Translation and Meaning of: 診察 - shinsatsu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about medical terms in the language, you may have come across the word 診察[しんさつ]. It is essential for those dealing with consultations, hospitals, or even understanding dialogues in medical dramas. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese, along with tips for memorizing it efficiently. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and helpful information for your learning.

The term 診察[しんさつ] means "medical examination" or "diagnosis."

診察[しんさつ] is a Japanese term that refers to the act of examining a patient, usually performed by a doctor during a consultation. Translated into English, it can be understood as "medical examination" or "consultation." Unlike words like 検査[けんさ] (which indicates laboratory or specific tests), 診察 is more related to the initial clinical assessment.

The use of this word is common in formal contexts, such as hospitals and clinics, but it also appears in everyday situations when someone needs to schedule an appointment. For example, when calling a doctor's office, you are likely to hear: "診察の予約をお願いします" (I would like to make an appointment).

The origin and composition of kanjis

The word 診察 is formed by two kanjis: 診 (to examine, to diagnose) and 察 (to investigate, to deduce). Together, they convey the idea of carefully analyzing someone's health condition. The first kanji, 診, appears in other medical terms, such as 診断[しんだん] (diagnosis), while 察 is used in words like 警察[けいさつ] (police), showing its relation to investigation.

It is worth noting that, although these kanjis have independent meanings, their combination in 診察 is fixed and does not allow for variations. This is common in medical compounds in Japanese, which follow established structures over time.

How to memorize 診察 efficiently?

A useful tip for remembering 診察 is to associate it with practical situations. If you've had a medical appointment in Japan, remember that this was the term used by the professional. Another strategy is to create flashcards with sentences like "Yesterday, I had a consultation," reinforcing the real use of the word.

Moreover, observing the radical 言 (language) in the kanji 診 can be helpful. It suggests communication between doctor and patient, a crucial part of the examination. On the other hand, 察 appears in contexts that require analysis, such as 察する (to deduce), reinforcing the idea of careful evaluation.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, 診察 is a high-frequency word in medical settings, but it also appears in informal conversations when someone talks about visits to the doctor. Dramas like "Code Blue" or "Doctor X" often use it repeatedly, making it familiar even to beginner students.

Culturally, the term reflects the Japanese appreciation for precision and formality in medicine. Unlike more colloquial expressions, 診察 maintains a professional tone, suitable for situations that require respect and clarity, such as in hospitals and specialized clinics.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

診断 (shindan) - Medical evaluation to determine health condition.
検査 (kensa) - Test or analysis to check for the presence of diseases.
診療 (shinryou) - Medical care or treatment provided by the doctor.
診察する (shinsatsu suru) - Schedule a medical consultation to examine a patient.
診る (miru) - To observe or examine, usually in a medical context.