Translation guide
A general practitioner (GP) is a doctor who treats common illnesses and provides primary care. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms for clinic doctors, family doctors, or general medicine specialists.
かかりつけ医はいますか？
Do you have a family doctor?
A doctor who provides ongoing, general medical care, often in a local clinic.
The most common term for a regular family doctor or GP. Emphasizes the ongoing relationship.
かかりつけ医に相談してください。
Please consult your general practitioner.
Literally 'family doctor'. Used in contexts emphasizing family medicine as a specialty.
彼は地域の家庭医として働いています。
He works as a local general practitioner.
A formal term for a doctor specializing in general medicine, often in hospital settings.
総合診療医を目指しています。
I am aiming to become a general practitioner.
A doctor working in a small local clinic, not necessarily a personal GP.
A doctor who runs their own private practice, typically a GP clinic.
近所の開業医に行きました。
I went to a local general practitioner.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'doctor at a clinic'. Less formal.
クリニックの医者に診てもらった。
I was seen by a general practitioner at the clinic.
Referring to the department of general medicine in a hospital.
The hospital department of general medicine. Used when specifying the department.
総合診療科を受診してください。
Please visit the general practitioner department.
かかりつけ医 emphasizes the ongoing patient-doctor relationship, while 開業医 simply means a doctor in private practice. Use かかりつけ医 when referring to your own GP.
かかりつけ医に定期的に診てもらっています。
I see my GP regularly.
彼は開業医として忙しい。
He is busy as a general practitioner in private practice.
The direct translation '一般開業医' is not commonly used and may sound unnatural. Stick to the terms above.