Translation and Meaning of: 注射 - chuusha

The Japanese word 注射[ちゅうしゃ] is a common term in everyday life in Japan, especially in medical and health contexts. If you have studied Japanese or had contact with the culture of the country, you have probably come across it. But what exactly does it mean? How is it used in daily life? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this word, as well as curiosities that may help with memorization.

Besides being essential for those learning Japanese, understanding 注射 is also useful for travelers or residents in Japan, as it appears in hospitals, pharmacies, and even in everyday conversations. Let's dive into the details of this word, from its kanji writing to its role in modern Japanese society.

Meaning and use of 注射

注射[ちゅうしゃ] means "injection," referring to the act of injecting medications or substances into the body using a needle. It is a term commonly used in medical settings, such as clinics and hospitals, but it can also appear in more informal contexts, such as when someone talks about getting a vaccine.

In Japan, the use of 注射 is quite frequent, especially during vaccination campaigns or in medical treatment situations. For example, when going to a clinic, you might hear phrases like 「注射をしてください」 ("Please give the injection"). The word is straightforward and usually doesn't have alternative or metaphorical meanings, maintaining its focus on the medical sense.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 注射 is composed of two kanji: 注 (chu, meaning "to pour" or "to concentrate") and 射 (sha, which can mean "to shoot" or "to launch"). Together, they form the idea of "introducing a liquid into the body," which makes perfect sense considering the meaning of the word. This combination reflects well the action of an injection, where a substance is "launched" into the organism.

It is worth noting that the kanjis used in 注射 also appear in other words in Japanese, such as 注文 (order) and 射撃 (shooting), but the meaning of 注射 is quite specific. The pronunciation ちゅうしゃ (chuusha) is the on'yomi reading, common in terms of Chinese origin, which reinforces its formal and technical use.

Tips for memorizing 注射

An effective way to remember 注射 is to associate the kanjis with the action they represent. Think of 注 as "to pour" and 射 as "to shoot" – together, they create the image of "shooting a liquid" into the body, which is exactly what an injection does. This visualization can help to fix the word in memory.

Another tip is to practice with real examples. If you have already received a vaccine in Japan or have seen medical scenes in Japanese dramas, you have probably heard 注射 being used. Associating the word with concrete situations makes memorization and future use easier. Animes and medical series, such as "Doctor X," often feature dialogues with this term, which can be a good listening exercise.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 針 (hari) - needle
• シリンジ (shirinji) - Syringe, used for injections
• ニードル (nīdoru) - Needle, especially in a medical context
• 相針 (uchibari) - Needle for sewing in medical or stitching contexts
• 注入器 (chūnyūki) - Liquid injection device
• インジェクター (injekutā) - Injector, a device used to administer substances

注射

Romaji: chuusha
Kana: ちゅうしゃ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: injection

Meaning in English: injection

Definition: Medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the skin to inject a liquid.

Example Sentences - (注射) chuusha

See below some example sentences:

注射を怖がらないでください。

Chūsha wo kowagaranaide kudasai

Please don't be afraid to take injections.

Don't be afraid of injection.

• 注射 (chūsha) - injection
• を (wo) - object particle
• 怖がらないで (kowagaranaide) - don't be afraid
• ください (kudasai) - Please