Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common and neutral word for 'physician' is 医者 (isha). However, there are several other terms that vary by formality, context, and nuance. This guide helps you choose the right word depending on the situation.
Referring to a physician in everyday conversation, neutral and widely understood.
The most common and neutral word for 'physician' or 'doctor'. Used in daily conversation and general contexts.
彼は医者です。
He is a physician.
You should see a doctor.
A more formal term for 'physician', often used in official contexts, news, or medical settings. It emphasizes the professional qualification.
A physician's diagnosis is required.
A polite and friendly way to say 'doctor', often used when speaking to children or in a respectful manner. The honorific prefix お and suffix さん add warmth.
Let's play doctor.
Referring to a physician in a professional capacity, such as on a business card or in a formal introduction.
The standard formal term for a physician as a profession. Used in resumes, official documents, and news reports.
He has a physician's license.
Loanword from English 'doctor'. Often used as a title (e.g., ドクター田中) or in medical dramas. Less common in everyday speech.
Emphasizing the clinical or specialist aspect of a physician, often in contrast to surgeons or researchers.
医者 is the everyday word for 'doctor'. 医師 is formal and used in professional or official contexts. お医者さん is a polite, friendly term often used when speaking to or about a doctor in a respectful way, or when talking to children.
I go to the doctor.
Please follow the physician's instructions.
Thank you, doctor.
The English word 'physician' sounds similar to 'physicist', but in Japanese, 物理学者 (butsurigakusha) means 'physicist', not a medical doctor. Always use 医者 or 医師 for a medical professional.
ドクター、患者さんが待っています。
Doctor, the patient is waiting.
内科医を探しています。
I'm looking for a physician (internist).