Japan Healthcare

Medical Phrasebook

Key phrases for 12 healthcare situations in Japan — translated into English, Japanese (with romanization), Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Thai, and Vietnamese. Each scenario page has a print layout for carrying phrases to appointments.

How to use this phrasebook

Choose the scenario that matches your situation. On each scenario page you can select your language with a toggle and print only the columns you need. The Japanese column always appears alongside your chosen language so clinical staff can read it directly.

Phrases are written in polite formal Japanese (desu/masu style) appropriate for medical settings. Romanization follows the Hepburn system. These are communication aids — they do not replace professional medical interpretation for complex clinical discussions.

For professional interpretation services in Japan, see our guide to Medical Interpreting Services. For emergency phrases, go directly to the Emergency Call scenario.

Scenarios

22 phrases Checking In and Registration Navigate hospital check-in, forms, and waiting room procedures with confidence. 22 phrases Describing Symptoms Clearly explain what you're feeling so your doctor can make an accurate assessment. 21 phrases During the Examination Understand doctor instructions and ask key questions during your physical examination. 20 phrases Medications and Pharmacy Pick up prescriptions, understand dosage instructions, and manage your medications safely. 14 phrases Payment and Insurance Handle billing, health insurance, and reimbursement paperwork at Japanese medical facilities. 20 phrases Emergency Call (119) Essential phrases for calling emergency services and communicating with dispatchers in Japan. 24 phrases Dental Appointments Key phrases for dental visits, from pain and treatment to insurance and cost questions. 22 phrases Maternity and Prenatal Essential phrases for pregnancy registration, prenatal checkups, labor, and postpartum care in Japan. 21 phrases Mental Health Consultation Phrases for discussing mental health symptoms, seeking psychiatric or counseling care, and navigating treatment in Japan. 20 phrases Test Results and Diagnosis Phrases for understanding lab results, discussing diagnoses, and planning next steps with your doctor. 20 phrases Hospital Admission and Ward Essential phrases for navigating hospital admission, inpatient care, surgery preparation, and discharge. 20 phrases Requesting an Interpreter Phrases to request language support, explain your language needs, and ensure clear communication in medical settings.

Languages covered

Every phrase appears in nine languages: English, Japanese (日本語) with Hepburn romanization, Simplified Chinese (中文), Korean (한국어), Portuguese (Português), Spanish (Español), Filipino (Filipino/Tagalog), Thai (ภาษาไทย), and Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt). These cover the primary non-Japanese languages spoken by foreign residents in Japan as documented in MHLW multilingual medical support guidelines.

Japan Hub Guides Medical Glossary Emergency Guide

Last reviewed: September 2026