Japanese Phrases for the Hospital

Everything you need from reception to pharmacy — in real Japanese.

Going to a hospital in Japan can be stressful if you don't know what to say. This guide covers every step — checking in, explaining what's wrong, picking up medicine, and paying. Bookmark it before your appointment.

At Reception

  • 初めて来ました。受付をお願いします。

    Hajimete kimashita. Uketsuke wo onegaishimasu.

    This is my first visit. I'd like to register, please.

  • 保険証を持ってきました。

    Hokenshou wo motte kimashita.

    I have my health insurance card.

  • 予約はしていないのですが、診ていただけますか？

    Yoyaku wa shite inai no desu ga, mite itadakemasu ka?

    I don't have an appointment — can I still be seen?

  • 内科を受診したいのですが。

    Naika wo jusshin shitai no desu ga.

    I'd like to see an internal medicine doctor.

  • どのくらい待ちますか？

    Dono kurai machimasu ka?

    How long is the wait?

Describing Symptoms

  • ここが痛いです。

    Koko ga itai desu.

    It hurts here.

  • 昨日から熱があります。

    Kinou kara netsu ga arimasu.

    I've had a fever since yesterday.

  • 吐き気がして、食欲がありません。

    Hakike ga shite, shokuyoku ga arimasen.

    I feel nauseous and have no appetite.

  • ずっと咳が止まりません。

    Zutto seki ga tomarimasen.

    My cough won't stop.

  • アレルギーはありますが、花粉症です。

    Arerugii wa arimasu ga, kafunshou desu.

    I do have allergies — hay fever.

At the Pharmacy

  • この処方箋で薬をもらいたいです。

    Kono shohosen de kusuri wo moraitai desu.

    I'd like to fill this prescription.

  • この薬はいつ飲めばいいですか？

    Kono kusuri wa itsu nomeba ii desu ka?

    When should I take this medicine?

  • 副作用はありますか？

    Fukusayou wa arimasu ka?

    Are there any side effects?

  • 市販の痛み止めはありますか？

    Shihan no itamidome wa arimasu ka?

    Do you have any over-the-counter painkillers?

Payment

  • お会計はいくらですか？

    Okaikei wa ikura desu ka?

    How much is the total?

  • クレジットカードは使えますか？

    Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?

    Can I pay by credit card?

  • 領収書をもらえますか？

    Ryoushusho wo moraemasu ka?

    Can I get a receipt?

  • 保険適用ですか？

    Hoken tekiyou desu ka?

    Is this covered by insurance?

Cultural Tips

  • Always bring your health insurance card (健康保険証, kenko hokensho). Without it, you may be charged the full price and need to apply for reimbursement later.
  • Many clinics require you to remove your shoes in the waiting area. Look for a shoe rack at the entrance and follow what others do.
  • Hospitals in Japan often operate on a number system — take a ticket when you arrive and wait until your number is called. Don't just walk up to the desk.

FAQ

Can I see a doctor in Japan without Japanese?

Yes. Larger hospitals in cities often have English-speaking staff or translation services. For smaller clinics, use SayLy to type your symptoms in your language — it'll generate the right Japanese phrasing to show the doctor.

What is the standard hospital registration process in Japan?

You go to the reception desk (受付), hand over your insurance card, fill in a brief form about your symptoms, and wait to be called. At your first visit you'll also fill out a patient information form (問診票, monshinshyo).

With SayLy, just type in your language and send natural Japanese. No memorization needed.

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Related Guides

Japanese Phrases for the Dentist

Japanese Phrases for the Pharmacy

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