24 Essential Japanese Phrases for Saying “I Need a Doctor”

When you’re traveling or living in Japan, knowing how to say “I need a doctor” can be a lifesaver. It’s one of those phrases you hope never to use but are so glad to have ready when you do.

Whether it’s a sudden fever, an injury, or just feeling unwell, being able to communicate your need for medical help quickly and clearly is essential. It can make all the difference in an emergency.

In this article, we’ll explore 24 essential Japanese phrases that you can use to express that you need a doctor. From casual to formal and even native-like expressions, you’ll be covered for any situation.

Having these phrases in your language toolkit not only boosts your confidence but also helps you navigate healthcare situations smoothly. Plus, practicing them is easier than you might think!

Learning these phrases also opens up doors to understanding more about Japanese culture and communication styles, especially in urgent situations.

Ready to feel prepared and empowered? Let’s dive into these must-know Japanese phrases for saying “I need a doctor.”

Why Learn These Phrases?

Knowing how to say “I need a doctor” in Japanese can save you time and stress during a medical emergency.

These phrases cover various levels of politeness, so you can adapt depending on the situation. It’s helpful to understand when to use casual versus formal language.

Plus, practicing these will improve your overall confidence in speaking Japanese.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

These phrases will help you communicate clearly and avoid confusion in urgent moments.

Even a little practice can make a huge difference when you really need help.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 医者が必要です (Isha ga hitsuyou desu) – ee-sha gah hee-tsoo-yoh dess

This phrase literally means “I need a doctor.”

It’s straightforward and polite enough for most situations. “医者” (Isha) means doctor, “が” (ga) is a subject marker, and “必要です” (hitsuyou desu) means “is necessary” or “needed.”

It’s easy to remember because it uses simple words and a polite verb ending.

Use this phrase when you want to be clear but not overly formal.

If you want to sound a bit softer, you can add “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) at the end to say “please.”

Practice saying this phrase slowly at first, then gradually faster to sound natural.

2. 医者を呼んでください (Isha wo yonde kudasai) – ee-sha oh yohn-deh koo-dah-sigh

This phrase means “Please call a doctor.”

It’s easy and effective to remember because “呼んでください” (yonde kudasai) is a common way to politely ask someone to do something.

Always use “ください” (kudasai) to make it polite.

A common mistake is forgetting to use “を” (wo) which marks the direct object.

For example, if you’re with someone, you can say “医者を呼んでください！” to get help right away.

This phrase is especially useful if you can’t call yourself and need someone else to act.

3. 具合が悪いです (Guai ga warui desu) – goo-eye gah wah-roo-ee dess

This means “I feel sick” or “My condition is bad.”

It’s a gentle way to express that you need medical attention without directly saying you need a doctor.

“具合” (guai) means condition, “が” (ga) is the subject marker, and “悪いです” (warui desu) means “is bad.”

This phrase can lead to someone asking if you want a doctor.

It’s useful when you want to describe symptoms first.

Practice this phrase to help explain how you feel clearly and calmly.

4. 医者に行きたいです (Isha ni ikitai desu) – ee-sha nee ee-kee-tie dess

This phrase means “I want to go to a doctor.”

It’s easy to remember because “行きたいです” (ikitai desu) means “want to go,” a common verb pattern.

It’s polite and shows your intention clearly.

Be careful not to confuse “に” (ni), which indicates direction, with other particles.

Use this when asking for directions or transportation to a clinic.

This phrase helps you take the next step toward getting medical help.

5. 救急車を呼んでください (Kyūkyūsha wo yonde kudasai) – kyoo-kyoo-shah oh yohn-deh koo-dah-sigh

This means “Please call an ambulance.”

It’s a crucial phrase for emergencies. “救急車” (kyuukyusha) means ambulance.

Remember to keep your tone urgent but clear.

A common mistake is mixing up ambulance and doctor phrases; this is specifically for emergencies needing immediate help.

Use this phrase if the situation is serious and you need professional emergency services fast.

Practice saying it firmly but politely.

6. 痛いです (Itai desu) – ee-tie dess

This means “It hurts.”

It’s simple but powerful and easy to remember.

Use it to express pain when asked or when describing symptoms.

Don’t overuse it without specifying the location, or people might not understand.

You can add body parts before it, like “頭が痛いです” (Atama ga itai desu) meaning “My head hurts.”

This phrase is essential for communicating pain clearly.

7. 医者に診てもらいたいです (Isha ni mite moraitai desu) – ee-sha nee mee-teh moh-rye-tie dess

This phrase means “I want a doctor to examine me.”

It’s polite and a bit more specific than just saying you need a doctor.

“診てもらいたい” (mite moraitai) is a useful verb form meaning “want to receive an examination.”

It’s good for more formal or slightly longer conversations.

Use it in clinics or hospitals when speaking to staff.

Practicing this phrase helps you sound respectful and clear.

8. 緊急です、医者が必要です (Kinkyū desu, isha ga hitsuyou desu) – keen-kyoo dess, ee-sha gah hee-tsoo-yoh dess

This means “It’s an emergency, I need a doctor.”

It’s important for urgent medical situations where you need immediate attention.

“緊急” (kinkyū) means emergency, so it adds urgency to your request.

Don’t hesitate to use this if the situation is critical.

It’s a phrase that can trigger faster responses from bystanders or officials.

Practice it with a serious tone to convey urgency effectively.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 医者を呼んでいただけますか？ (Isha wo yonde itadakemasu ka?) – ee-sha oh yohn-deh ee-tah-dah-keh-mas kah

This is a very polite way to say “Could you please call a doctor?”

It’s perfect when you want to be respectful, like at a hotel or with strangers.

Using “いただけますか” (itadakemasu ka) adds humility and politeness.

A common mistake is using casual language in formal settings, so this phrase is safer.

For example, say this to a receptionist or hotel concierge when needing assistance.

Practicing polite phrases like this boosts your confidence in formal situations.

10. 医師の診察をお願いできますか？ (Ishi no shinsatsu o onegaidekimasu ka?) – ee-shee noh shin-sah-tsu oh oh-neh-gai-deh-kee-mas kah

This means “Could I request a doctor’s examination?”

It’s formal and very polite, suitable for hospitals or clinics.

“医師” (ishi) is a more formal word for doctor, and “診察” (shinsatsu) means medical examination.

Be careful not to mix casual and formal elements.

Use this phrase when booking or asking for a consultation politely.

It sounds professional and respectful, ideal for official situations.

11. 体調が悪くて、医者の診察が必要です (Taichō ga warukute, ishi no shinsatsu ga hitsuyō desu) – tie-choh gah wah-roo-koo-teh, ee-shee noh shin-sah-tsu gah hee-tsoo-yoh dess

This means “I’m not feeling well and need a doctor’s examination.”

It’s polite and explains your condition clearly.

“体調” (taichō) means physical condition, “悪くて” (warukute) means “because it’s bad.”

Avoid just saying you need a doctor without context in formal settings.

This phrase helps the medical staff understand your situation better.

Use it to communicate politely and clearly in clinics.

12. 急に具合が悪くなりました。医者をお願いします (Kyū ni guai ga waruku narimashita. Isha o onegaishimasu) – kyoo nee goo-eye gah wah-roo-koo nah-ree-mah-shee-tah. ee-sha oh oh-neh-gai-shee-mas

This means “I suddenly became unwell. Please get me a doctor.”

It combines explanation with a polite request.

“急に” (kyū ni) means suddenly, adding urgency to the phrase.

Don’t forget to use polite endings like “お願いします” (onegaishimasu).

Perfect phrase for explaining sudden illness politely.

Practice this to express urgency without sounding rude.

13. 医療機関に連れて行っていただけますか？ (Iryō kikan ni tsurete itte itadakemasu ka?) – ee-ryoh kee-kahn nee tsoo-reh-teh eet-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mas kah

This means “Could you take me to a medical facility?”

It’s a very polite and formal way to ask for help with transportation.

“医療機関” (iryō kikan) means medical institution or facility.

Make sure to pronounce respectfully to show gratitude.

Use this when you need assistance physically getting to a hospital or clinic.

It’s a great phrase to know for formal or serious situations.

14. 医者に診てもらう必要があります (Isha ni mite morau hitsuyō ga arimasu) – ee-sha nee mee-teh moh-rau hee-tsoo-yoh gah ah-ree-mas

This means “I need to be examined by a doctor.”

It’s polite and clearly states necessity.

“必要があります” (hitsuyō ga arimasu) is a formal way to say “there is a need.”

Avoid sounding too casual in hospitals; use this to be respectful.

Good for explaining to companions or caregivers.

Practice to build confidence in polite conversations.

15. 医者の診察を受けたいと思います (Isha no shinsatsu o uketai to omoimasu) – ee-sha noh shin-sah-tsu oh oo-keh-tie toh oh-moh-ee-mas

This means “I think I want to see a doctor.”

It’s polite and slightly softer, suitable for non-emergency situations.

“受けたいと思います” (uketai to omoimasu) expresses desire politely.

Don’t use this in urgent emergencies; reserve it for mild symptoms.

It’s great for making appointments or consultations.

Practice this phrase to sound thoughtful and polite.

16. 体調不良のため、医者の診察をお願いします (Taichō furyō no tame, isha no shinsatsu o onegaishimasu) – tie-choh foo-ryoh noh tah-meh, ee-sha noh shin-sah-tsu oh oh-neh-gai-shee-mas

This means “Due to poor health, I request a doctor’s examination.”

It’s formal and suitable for written or spoken requests.

“体調不良” (taichō furyō) means poor health or not feeling well.

Don’t confuse this with casual phrases; it’s best for official contexts.

Use it when explaining your condition formally.

Practicing this phrase helps with polite and clear communication.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. 医者呼んで！ (Isha yonde!) – ee-sha yohn-deh

This is a very casual, urgent way to say “Call a doctor!”

It’s short and direct, used mostly in emergencies or among friends.

It’s easy to say and gets straight to the point.

Don’t use this phrase in formal situations; it can sound abrupt.

Great for quick calls for help when every second counts.

Practice to sound urgent but clear.

18. 先生、助けて！ (Sensei, tasukete!) – sen-say, tah-skeh-teh

“Sensei” means teacher but is also used to address doctors respectfully.

“助けて” (tasukete) means “help me!”

It’s a natural, native-like way to ask for help urgently.

Use it if you want to sound informal but respectful.

Be mindful that “sensei” can apply to many professionals, including doctors.

This phrase works well in casual or semi-formal emergencies.

19. 病院に連れてって！ (Byōin ni tsuretette!) – byoh-een nee tsoo-reh-teh-teh

This means “Take me to the hospital!”

It’s very casual and used among friends or family.

The verb “連れてって” (tsuretette) is a casual form of “take (someone) along.”

Avoid this phrase with strangers or formal settings.

Great for urgent but non-emergency situations with people you know well.

Practice to sound natural and direct.

20. 医者いる？ (Isha iru?) – ee-sha ee-roo?

This means “Is there a doctor?” very casually.

It’s a simple phrase to find medical help quickly.

“いる” (iru) means “to be” for people or animals.

Don’t use it in formal places or with strangers without adding politeness.

Useful in crowds or public places when seeking help.

Practice to sound natural but polite when needed by adding “いますか” (imasu ka).

21. 痛い、医者呼んで！ (Itai, isha yonde!) – ee-tie, ee-sha yohn-deh

This means “It hurts, call a doctor!”

It’s direct and conveys both pain and the need for a doctor.

Perfect for quick, urgent communication with friends or bystanders.

Keep it casual but clear.

You can add the body part for clarity, like “頭が痛い” (Atama ga itai) for head pain.

Practice to combine emotional expression with request clearly.

22. すぐに医者が必要！ (Sugu ni isha ga hitsuyō!) – soo-goo nee ee-sha gah hee-tsoo-yoh

This means “I need a doctor immediately!”

It’s casual but carries urgency.

“すぐに” (sugu ni) means immediately.

Don’t be too casual in hospitals but fine with friends or helpers.

Use this phrase when time is critical.

Practice to convey urgency without panic.

23. どこかに医者いる？ (Doko ka ni isha iru?) – doh-koh kah nee ee-sha ee-roo?

This means “Is there a doctor somewhere around?”

It’s casual and helpful when seeking medical help nearby.

Adding “どこか” (doko ka) means somewhere.

Good for asking strangers or crowds informally.

Use polite form “いますか” (imasu ka) to be more respectful.

Practice to ask for help naturally in public spaces.

24. 医者行こう！ (Isha ikou!) – ee-sha ee-koh

This means “Let’s go to the doctor!”

It’s a casual, friendly way to suggest seeking medical attention.

“行こう” (ikou) is a volitional form meaning “let’s go.”

Perfect for conversations with friends or family.

Don’t use this in formal or emergency situations.

Practice this phrase to sound natural and caring when encouraging others.

Concluding Thought

Learning these 24 essential Japanese phrases equips you to handle medical situations with confidence and clarity, no matter the setting.

From polite requests to urgent calls for help, these expressions bridge language gaps when you need it most.

Keep practicing, stay calm, and remember you’re prepared to get the help you need in Japan!