Translation guide
The English term 'health care' refers broadly to the maintenance or improvement of health via prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of illness. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 医療 (iryou), which specifically refers to medical treatment and services. However, depending on context, other terms like 健康管理 (kenkou kanri) for personal health management or 保健 (hoken) for public health may be more appropriate. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
Referring to the system of medical services, including hospitals, doctors, and treatment.
The standard term for medical care, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in a clinical setting. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
Japan's health care is among the best in the world.
Specifically refers to medical services provided, often used in discussions about access or quality.
This area lacks health care services.
Referring to an individual's own efforts to maintain health, such as diet, exercise, and check-ups.
Focuses on managing one's own health through lifestyle choices and preventive measures. Common in workplace and personal contexts.
Referring to community-wide health measures, sanitation, and preventive programs.
Used for public health, hygiene, and preventive care. Often appears in compounds like 保健所 (health center) or 保健師 (public health nurse).
Referring to the overall structure, insurance, and administration of health services.
Specifically the medical care system, including insurance and hospitals. Used in policy discussions.
Referring to health care services for the elderly, including nursing and daily assistance.
Specifically nursing care or long-term care, often for the elderly or disabled. Not general medical treatment.
The loanword ヘルスケア (herusukea) exists but is mainly used in marketing or product names (e.g., health care products). It sounds unnatural for medical services or personal health management.
This company sells health care products.
I'm struggling with high health care costs.
Daily health care is important.
The company supports employees' health care.
Broader term for self-management, often used for health but can include other aspects. Implies personal responsibility.
You need to take good care of your health.
You can get free health care consultations at the public health center.
Maternal and child health care is an important field.
Formal term for public health, focusing on sanitation, disease prevention, and health promotion at the population level.
Improving public health care is an urgent task.
Health care system reform is being debated.
Refers to the health insurance system, a key part of health care financing.
Universal coverage is a feature of Japan's health care system.
The demand for health care for the elderly is increasing due to the aging population.
Long-term care services, including home help and day care.
You need to apply to use health care services for the elderly.
医療 (iryou) is clinical medical care. 健康管理 (kenkou kanri) is personal health maintenance. 保健 (hoken) is public health and prevention. Choose based on whether you mean treatment, self-care, or community health.