Feeling Unwell? Basic Vocabulary for Hospitals and Pharmacies in Japan
Getting sick or injured while traveling is a stressful experience, and a language barrier can make it even more challenging. Fortunately, Japan has a world-class healthcare system, and with a few key phrases, you can navigate a visit to a doctor or pharmacy to get the help you need.
Knowing how to describe your basic symptoms can make a huge difference in getting a quick and accurate diagnosis. It's also helpful to recognize the words for common medical facilities and items.
This guide provides the essential vocabulary for describing symptoms and understanding basic instructions in a medical setting. It's a good idea to save these phrases on your phone, just in case.
1. Key Places and People
First, let's learn the names of the places you might need to visit and the people you'll interact with.
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital | 病院 | Byōin |
| Clinic | クリニック | Kurinikku |
| Pharmacy / Drugstore | 薬局 / ドラッグストア | Yakkyoku / Doraggusutoa |
| Doctor | 医者 | Isha |
| Reception Desk | 受付 | Uketsuke |
2. Describing Your Symptoms
This is the most critical part. Use this pattern to explain what's wrong.
The Basic Symptom Pattern:
[Body Part] が痛いです。
([Body Part] ga itai desu.)
"My [Body Part] hurts."
Here are some common symptoms:
| Symptom in English | Japanese Phrase | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| I have a headache. | 頭が痛いです。 | Atama ga itai desu. |
| I have a stomachache. | お腹が痛いです。 | Onaka ga itai desu. |
| I have a sore throat. | 喉が痛いです。 | Nodo ga itai desu. |
| I have a fever. | 熱があります。 | Netsu ga arimasu. |
| I feel nauseous. | 吐き気がします。 | Hakike ga shimasu. |
| I feel dizzy. | めまいがします。 | Memai ga shimasu. |
3. At the Pharmacy (薬局 - Yakkyoku)
If you just need over-the-counter medicine, you can visit a pharmacy or drugstore.
You:
風邪薬はありますか？
(Kazegusuri wa arimasu ka?)
"Do you have cold medicine?"
You can replace 風邪薬 (kazegusuri) with other types of medicine, like 痛み止め (itamidome - pain reliever) or 胃薬 (igusuri - stomach medicine).
💡 Important Note:
Many medicines that are over-the-counter in other countries may require a prescription (処方箋 - shohōsen) in Japan. If you need a specific medication, it's best to see a doctor at a clinic first.
Conclusion
Falling ill is never fun, but being prepared can make the situation much more manageable. By learning how to state your main symptom—even if it's just "atama ga itai"—you can get the help you need quickly and get back to enjoying your trip.
Remember to get travel insurance before your trip, and don't hesitate to seek medical help if you feel unwell. Stay safe and healthy!