Translation guide
In Japanese, the way you say 'medical examination' depends on the context: a general health check-up, a specific examination by a doctor, or a school/workplace physical. The most common and useful term is 健康診断 (kenkō shindan) for routine health check-ups.
Used for routine, comprehensive health examinations, often at schools, workplaces, or as part of a regular health screening.
The standard term for a general health check-up. Often shortened to 健診 (けんしん) in casual contexts.
I have a company health check-up next month.
Abbreviation of 健康診断, common in spoken Japanese and compound words like 乳がん健診 (breast cancer screening).
When a doctor examines a specific part of your body or investigates a particular symptom.
Refers to a doctor's examination of a patient, usually in a clinical setting. It implies a consultation where the doctor checks your condition.
Please see the doctor for an examination.
Refers to a medical test or examination, such as a blood test, X-ray, or endoscopy. It emphasizes the testing aspect rather than the doctor's physical examination.
Often used for specific screenings like cancer screenings (e.g., がん検診). It can overlap with 健診 but tends to imply a targeted screening rather than a general check-up.
Specifically for the mandatory health checks at schools or companies, often including measurements, vision tests, etc.
健康診断 is a routine, comprehensive health check-up (like an annual physical). 診察 is a doctor's examination of a patient's specific condition. 検査 refers to medical tests (blood, X-ray, etc.). Use 健康診断 for general check-ups, 診察 when you visit a doctor for a consultation, and 検査 when talking about specific diagnostic tests.
The direct loanword メディカルエグザミネーション is not used in Japanese. Always use the appropriate Japanese term based on context.
She went for a medical examination before starting her new job.
Pre-employment check-up
The results of my health check-up were normal.
I plan to get a check-up this year too.
A comprehensive, often multi-day health screening, more thorough than a standard 健康診断. Typically done at hospitals or specialized clinics.
My father undergoes a thorough medical check-up every year.
As a result of the examination, there were no particular problems.
血液検査の結果を聞きに来ました。
I came to hear the results of my blood test.
I'm having a stomach examination tomorrow.
乳がん検診を予約しました。
I made an appointment for a breast cancer screening.
Also used in school and workplace contexts, often interchangeably with 身体検査, but 健康診断 is broader and includes more comprehensive health checks.
All new students undergo a medical examination.