite | 虫刺され | mushi sasare |
Food Poisoning | 食あたり | shoku atari |
Fall | 転んだ | koronda |
Where to receive medication after seeing a doctor

Usually, doctors end consultations with odaijini, meaning "get well soon." Afterward, you’ll return to the waiting room until your name is called. Then, proceed to the counter for payment, your receipt, and your prescription.
In Japan, most patients need to get medications from pharmacies. Large hospitals usually have in-house pharmacies, and some emergency rooms have dedicated medication windows. If you’re unsure where to go, simply ask the reception staff when receiving your prescription.
Common types of Japanese medications

Here's a list of common medication types prescribed in Japan. Besides regular tablets (錠剤, jozai), external medications like patches and ointments are commonly prescribed for injuries. Traditional Chinese medicine, known as kampo (漢方,) is also frequently prescribed at regular hospitals and clinics, usually in powder form.
You may come across the terms jenerikku iyakuhin (ジェネリック医薬品) or kohatsu iyakuhin (後発医薬品,) which refer to generic drugs. These contain the same active ingredients and dosages as brand-name drugs but are more affordable. The Japanese government actively promotes the use of generic drugs, so feel free to ask your doctor or pharmacist for them to help reduce your medical costs.
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
Tablets | 錠剤 | jozai |
Fever Medicine | 解熱剤 | genetsuzai |
Painkiller | 鎮痛剤 | chintsuzai |
Gargle Medicine | うがい薬 | ugai-gusuri |
Compress | 湿布 | shippu |
Ointment | 軟膏 | nanko |
Eye Drops | 点眼薬 | tengan-yaku |
Oral Medicine | 内服薬 | naifuku-yaku |
Chinese Herbal Medicine | 漢方薬 | kampo-yaku |
Generic Drugs | ジェネリック医薬品 | jenerikku iyakuhin |
Japanese terms for using medication

When you receive medication from a Japanese pharmacy, the medication bag will typically indicate the dosage timing and frequency. In addition to common instructions like "before meals" or "after meals," you might see 頓服 (tonpuku,) which means "take as needed" (for symptoms like fever or stomach pain.) For external medications like patches or ointments, 1日◯回 (ichi-nichi XX-kai) indicates how many times per day the product should be applied.
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
Before Meals | 食前 | shoku-zen |
After Meals | 食後 | shoku-go |
Between Meals (2 hrs after eating) | 食間 | shokkan |
Take as needed | 頓服 | tonpuku |
Before Bedtime | 就寝前 | shushin-mae |
Buy travel medication on WAmazing Shop
When traveling abroad, you may experience conditions like colds, menstrual pain, digestive issues, or muscle aches. It's best to carry the necessary medications with you. In addition to drugstores, buy these essentials, along with snacks and beauty products, on WAmazing Shop.
Popular medications like Eve Quick, Taisho Pabron Cold Medicine, and Ohta Isan (*) are available on the website. After making your purchase, you can easily pick up your items from designated airport lockers or collection points, saving time for sightseeing instead of shopping at drugstores.
*Medical products sold on WAmazing Shop are not eligible for tax-free status, and the prices shown include tax. However, the tax amount will be discounted at checkout, so the final price will be equivalent to the tax-free rate.
Travel with peace of mind and sign up for a travel insurance

Even if you’re familiar with basic Japanese medical vocabulary and phrases, international visitors without Japanese health insurance are required to pay the full cost for medical services. Expenses can be significant, especially for surgeries, hospital stays, or medical evacuation flights. To ensure peace of mind and protect yourself from unexpected costs, we strongly recommend purchasing overseas travel insurance before your trip.
*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.
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