手术

To say someone 'has' surgery, use the verb 做 (zuò). For example, 做手术 means 'to have surgery' or 'to perform surgery.' If you want to be specific, put the body part before the word. 眼部手术 means eye surgery. It is a noun, but it acts like a magnet for verbs. You can 'undergo' it, 'observe' it, or 'finish' it. Just don't forget the measure word 个 (gè) when counting them!

You use this in hospitals, obviously. But you also use it when talking to friends about health. If your cat needs a procedure, it is still a 手术. It is the go-to word for any invasive medical fix. Use it when discussing recovery plans or insurance too. It sounds professional but is common enough for daily chat.

Do not use 手术 for non-medical 'operations.' If you are running a business 'operation,' use 运营 (yùnyíng). If you are doing a military 'operation,' use 行动 (xíngdòng). Also, don't use it for minor things like getting a flu shot. That is just 打针 (dǎzhēn). Save 手术 for when the scalpels actually come out.

In China, the idea of 'cutting the body' was historically a big deal. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) usually focuses on herbs and balance. Western-style surgery became the norm in the 20th century. Today, Chinese hospitals are world leaders in high-tech surgery. However, patients often seek TCM after a 手术 to help the body 'heal its energy' (qi).

You will often hear 动手术 (dòng shǒushù). The word 动 means 'to move' or 'to touch.' It is a more colloquial way to say 'to undergo surgery.' It sounds a bit more active, like 'going under the knife.' In formal reports, you might see 外科手术 (wàikē shǒushù) for 'surgical operation.'