Translation and Meaning of: 看病 - kanbyou

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you may have come across the word 看病[かんびょう]. It appears in specific contexts and carries an important meaning in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in daily life, and some tips for memorizing it. If you want to better understand Japanese vocabulary, this guide will help you unravel the details of 看病.

看病[かんびょう] means "to take care of someone who is sick" or "to nurse."

The word 看病[かんびょう] is composed of the kanjis 看 (read as "kan", meaning "to care" or "to observe") and 病 (read as "byō", related to "illness"). Together, they form the term that can be translated as "caring for someone who is ill" or "patient assistance". Unlike simply treating an illness, 看病 has a tone closer to accompanying someone in their state of infirmity.

In Japan, this word is often used in family or healthcare contexts. When someone is caring for an ill relative, for example, it's common to hear phrases like "母の看病をしている" (I am taking care of my sick mother). The term carries a nuance of dedication and ongoing attention, not just an isolated medical act.

Origin and cultural use of 看病

The origin of 看病 dates back to the period when kanjis were incorporated into Japanese from classical Chinese. The kanji 看, for example, is associated with the idea of watching or supervising, while 病 was already used for diseases since ancient medical texts. This combination reflects a traditional view that caring for someone who is ill goes beyond physical treatment.

Culturally, Japan places great importance on caring for the sick, especially within the family. The practice of 看病 is seen as a moral duty in many situations, and there are even expressions that highlight the importance of being present during someone's recovery. This is reflected in animes and dramas, where scenes of characters taking care of each other are common.

How to memorize and use 看病 in daily life

An effective way to remember 看病 is to associate it with real-life situations. If you have ever had to take care of someone sick, think about that experience while studying the word. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like "祖母の看病で忙しい" (I am busy taking care of my grandmother) to practice its usage in context.

It's worth noting that 看病 is not a technical medical term, but rather a common expression. If you visit Japan or talk with natives, using it correctly will show that you understand not only the language but also the culture behind the words. In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you can find more practical examples to enhance your vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• お世話 (osewa) - Care or assistance to someone, often used in contexts of emotional or practical support.
• 看護 (kango) - Professional health care, usually provided by nurses or health care professionals.
• 看取り (mitoru) - End-of-life care or assistance, often related to helping someone die with dignity.
• 看病する (kanbyou suru) - Caring for a sick person, focusing on the medical and emotional needs of the patient.

看病

Romaji: kanbyou
Kana: かんびょう
Type: Noun, Verb
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: nursing (one patient)

Meaning in English: nursing (a patient)

Definition: To receive treatment for an illness.

Example Sentences - (看病) kanbyou

See below some example sentences:

看病することは大切です。

Kanbyou suru koto wa taisetsu desu

Taking care of health is important.

It's important to be careful.

• 看病することは
• 大切です。

Explanation -

- Start of list
• - Item from the list 看病することは - Japanese phrase that means "Taking care of your health is important"
• - Segundo item da lista 大切です。- Phrase in Japanese that means "It's important"

- End of list