Translation guide
In Japanese, 'medical treatment' can be expressed through various terms depending on whether you mean the general act of receiving care, a specific therapy, or the broader healthcare system. The most common and versatile word is 治療 (chiryō), which covers treatment for illness or injury. Other terms like 診療 (shinryō) emphasize consultation and examination, while 手当て (teate) is often used for first aid or simple care. This guide helps you choose the right word based on context.
To refer to the act of treating a disease, injury, or medical condition, typically under a doctor's care.
The most common and general term for medical treatment. It covers a wide range of treatments, from medication to surgery. Used for both ongoing and one-time treatments.
彼は癌の治療を受けています。
He is receiving treatment for cancer.
この病気には効果的な治療法があります。
There is an effective treatment for this disease.
Refers to medical examination and treatment, often in a clinical setting. It emphasizes the doctor-patient interaction, including diagnosis and prescription.
この病院は午後5時まで診療しています。
This hospital provides medical treatment until 5 PM.
Often used for first aid, wound care, or simple medical treatment. It can also mean 'allowance' or 'benefit' in other contexts, but in medical settings, it implies hands-on care.
けがの手当てをしてもらいました。
I received treatment for my injury.
To refer to a particular type of therapy, such as physical therapy, radiation therapy, or a prescribed regimen.
Means 'therapy' or 'remedy' and is often used in compound words like 化学療法 (chemotherapy) or 理学療法 (physical therapy). It emphasizes a systematic method of treatment.
彼女は放射線療法を受けています。
She is undergoing radiation therapy.
Literally 'treatment method', this is used when discussing the approach or technique of treatment, often in a more technical or comparative context.
To refer to the broader concept of medical services, healthcare provision, or the act of seeking medical attention.
Refers to medical care or the healthcare system as a whole. It is broader than 治療 and includes prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
日本は優れた医療制度を持っています。
Japan has an excellent medical care system.
彼は医療を受けるために病院に行った。
He went to the hospital to receive medical treatment.
While 治療 is more specific to treatment, it can be used in contexts where the focus is on the curative aspect of healthcare.
To express the action of undergoing or receiving medical treatment.
The standard phrase for 'to receive medical treatment'. It is neutral and can be used in most situations.
彼は現在、治療を受けています。
He is currently receiving medical treatment.
Used specifically for receiving first aid or wound treatment.
事故でけがをした人に手当てを受けさせた。
They gave medical treatment to the person injured in the accident.
治療 (chiryō) focuses on the actual treatment of a specific condition, while 医療 (iryō) encompasses the entire medical care system, including prevention and public health. Use 治療 when talking about a patient's treatment, and 医療 when discussing healthcare policies or the medical field in general.
The English phrase 'medical treatment' is often translated as 医療的治療 (iryōteki chiryō), but this sounds overly technical and unnatural in Japanese. Stick to 治療 or 医療 depending on context.
新しい治療法が開発されました。
A new medical treatment has been developed.
I'm struggling because the medical treatment costs are high.