Translation guide
A medical doctor who performs operations. In Japanese, the most common and natural term is 外科医 (gekai), literally 'surgery doctor'. There are also more specific terms depending on context.
A doctor who performs surgical operations in general.
The standard, neutral term for a surgeon. Used in hospitals, clinics, and everyday conversation.
彼は有名な外科医です。
He is a famous surgeon.
A surgeon who specializes in a particular field (e.g., heart, brain).
Combine the specialty area with 外科医. For example, 心臓外科医 (cardiac surgeon), 脳外科医 (brain surgeon), 整形外科医 (orthopedic surgeon).
彼は心臓外科医として働いている。
He works as a cardiac surgeon.
A surgeon serving in the armed forces.
General term for a military doctor, which can include surgeons. Context usually clarifies if they perform surgery.
Do not translate 'surgeon' as サージョン (sājon), which is a loanword rarely used and may not be understood. Stick to 外科医 or the specific compound terms.
外科医になるには長い訓練が必要だ。
Becoming a surgeon requires long training.
Refers specifically to the surgeon who performs the operation (the operating surgeon). Often used in medical contexts or news reports.
執刀医は手術の準備を始めた。
The operating surgeon began preparing for the surgery.
Literally 'operation doctor'. Less common than 外科医, but can be used to emphasize the act of performing surgery.
彼は経験豊富な手術医だ。
He is an experienced surgeon.
Brain surgeons undergo highly specialized training.
彼は軍医として戦場で多くの手術を行った。
As a military surgeon, he performed many operations on the battlefield.