General Phrases (Start here if unsure)

When you can't pinpoint how to describe it

はっきりどこがというわけではないのですが、全身がだるくて調子が悪いです。
はっきりどこがというわけではないのですが、ぜんしんがだるくてちょうしがわるいです。
I can't pinpoint exactly where, but I feel unwell all over.
When you can't describe it at all, start with this phrase — the doctor will ask follow-up questions to help you get more specific, so don't worry about sounding unprofessional.
Suggested Department
Internal Medicine (general entry point when unsure)
Related何科に行けばいいかわからない（unsure which department to visit）
何科に行けばいいかわからないので、まず診てもらえますか。
なにかにいけばいいかわからないので、まずみてもらえますか。
I'm not sure which department to go to — could you take a look first?
If you're not sure which department to visit, internal medicine is usually the safest first stop — the doctor will refer you elsewhere if needed.
Suggested Department
Internal Medicine (general entry point when unsure)General Medicine Dept. (not all hospitals have this)

If unsure, start with Internal Medicine — the doctor will assess or refer you as needed

Describing severity and how it has changed

痛みの強さは10段階で7くらいです。
いたみのつよさはじゅうだんかいでななくらいです。
The pain is about a 7 out of 10.
This numeric scale is commonly used in Japanese clinics — it helps the doctor gauge severity more precisely than simply saying 'it really hurts.'
Relatedだんだん悪くなっている（gradually getting worse）
症状がだんだん悪くなっています。
しょうじょうがだんだんわるくなっています。
The symptoms are gradually getting worse.
Whether the symptom is worsening, improving, or unchanged is important for the doctor to judge how it's progressing.
Related痛みの強さ（10段階で）（pain intensity (0-10 scale)）
3日前からこの症状があります。
みっかまえからこのしょうじょうがあります。
I've had this symptom since 3 days ago.
This gets asked in almost every consultation — having a rough timeline ready in advance will make things go much more smoothly.

Medical history and allergies

持病があります。（糖尿病/高血圧などの病名）
じびょうがあります。
I have a pre-existing condition (name the condition).
It's a good idea to look up the Japanese name of your condition beforehand, or simply show the doctor your medical record book / medication history.
Related薬・食べ物のアレルギーがあります（drug/food allergy）
この薬（この食べ物）にアレルギーがあります。
このくすり（このたべもの）にアレルギーがあります。
I'm allergic to this medication / this food.
This is always asked during consultation, so answering honestly matters. If you're unsure of the Japanese names for conditions or medications, just show your allergy card or past prescriptions.
Related持病があります（existing medical condition）
今、この薬を飲んでいます。
いま、このくすりをのんでいます。
I'm currently taking this medication (show the medicine or prescription).
Bringing the medication box or prescription slip to show the doctor is more accurate than explaining the drug name verbally, and avoids translation mistakes.
Related持病があります（existing medical condition）
妊娠している可能性があります。
にんしんしているかのうせいがあります。
I might be pregnant.
Prescriptions and testing methods may be adjusted based on this, so it's worth mentioning even if you're not sure.
Suggested Department
Obstetrics & Gynecology

If you also have other symptoms, still go to the department matching your main symptom, but be sure to tell the doctor you may be pregnant — this affects tests and medication. If abdominal pain comes with vaginal bleeding, go to OB-GYN or ER first

General Phrases (Start here if unsure) Symptoms | Symptom Dictionary Japanese phrases for General Phrases (Start here if unsure) symptoms, with example sentences and audio.
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