Translation guide
MD is an abbreviation for "medical doctor" or "Doctor of Medicine." In Japanese, it is typically expressed as 医師 (ishi) or 医者 (isha), with specific titles used in formal contexts.
Referring to a medical doctor in general conversation or writing.
Referring to the academic degree or professional title "MD" specifically.
How to address a medical doctor directly in conversation.
医者 (isha) is the common, everyday word for a medical doctor. 医師 (ishi) is more formal and often used in legal, official, or professional contexts. When in doubt, 医者 is safe for general use.
Always use 先生 (sensei) when addressing a doctor directly or referring to them politely. This is the standard and most respectful way.
医者に診てもらったほうがいいよ。
You should see a doctor.
More formal term for a medical doctor, often used in official contexts or when emphasizing professional status.
医師の指示に従ってください。
Please follow the doctor's instructions.
Loanword from English, used in casual contexts or as a title. Often used when addressing a doctor directly.
ドクター、ちょっと聞きたいことがあります。
Doctor, I have a question.
Equivalent to "Doctor of Medicine" or MD as an academic degree. Used in formal contexts.
彼は医学博士号を持っています。
He holds an MD degree.
In many cases, simply stating someone is a 医師 implies they have an MD, as it is the standard qualification. No need to explicitly mention the degree.
彼女は医師です。
She is an MD.
The standard honorific title used when addressing or referring to a doctor (as well as teachers, lawyers, etc.). Attach to the family name: [Name]先生.
田中先生、おはようございます。
Good morning, Dr. Tanaka.
先生、薬を変えてもらえますか？
Doctor, could you change my medication?
Less common but used in some modern or Western-influenced settings. Often used without the name.
ドクター、結果はどうですか？
Doctor, what are the results?