Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common and neutral word for 'physician' is 医者 (isha). However, there are several other terms that vary by formality, context, and nuance. This guide helps you choose the right word depending on the situation.
Referring to a physician in everyday conversation, neutral and widely understood.
The most common and neutral word for 'physician' or 'doctor'. Used in daily conversation and general contexts.
He is a physician.
医者に診てもらったほうがいいよ。
You should see a doctor.
A more formal term for 'physician', often used in official contexts, news, or medical settings. It emphasizes the professional qualification.
医師の診断が必要です。
A physician's diagnosis is required.
A polite and friendly way to say 'doctor', often used when speaking to children or in a respectful manner. The honorific prefix お and suffix さん add warmth.
お医者さんごっこをしよう。
Let's play doctor.
Referring to a physician in a professional capacity, such as on a business card or in a formal introduction.
The standard formal term for a physician as a profession. Used in resumes, official documents, and news reports.
彼は医師免許を持っています。
He has a physician's license.
Loanword from English 'doctor'. Often used as a title (e.g., ドクター田中) or in medical dramas. Less common in everyday speech.
Emphasizing the clinical or specialist aspect of a physician, often in contrast to surgeons or researchers.
Specifically a clinician or physician who practices clinical medicine, as opposed to a researcher or surgeon.
彼は内科の臨床医です。
He is a physician in internal medicine.
A physician specializing in internal medicine. Often used when specifying the field.
医者 is the everyday word for 'doctor'. 医師 is formal and used in professional or official contexts. お医者さん is a polite, friendly term often used when speaking to or about a doctor in a respectful way, or when talking to children.
医者に行く。
I go to the doctor.
医師の指示に従ってください。
Please follow the physician's instructions.
お医者さん、ありがとうございます。
Thank you, doctor.
The English word 'physician' sounds similar to 'physicist', but in Japanese, 物理学者 (butsurigakusha) means 'physicist', not a medical doctor. Always use 医者 or 医師 for a medical professional.
The English word 'physician' sounds similar to 'physicist', but in Japanese, 物理学者 (butsurigakusha) means 'physicist', not a medical doctor. Always use 医者 or 医師 for a medical professional.
ドクター、患者さんが待っています。
Doctor, the patient is waiting.
I'm looking for a physician (internist).