医者に診てもらう
isha ni mi o tsuraeru
see a doctor
Literally: To receive the favor of being examined by a doctor
In 15 Seconds
- Used when visiting a doctor for a medical checkup or treatment.
- Uses the 'benefactive' form to show you received professional help.
- Common in both casual and polite daily Japanese conversation.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you go to a clinic or hospital to have a doctor check your health or treat an illness. It implies receiving professional medical attention rather than just 'looking' at a person who happens to be a doctor.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a work absence
昨日は風邪だったので、医者に診てもらいました。
I had a cold yesterday, so I saw a doctor.
Giving advice to a sick friend
顔色が悪いよ。早く医者に診てもらいなよ。
You look pale. Go see a doctor soon.
Texting a partner about a child
子供の熱が下がらないから、今から医者に診てもらうね。
The kid's fever won't go down, so I'm taking them to the doctor now.
Cultural Background
Going to the doctor is very common for minor illnesses.
Use 診る
Always use the medical kanji.
In 15 Seconds
- Used when visiting a doctor for a medical checkup or treatment.
- Uses the 'benefactive' form to show you received professional help.
- Common in both casual and polite daily Japanese conversation.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for 'seeing a doctor.' It is more than just a physical visit. It implies getting an actual medical examination. The word mitemorau is the secret sauce here. It combines miru (to see/examine) and morau (to receive). So, you are 'receiving the act of examination.' It sounds humble and very natural in Japanese. Don't just say you 'saw' a doctor like a movie star. You are there for their professional help!
How To Use It
The structure is simple: [Doctor] ni mitemorau. The particle ni points to the person doing the favor. In this case, that is the doctor. You can use it in the past tense: mitemoratta. Or use the polite form: mitemoraimasu. If you are suggesting it to a friend, try mitemoratta hou ga ii. It works for clinics, hospitals, or even school nurses. Just remember, the doctor is the one performing the action. You are the one benefiting from it.
When To Use It
Use it when you have a nagging cough. Use it when you need a health certificate for work. It is perfect for explaining why you were late. 'I had to see a doctor this morning.' It works in professional settings and casual chats. If you feel 'unwell' (guai ga warui), this is the solution. It is the standard way to talk about medical consultations. Even if it's just a quick checkup, this phrase fits.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you are just visiting a doctor friend. If you are having coffee with a surgeon, use au (to meet). Mitemorau specifically means they are 'examining' you. Also, don't use it for self-care or home remedies. If you are just taking aspirin, you aren't being 'seen.' Avoid using it for non-medical 'checks' like a car mechanic. For cars, you would use different verbs entirely. Keep this one strictly for human (or pet) health!
Cultural Background
In Japan, people go to the doctor quite often. Small neighborhood clinics are everywhere. You don't always need a big hospital for a cold. The use of morau reflects Japanese social harmony. It acknowledges that the doctor is doing something for you. Even though you pay, you still 'receive' their service. It’s a tiny linguistic bow of respect. It makes the interaction feel warmer and less transactional.
Common Variations
You might hear o-isha-san instead of just isha. Adding o and san makes it sound much softer. Kids and polite adults use this version frequently. Another common one is byouin ni iku (go to the hospital). But mitemorau focuses on the actual medical care. For dentists, you say ha-isha ni mitemorau. It’s a versatile pattern for any medical professional!
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. In very formal contexts, you might replace `morau` with `itadaku` or use the noun `shinsatsu` (examination).
Use 診る
Always use the medical kanji.
Examples
6昨日は風邪だったので、医者に診てもらいました。
I had a cold yesterday, so I saw a doctor.
A standard, polite way to explain a medical absence to colleagues.
顔色が悪いよ。早く医者に診てもらいなよ。
You look pale. Go see a doctor soon.
Using the imperative-like `ni na` ending for friendly concern.
子供の熱が下がらないから、今から医者に診てもらうね。
The kid's fever won't go down, so I'm taking them to the doctor now.
Informal but clear communication about a family situation.
最近どこもかしこも痛いから、全身医者に診てもらいたいよ。
Everything hurts lately; I want a doctor to check my whole body!
Exaggerating the need for a checkup for comedic effect.
やっと医者に診てもらって、安心しました。
I finally saw a doctor and I'm relieved.
Focuses on the emotional relief of getting professional advice.
予約をしていませんが、今日診てもらえますか？
I don't have an appointment, but can I be seen today?
The potential form `mitemoraeru` is used to ask for the favor.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank.
風邪なので、____に診てもらう。
You see a doctor for a cold.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Isha ni mitemorau'
Talking to friends or family.
医者に診てもらうわ (I'm gonna see a doc).
Standard daily usage.
医者に診てもらいます (I will see a doctor).
Polite business or hospital setting.
先生に診ていただきます (I will have the doctor examine me).
When to use 'Isha ni mitemorau'
Fever or Cold
Getting medicine for a flu.
Health Checkup
Annual physical exam.
Injury
Checking a sprained ankle.
Chronic Pain
Consulting about back pain.
Practice Bank
1 exercises風邪なので、____に診てもらう。
You see a doctor for a cold.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, but usually we say 歯医者に診てもらう.
Related Phrases
診察を受ける
synonymReceive a medical exam
