24 Essential Japanese Medical & Health Phrases
Traveling or living in Japan and suddenly needing medical help can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry — knowing some essential Japanese medical and health phrases can make all the difference.
Whether it’s a minor cold or something more serious, having the right words ready can help you communicate clearly and calmly. Plus, it’s a great way to show respect and care for your own well-being.
From describing symptoms to understanding a doctor’s advice, these phrases are practical and easy to remember. They’ll boost your confidence in any health-related situation.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 24 essential Japanese medical and health phrases, broken down into casual, polite, and very casual expressions. You’ll find pronunciation guides and little tips to help you remember them.
Learning these phrases ahead of time means less stress and more focus on getting better if you ever need to use them. Plus, it’s a fun way to practice your Japanese!
Ready to feel more prepared? Let’s dive right into these must-know Japanese medical phrases.
Getting Started with Medical Japanese
Before jumping into phrases, it’s good to understand some basics. Medical Japanese often uses specific vocabulary but also relies on clear, simple sentences.
By focusing on key words like “pain,” “help,” and “medicine,” plus polite phrases, you’ll get your point across even if you’re still a beginner. The idea is to communicate symptoms and needs clearly without overcomplicating things.
Start by practicing these little building blocks.
Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.
Making flashcards or practicing with a partner helps cement these useful words and phrases in your memory.
Once you have these basics, you’ll find it easier to handle conversations with doctors, nurses, or pharmacists.
Part 1: Casual Suggestions
1. どこが痛いですか？ (Doko ga itai desu ka?) – Where does it hurt?
Start with this simple question you might hear from a doctor or nurse. It’s polite and straightforward.
“どこ (doko)” means “where,” “が (ga)” marks the subject, and “痛い (itai)” means “hurt” or “painful.” Adding “ですか (desu ka)” makes it a polite question.
Using this phrase helps pinpoint exactly where you feel discomfort, making diagnosis easier.
It’s a foundational question in any medical visit.
You can respond simply by saying the body part plus “が痛いです (ga itai desu),” like “頭が痛いです (atama ga itai desu)” for “My head hurts.”
Practice this one early — it’s a phrase you’ll likely use or hear often.
2. 熱があります (Netsu ga arimasu) – I have a fever
This phrase is handy to explain you have a fever, a common symptom in many illnesses.
“熱 (netsu)” means “fever,” “が (ga)” marks the subject, and “あります (arimasu)” means “there is” or “I have.”
It’s short, sweet, and easy to remember. Practice by combining it with other symptoms.
Remember: don’t confuse “あります” (arimasu) with the verb for “to be” for living things. Fever is considered a thing you “have,” so this usage fits.
For example, you can say “熱があります、咳も出ます (Netsu ga arimasu, seki mo demasu)” – “I have a fever and also a cough.”
Knowing how to talk about symptoms like this helps medical staff understand your condition quickly.
3. 薬をください (Kusuri o kudasai) – Please give me medicine
When you need medicine, this phrase is perfect and polite.
“薬 (kusuri)” means “medicine,” “を (o)” marks the direct object, and “ください (kudasai)” means “please give me.”
It’s a polite, straightforward request that works well in pharmacies or clinics.
Don’t forget “ください” is a polite way to ask for something, so it’s good to use in medical settings.
You might also hear “薬はありますか？ (Kusuri wa arimasu ka?)” meaning “Do you have medicine?” if you want to check availability first.
Using these polite requests makes communication smoother and shows respect.
4. どうしましたか？ (Dō shimashita ka?) – What happened? / What’s wrong?
This is a common question doctors ask when you arrive at a clinic.
“どう (dō)” means “how,” and “しました (shimashita)” is the past tense of “to do,” making the phrase “What happened?” or “What’s wrong?”
It’s polite and useful to recognize so you can answer clearly.
Responding with a simple description of your symptoms or injury is best.
For example, “頭が痛いです (Atama ga itai desu)” – “My head hurts.”
Understanding this phrase helps you follow the flow of conversation at the doctor’s office.
5. 吐き気がします (Hakike ga shimasu) – I feel nauseous
Feeling nauseous can be tough to explain, but this phrase nails it.
“吐き気 (hakike)” means “nausea,” “が (ga)” marks the subject, and “します (shimasu)” means “to do” or “to feel.”
It’s a perfect phrase to describe that uneasy stomach feeling.
Try repeating it with different symptoms, like “頭痛と吐き気があります (Zutsū to hakike ga arimasu)” – “I have a headache and nausea.”
It’s polite and clear, making it easier for medical staff to help you.
Practice saying it slowly for better pronunciation and confidence.
6. すみません、助けてください (Sumimasen, tasukete kudasai) – Excuse me, please help me
This phrase is your go-to when you urgently need assistance.
“すみません (sumimasen)” means “excuse me” or “sorry,” “助けて (tasukete)” is the imperative form of “help,” and “ください (kudasai)” adds politeness.
It’s respectful yet urgent, perfect for catching attention politely.
Don’t hesitate to use it if you feel you need immediate help.
It’s better than trying to explain too much if you’re in distress.
Keep this phrase handy—it’s a lifesaver in emergencies.
7. 病院はどこですか？ (Byōin wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the hospital?
Knowing how to ask for the hospital location is essential.
“病院 (byōin)” means “hospital,” “は (wa)” is the topic marker, and “どこですか (doko desu ka)” means “where is it?”
It’s a simple, polite question that locals will easily understand.
Practice this phrase by imagining asking for directions in different places.
Pair it with “近いですか？ (Chikai desu ka?)” meaning “Is it close?”
This helps you prepare for unexpected situations when you need medical help fast.
8. アレルギーがあります (Arerugī ga arimasu) – I have allergies
If you have allergies, this phrase is a must-know.
“アレルギー (arerugī)” means “allergy,” “が (ga)” marks the subject, and “あります (arimasu)” means “I have.”
It’s useful to mention this early in any medical visit.
Try pairing it with specific allergens, like “花粉 (kafun)” for pollen or “ピーナッツ (pīnattsu)” for peanuts.
Example: “ピーナッツのアレルギーがあります (Pīnattsu no arerugī ga arimasu)” – “I have a peanut allergy.”
Being clear about allergies can prevent serious issues and shows your awareness.
Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions
9. お世話になります (Osewa ni narimasu) – Thank you for your care
This polite phrase is often used to express gratitude in medical settings.
“お世話 (osewa)” means “care” or “help,” “になります (ni narimasu)” means “to become” but here implies “thank you for.”
It’s a respectful expression before or after receiving treatment.
It helps build rapport with medical staff and shows appreciation.
You might also hear “ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu)” meaning “Thank you very much.”
Using polite phrases like this makes your interactions smoother and friendlier.
10. 痛みがひどいです (Itami ga hidoi desu) – The pain is severe
Use this phrase to clearly express when your pain is strong or unbearable.
“痛み (itami)” means “pain,” “が (ga)” marks the subject, and “ひどい (hidoi)” means “severe” or “terrible.”
Adding “です (desu)” keeps it polite.
It’s important to communicate pain levels honestly so medical staff can respond properly.
Common mistake is underplaying pain; don’t hesitate to say it’s severe if it is.
For example: “頭の痛みがひどいです (Atama no itami ga hidoi desu)” – “The headache is severe.”
11. 診察をお願いします (Shinsatsu o onegaishimasu) – I would like a medical examination
This phrase politely requests a medical check-up or examination.
“診察 (shinsatsu)” means “medical examination,” “を (o)” is the object marker, and “お願いします (onegaishimasu)” means “please.”
It’s formal and respectful, suitable for clinics or hospitals.
Practice saying it clearly to ensure your request is understood.
Don’t confuse with “検査 (kensa),” which means “test” or “inspection” — “診察” is the physical exam.
Using this phrase helps you take charge of your health politely.
12. どのくらい続きますか？ (Dono kurai tsuzukimasu ka?) – How long will it last?
Ask this question to understand the expected duration of symptoms or treatment.
“どのくらい (dono kurai)” means “how long,” “続きます (tsuzukimasu)” means “to continue,” and “か (ka)” marks a question.
It’s polite and helpful for planning your recovery.
Use it after hearing a diagnosis or treatment plan.
Avoid confusing with “どれくらい,” which is casual; “どのくらい” is more polite.
Example: “この痛みはどのくらい続きますか？ (Kono itami wa dono kurai tsuzukimasu ka?)” – “How long will this pain last?”
13. 予約を取りたいです (Yoyaku o toritai desu) – I want to make an appointment
This phrase is useful for scheduling doctor visits or tests.
“予約 (yoyaku)” means “appointment,” “を (o)” is the object marker, and “取りたいです (toritai desu)” means “want to take” or “want to make.”
It’s polite and clear, perfect for phone calls or in person.
Practice your phone etiquette too, as many appointments start with a call.
Related phrase “予約は可能ですか？ (Yoyaku wa kanō desu ka?)” means “Is it possible to make an appointment?”
Knowing this phrase keeps your medical care organized and stress-free.
14. 薬の副作用はありますか？ (Kusuri no fukusayō wa arimasu ka?) – Does the medicine have side effects?
Asking about side effects is smart and shows you care about your health.
“薬 (kusuri)” means “medicine,” “の (no)” is possessive, “副作用 (fukusayō)” means “side effects,” “は (wa)” marks the topic, and “ありますか (arimasu ka)” asks “are there?”
Use this phrase before taking any new medication.
Don’t assume all medicines are safe without side effects.
Pharmacists and doctors appreciate patients who ask questions.
Example conversation: “この薬の副作用はありますか？ (Kono kusuri no fukusayō wa arimasu ka?)” – “Does this medicine have side effects?”
15. 食事制限はありますか？ (Shokuji seigen wa arimasu ka?) – Are there any dietary restrictions?
When prescribed medicine or treatment, dietary restrictions can matter a lot.
“食事 (shokuji)” means “meal,” “制限 (seigen)” means “restriction,” “は (wa)” is the topic marker, and “ありますか (arimasu ka)” means “are there?”
It’s a polite question to clarify what you can or cannot eat.
Misunderstanding diet can delay recovery or worsen symptoms.
Practice this phrase alongside others about medication and health.
Example: “食事制限はありますか？ (Shokuji seigen wa arimasu ka?)” – “Are there any dietary restrictions?”
16. どのくらいの頻度で飲みますか？ (Dono kurai no hindo de nomimasu ka?) – How often should I take it?
Understanding the dosage schedule is crucial for effective treatment.
“どのくらいの頻度で (dono kurai no hindo de)” means “how often,” and “飲みますか (nomimasu ka)” means “should I take (it)?”
Ask this whenever you get new medicine.
It prevents mistakes like missing doses or overdosing.
Common mistake is guessing frequency; always confirm.
Example: “この薬はどのくらいの頻度で飲みますか？ (Kono kusuri wa dono kurai no hindo de nomimasu ka?)” – “How often should I take this medicine?”
Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions
17. ちょっと気分が悪い (Chotto kibun ga warui) – I’m feeling a little unwell
This casual phrase is common among friends or informal settings.
“ちょっと (chotto)” means “a little,” “気分 (kibun)” means “feeling,” “が (ga)” marks the subject, and “悪い (warui)” means “bad.”
It’s less formal but very natural sounding.
Use it when describing mild discomfort or illness casually.
It’s great for chatting with friends or coworkers about how you feel.
Don’t use this in formal medical settings though; stick to polite language there.
18. お腹がゴロゴロする (Onaka ga gorogoro suru) – My stomach is rumbling / upset
This native-like phrase describes stomach discomfort or rumbling.
“お腹 (onaka)” means “stomach,” “が (ga)” marks the subject, and “ゴロゴロする (gorogoro suru)” is an onomatopoeic expression for rumbling or grumbling.
It’s casual and often used in everyday conversation.
Great for explaining mild stomach issues without sounding too technical.
Try mimicking the sound “ゴロゴロ” to remember it’s about stomach noises.
Use it with friends or family, not in formal clinics.
19. もうダメかも (Mō dame kamo) – I might not be okay / I’m feeling really bad
This very casual phrase expresses feeling really unwell or hopeless.
“もう (mō)” means “already,” “ダメ (dame)” means “no good” or “not okay,” and “かも (kamo)” adds uncertainty like “might.”
It’s emotional and often used among close friends.
Avoid using it in formal situations, but it’s good to understand native expressions.
It’s a way to vent or signal you need help informally.
Remember it’s casual and can sound dramatic depending on tone.
20. ちょっと休もう (Chotto yasumō) – Let’s rest a bit
This phrase is useful when suggesting a break due to feeling unwell.
“ちょっと (chotto)” means “a little,” and “休もう (yasumō)” is the volitional form of “休む (yasumu),” meaning “let’s rest.”
It’s casual, friendly, and encouraging.
Great to use with friends or colleagues.
It’s a gentle way to suggest slowing down without sounding serious.
Try using it with people you feel close to for natural conversation.
21. 鼻水が止まらない (Hanamizu ga tomaranai) – My runny nose won’t stop
This phrase describes a persistent runny nose.
“鼻水 (hanamizu)” means “runny nose,” “が (ga)” marks the subject, and “止まらない (tomaranai)” means “won’t stop.”
It’s a casual expression often used to explain cold symptoms.
Useful when chatting with friends or describing symptoms informally.
Practice the pronunciation to sound natural.
It helps you express ongoing discomfort clearly.
22. 眠れなかった (Nemurenakatta) – I couldn’t sleep
Use this past tense phrase when explaining sleep troubles.
“眠れなかった (nemurenakatta)” means “couldn’t sleep.”
It’s casual but clear and widely understood.
Good for describing symptoms like insomnia or discomfort at night.
Try pairing it with reasons like “頭が痛くて眠れなかった (Atama ga itakute nemurenakatta)” – “I couldn’t sleep because of a headache.”
It’s a simple way to explain sleep problems among friends or doctors.
23. ちょっと具合が悪いだけ (Chotto guai ga warui dake) – I’m just a little unwell
This phrase downplays illness politely in casual speech.
“ちょっと (chotto)” means “a little,” “具合 (guai)” means “condition,” “が (ga)” marks the subject, “悪い (warui)” means “bad,” and “だけ (dake)” means “just” or “only.”
It’s a reassuring phrase often used to avoid worrying others.
Be mindful it may sound like you’re minimizing symptoms.
Great for casual conversation when symptoms are mild.
It helps keep things light but honest.
24. もう大丈夫です (Mō daijōbu desu) – I’m okay now
This phrase is perfect to let others know you’re feeling better.
“もう (mō)” means “already,” “大丈夫 (daijōbu)” means “okay” or “all right,” and “です (desu)” adds politeness.
It’s polite and positive, great for ending conversations about health.
Use it to reassure friends, family, or medical staff.
Practicing this phrase helps you close health discussions on a good note.
It’s simple but very useful in everyday life.
Concluding Thought
Learning these 24 essential Japanese medical and health phrases equips you with practical tools to communicate effectively in emergencies and everyday health situations.
From polite to casual, each expression is designed to fit different contexts, making your Japanese more natural and confident.
Keep practicing, and you’ll find that even tricky moments become easier to handle with just the right words at your fingertips.