健診
健診 in 30 Seconds
- 健診 (kenshin) is a Japanese noun for 'health check-up' or 'medical examination'.
- It's used for preventative health and early detection of issues.
- Commonly heard in clinics, workplaces, and schools.
- Often paired with verbs like 受ける (ukeru) - to receive.
The Japanese word 健診 (けんしん - kenshin) is a noun that translates to 'health check-up' or 'medical examination'. It refers to a routine or periodic assessment of one's physical health, often conducted by medical professionals. Think of it as a general doctor's visit to ensure everything is functioning well and to catch any potential health issues early on. This term is widely used in Japan across various contexts, from personal health management to public health initiatives.
- Usage Context
- People typically undergo a 健診 annually, especially as they get older, or when required by their employer or school. It's a proactive step towards maintaining good health and preventing serious diseases.
- Purpose
- The primary purpose of a 健診 is early detection. By examining various aspects of health, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and organ function, doctors can identify potential problems before they become severe. This can lead to more effective and less invasive treatments.
毎年、定期的に健診を受けるようにしています。
The term 健診 is composed of two kanji: 健 (ken), meaning 'health' or 'healthy', and 診 (shin), meaning 'to examine' or 'to diagnose'. Together, they perfectly encapsulate the meaning of a health examination. Understanding this breakdown can help you remember the word and its nuances.
健康診断の結果は、後日郵送されます。
- Related Terms
- While 健診 is a general term, you might also hear 健康診断 (kenkou shindan), which is a more formal and complete phrase for 'health examination' or 'medical check-up'. Both are commonly used, but 健診 is often used as a shortened, more casual form.
Understanding 健診 is essential for navigating discussions about health, healthcare, and personal well-being in Japan. It's a practical and frequently used term that you'll encounter often.
子供たちが学校で受ける健診は、成長の記録にもなります。
- Key Takeaway
- 健診 is the standard Japanese term for 'health check-up' or 'medical examination', emphasizing proactive health management and early detection of potential health issues.
Using 健診 (けんしん - kenshin) correctly in sentences is key to sounding natural in Japanese. This word is typically used as a noun, often appearing as the subject or object of a sentence, or in conjunction with verbs related to receiving, undergoing, or results.
The most common verbs used with 健診 are:
- 受ける (ukeru) - to receive, to undergo. This is the most frequent verb used with 健診.
- する (suru) - to do. While less common than 受ける for the act of undergoing, it can be used when referring to the action of having a check-up or performing one.
- 受診する (jushin suru) - to receive a medical examination (more formal).
- 結果 (kekka) - results. Often used in conjunction with 健診 to talk about the outcome.
毎年、会社の健診を受けます。
健診 can function as the subject (often with a topic marker like は or が) or the object (with を) of a sentence.
- As a Topic/Subject
-
健診は、健康維持のために重要です。
(Kenshin wa, kenkou iji no tame ni juuyou desu.)
A health check-up is important for maintaining health.
- As an Object
-
健康診断書を作成するために、健診を受けました。
(Kenkou shindansho o sakusei suru tame ni, kenshin o ukemashita.)
I underwent a health check-up to create a health certificate.
この会社の従業員は、毎年健診を受ける義務があります。
健診 can be modified by adjectives or used within more complex phrases:
- 定期健診 (Teiki Kenshin)
- This means 'regular health check-up' and is very common. 定期 (teiki) means 'regular' or 'periodical'.
- 特定健診 (Tokutei Kenshin)
- This refers to 'specific health check-ups', often referring to the 'Metabo-ken' (metabolic syndrome screening) required for individuals aged 40-74 in Japan.
特定健診の対象年齢になりました。
- 健診結果 (Kenshin Kekka)
- This means 'health check-up results'.
子供の健診で、身長と体重を測りました。
Here are more examples to help you internalize the usage:
- Example 1
-
来月、人間ドックという精密な健診を予約しました。
(Raigetsu, ningen dokku to iu seimitsu na kenshin o yoyaku shimashita.)
Next month, I booked a detailed health check-up called a 'ningen dokku' (comprehensive medical examination).
- Example 2
-
健診の結果、いくつか注意すべき点が見つかりました。
(Kenshin no kekka, ikutsuka chuui subeki ten ga mitsukarimashita.)
As a result of the health check-up, a few points requiring attention were found.
- Example 3
-
高齢者向けの無料健診プログラムがあります。
(Koureisha muke no muryou kenshin puroguramu ga arimasu.)
There is a free health check-up program for the elderly.
By practicing these sentence structures, you'll become more comfortable using 健診 in everyday Japanese conversations and writing.
You'll encounter the word 健診 (けんしん - kenshin) in a variety of everyday situations in Japan, reflecting its importance in society. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp its practical usage.
This is the most obvious place. When you go for a routine medical check-up, the staff will likely use this term. You might see signs for 健診 services or hear it during appointments.
病院の受付で「健診ですか?」と聞かれました。
- Medical Forms
- When filling out medical history forms or appointment details, you might see options related to 健診.
Japanese companies and educational institutions often mandate regular health check-ups. This is a very common context for hearing 健診.
会社の健康診断(健診)は、毎年6月に行われます。
- Employee Handbooks
- Information about mandatory health check-ups will be detailed in employee handbooks, often using the term 健診.
- School Health Programs
- Children in Japan regularly undergo health check-ups at school, referred to as 学校健診 (gakkou kenshin).
Government agencies and health organizations use 健診 when promoting public health awareness and services.
自治体は、住民向けの無料健診のお知らせを配布しています。
- Brochures and Websites
- You'll find information about health screenings, vaccination schedules, and preventative care campaigns that mention 健診.
- News Reports
- News articles discussing public health trends, healthcare policies, or outbreaks might refer to the importance of regular 健診.
Friends, family, or colleagues might discuss their upcoming or recent health check-ups using this term.
「そういえば、来週健診なんだ。」
- Catching Up with Friends
- Discussions about personal health are common, and 健診 is the natural word to use.
By being aware of these common scenarios, you'll be better prepared to understand and use 健診 in real-life Japanese interactions.
While 健診 (けんしん - kenshin) is a straightforward term, learners can sometimes make mistakes in its usage or understanding. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
The Error: Using 健診 when you mean medical treatment for an existing illness.
Explanation: 健診 is for examination and prevention, not for curing an illness. If you are sick and need to see a doctor for treatment, you would use terms like 診察 (shinsatsu) or 治療 (chiryou).
間違った例:風邪をひいたので、健診に行きました。
- Correct Usage
-
風邪をひいたので、診察を受けに行きました。
(Kaze o hiita node, shinsatsu o uke ni ikimashita.)
I had a cold, so I went to see a doctor for an examination.
The Error: Using the general term 健診 when a more specific term for a particular type of medical exam is appropriate.
Explanation: While 健診 is broad, Japan has specific terms for various medical screenings. For example, a dental check-up is usually 歯科検診 (shika kenshin), and an eye exam is 眼科検診 (ganka kenshin) or 視力検査 (shiryoku kensa). Using the general 健診 might be understood, but it lacks precision.
間違った例:歯が痛いので、健診に行きます。
- Correct Usage
-
歯が痛いので、歯科検診を受けに行きます。
(Ha ga itai node, shika kenshin o uke ni ikimasu.)
My tooth hurts, so I'm going to get a dental check-up.
The Error: Using verbs other than the standard ones with 健診, or using the wrong particle.
Explanation: As mentioned earlier, the most common verb is 受ける (ukeru) – to receive/undergo. While する (suru) can be used in some contexts (e.g., a doctor performing a check-up), for the patient, 受ける is preferred. Also, ensure the correct particle is used, typically を with 受ける.
間違った例:明日、健診をします。
- Correct Usage
-
明日、健診を受けます。
(Ashita, kenshin o ukemasu.)
I will undergo a health check-up tomorrow.
The Error: Misinterpreting the kanji 健 (ken) or 診 (shin) and applying the wrong nuance.
Explanation: 健 means 'health', 'healthy', 'strength'. 診 means 'examine', 'diagnose', 'see (a doctor)'. While 診 can mean 'to see a doctor', in 健診, its primary meaning is 'to examine'. Confusing 診 with a general 'seeing' rather than 'examining' can lead to misunderstandings.
- Example Nuance
-
健診 is an examination of health. 診察 (shinsatsu) is the act of examining a patient (often for illness).
By being mindful of these common errors, you can use 健診 more accurately and confidently in your Japanese studies.
While 健診 (けんしん - kenshin) is the most common and versatile term for 'health check-up', several other words and phrases are related or can serve as alternatives depending on the specific context and nuance.
Meaning: Health examination, medical check-up.
- Comparison
- This is a more formal and complete phrase. 健診 is often seen as a shortened or more casual version of 健康診断. Both are widely understood and used interchangeably in many situations, but 健康診断 might be preferred in official documents or very formal settings.
- Example
-
健康診断の結果を会社に提出する必要があります。
(Kenkou shindan no kekka o kaisha ni teishutsu suru hitsuyou ga arimasu.)
It is necessary to submit the results of the health examination to the company.
Meaning: Test, examination, inspection.
- Comparison
- This is a very general term. 健診 is a specific type of 検査 – a health examination. You can have various kinds of 検査 (e.g., blood test - 血液検査 ketsueki kensa, urine test - 尿検査 nyou kensa). When referring to the overall check-up, 健診 or 健康診断 is more appropriate than just 検査.
- Example
-
健診では、様々な検査が行われます。
(Kenshin de wa, samazama na kensa ga okonawaremasu.)
Various tests are conducted during a health check-up.
Meaning: Medical examination, consultation (with a doctor).
- Comparison
- This term is used when you are seeking medical attention for a specific symptom or illness. 健診 is preventative and general, while 診察 is often reactive and focused on a particular health concern. You undergo 健診 to check your health; you go for 診察 when you are unwell.
- Example
-
熱があるので、医者に診察してもらいました。
(Netsu ga aru node, isha ni shinsatsu shite moraimashita.)
I had a fever, so I had a medical examination by a doctor.
Meaning: Screening, examination (often for specific diseases).
- Comparison
- This word, pronounced the same as 健診 but with a different first kanji (検 - ken, meaning 'check' or 'inspect'), refers to screenings for particular conditions. For example, がん検診 (gan kenshin) is a cancer screening, and 乳がん検診 (nyuugan kenshin) is a breast cancer screening. While 健診 is a general health check, 検診 is more targeted.
- Example
-
定期的にがん検診を受けることが大切です。
(Teikiteki ni gan kenshin o ukeru koto ga taisetsu desu.)
It is important to receive regular cancer screenings.
Meaning: Specific health check-up (often referring to metabolic syndrome screening).
- Comparison
- This is a specialized form of health check-up mandated in Japan for individuals aged 40-74, focusing on metabolic syndrome risk factors. It's a subcategory of general health check-ups.
健診は予防医療の基本ですが、検診は特定の病気の早期発見に役立ちます。
Understanding these distinctions will allow you to communicate more precisely about health matters in Japanese.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji 診 (shin) is also used in words like 診断 (shindan - diagnosis) and 受診 (jushin - receiving medical attention), all related to the process of medical examination and care. The kanji 健 (ken) is fundamental to words like 健康 (kenkou - health) and 健全 (kenzen - sound/healthy).
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'e' sound too long, like in 'say'. It should be short, as in 'bed'.
- Adding an 'r' sound after 'ken', making it sound like 'krenshin'.
- Misplacing the stress, for example, on the second syllable ('ken-SHIN').
- Making the 'i' sound too long, like in 'see'. It should be short, as in 'sit'.
Difficulty Rating
The kanji 健 (ken) and 診 (shin) are relatively common. The pronunciation is straightforward. Understanding its context as a 'health check-up' is generally easy for learners at the B1 level and above. The word itself is frequently encountered in everyday life in Japan.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using the verb 受ける (ukeru) with nouns indicating receiving something.
健診を受ける (to receive a health check-up), 連絡を受ける (to receive contact), 質問を受ける (to receive a question).
Using the particle の (no) for possession or modification.
会社の健診 (company's health check-up), 健診の結果 (health check-up results).
Using the particle は (wa) or が (ga) to mark the topic or subject.
健診は大切です (Health check-ups are important). 健診がありました (There was a health check-up).
Forming compound nouns using Kanji.
定期 (regular) + 健診 (health check-up) = 定期健診 (regular health check-up).
Using the passive form of verbs.
健診が実施されます (A health check-up will be carried out). 健診の結果が通知されます (The results of the health check-up will be notified).
Examples by Level
これは けんしん ですか。
Is this a health check-up?
This is a simple identification sentence.
けんしん を します。
I will do a health check-up.
Using the verb する (suru) - to do.
けんしん、いい です か。
Is a health check-up good?
Simple question structure.
けんしん、いつ です か。
When is the health check-up?
Asking about time.
けんしん、いくら です か。
How much is a health check-up?
Asking about cost.
けんしん、どこ です か。
Where is the health check-up?
Asking about location.
けんしん、まいにち です か。
Is the health check-up daily?
Asking about frequency.
けんしん、たいせつ です。
A health check-up is important.
Simple statement of importance.
毎年、会社の健診を受けます。
I receive my company's health check-up every year.
Using the verb 受ける (ukeru) - to receive.
子供の健診は、いつですか。
When is the child's health check-up?
Possessive particle の (no).
健診の結果が届きました。
The results of the health check-up arrived.
Using the noun 結果 (kekka) - results.
学校で健診がありました。
There was a health check-up at school.
Existence particle が (ga).
健康のために健診を受けましょう。
Let's have a health check-up for our health.
Volitional form ましょう (mashou).
この病院で健診ができますか。
Can I have a health check-up at this hospital?
Potential form できますか (dekimasu ka).
健診の予約をしました。
I made a reservation for a health check-up.
Using the verb する (suru) with a noun phrase.
定期的な健診は大切です。
Regular health check-ups are important.
Adjective 定期的な (teikiteki na) modifying 健診.
定期的な健診を受けることは、病気の早期発見につながります。
Undergoing regular health check-ups leads to the early detection of diseases.
Using the noun phrase as a subject with こと (koto) and the verb つながる (tsunagaru) - to lead to.
会社の福利厚生の一環として、年一回の健診が義務付けられています。
As part of the company's employee benefits, an annual health check-up is mandatory.
Using 義務付けられています (gimuzukerarete imasu) - is mandated.
健診の結果、いくつかの数値に異常が見つかり、精密検査を受けることになりました。
As a result of the health check-up, abnormalities were found in several values, and it was decided that I would undergo further detailed examinations.
Using 結果 (kekka) and the passive form になりました (ni narimashita) - it became that...
健康診断書を作成するためには、有効な健診の結果が必要です。
To create a health certificate, valid health check-up results are necessary.
Using adjective 有効な (yuukou na) and the noun phrase as an object.
最近、人間ドックのような詳細な健診を受ける人が増えています。
Recently, the number of people undergoing detailed health check-ups like Ningen Dock is increasing.
Using ような (you na) - like, and 増えています (fuete imasu) - is increasing.
自治体によっては、特定の年齢層を対象とした無料の健診プログラムを提供しています。
Depending on the municipality, free health check-up programs targeting specific age groups are offered.
Using 〜によっては (ni yotte wa) - depending on, and 〜を対象とした (o taishou to shita) - targeting.
健診の問診票には、過去の病歴や現在の健康状態について詳しく記入する必要があります。
On the health check-up questionnaire, you need to fill in details about your past medical history and current health status.
Using 〜について (ni tsuite) - about, and 記入する (kinyuu suru) - to fill in.
健康意識の高まりとともに、予防的な健診の重要性が再認識されています。
Along with the rise in health consciousness, the importance of preventative health check-ups is being re-recognized.
Using 〜とともに (to tomo ni) - along with, and 再認識されています (sai ninshiki sarete imasu) - is being re-recognized (passive).
企業は従業員の健康管理の一環として、定期的な健診の実施を奨励するべきである。
Companies should encourage the implementation of regular health check-ups as part of their employee health management.
Using 〜べきである (beki de aru) - should, and 〜の一環として (no ikkan to shite) - as part of.
健診の結果、早期に発見された疾患は、治療の成功率が格段に高まる。
Diseases detected early as a result of health check-ups have a significantly higher success rate of treatment.
Using 早期に発見された (souki ni hakken sareta) - detected early, and 格段に (kakudan ni) - significantly.
メタボリックシンドローム予防のため、特定健診の受診率向上が喫緊の課題となっている。
Improving the rate of specific health check-up participation is an urgent issue for the prevention of metabolic syndrome.
Using 〜のため (no tame) - for the purpose of, and 喫緊の課題 (kikkin no kadai) - urgent issue.
現代社会においては、単なる病気の治療だけでなく、予防的な健診による健康増進が重視されている。
In modern society, emphasis is placed not only on treating diseases but also on promoting health through preventative health check-ups.
Using 〜だけでなく〜も (dake de naku ~ mo) - not only ~ but also, and 重視されている (juushi sarete iru) - is being emphasized (passive).
健診の結果、生活習慣の改善を促すアドバイスを受け、食生活の見直しを図った。
Based on the health check-up results, I received advice encouraging lifestyle improvements and reviewed my diet.
Using 〜を促す (o unagasu) - to encourage, and 〜を図った (o hakatta) - attempted/planned.
医療機関では、健診の予約システムを導入し、患者の利便性向上に努めている。
Medical institutions are striving to improve patient convenience by introducing reservation systems for health check-ups.
Using 〜に努めている (ni tsutomete iru) - striving to, and 利便性向上 (ribensei koujou) - improvement in convenience.
国民皆保険制度の下で、定期的な健診は国民全体の健康水準向上に不可欠な要素である。
Under the universal health insurance system, regular health check-ups are an indispensable element for improving the health standards of the entire nation.
Using 〜の下で (no shita de) - under, and 不可欠な要素 (fukaketsu na youso) - indispensable element.
近年の健康志向の高まりを受け、企業は従業員向けの包括的な健診プログラムの提供を検討している。
In response to the recent increase in health consciousness, companies are considering offering comprehensive health check-up programs for their employees.
Using 〜を受け (o uke) - in response to, and 包括的な (houkatsuteki na) - comprehensive.
公衆衛生の観点から、若年層における定期的健診の受診率向上は、将来的な医療費抑制に寄与すると考えられる。
From a public health perspective, increasing the rate of regular health check-up participation among young people is thought to contribute to future healthcare cost containment.
Using 〜の観点から (no kanten kara) - from the perspective of, and 〜に寄与する (ni kiyo suru) - to contribute to.
健診の結果、潜在的な疾患リスクが浮き彫りになった場合、専門医による精密な二次検査が推奨される。
If potential disease risks are highlighted by the health check-up results, detailed secondary examinations by specialists are recommended.
Using 潜在的な (senzaitteki na) - potential, and 浮き彫りになる (uki bori ni naru) - to be highlighted/revealed.
健康増進法に基づき、企業は従業員に対して、メタボリックシンドロームに着目した特定健診の受診機会を提供することが求められている。
Based on the Health Promotion Act, companies are required to provide employees with opportunities to undergo specific health check-ups focusing on metabolic syndrome.
Using 〜に基づき (ni motozuki) - based on, and 〜が求められている (ga motomerarete iru) - is being required (passive).
個人の健康管理における健診の役割は、単なる疾病のスクリーニングにとどまらず、生活習慣の最適化やウェルネスの向上にも及ぶ。
The role of health check-ups in individual health management extends beyond mere disease screening to optimizing lifestyle habits and enhancing wellness.
Using 〜にとどまらず〜にも及ぶ (ni todomarazu ~ ni mo oyobu) - not limited to ~ but also extends to.
AI技術の進展により、健診データの解析精度が向上し、より個別化された健康アドバイスの提供が可能になりつつある。
With the advancement of AI technology, the accuracy of analyzing health check-up data is improving, making it increasingly possible to provide more personalized health advice.
Using 〜により (ni yori) - due to/by means of, and 〜になりつつある (ni naritsutsu aru) - is gradually becoming.
予防医療の推進は、国民全体のQOL(Quality of Life)向上に不可欠であり、その基盤となるのが定期的な健診である。
The promotion of preventative medicine is indispensable for improving the QOL (Quality of Life) of the entire nation, and regular health check-ups form its foundation.
Using 〜の基盤となる (no kiban to naru) - to become the foundation of.
健診結果の開示にあたっては、個人情報保護の観点から厳格な管理体制が敷かれており、患者のプライバシー保護が最優先される。
When disclosing health check-up results, a strict management system is in place from the perspective of personal information protection, prioritizing patient privacy.
Using 〜にあたっては (ni atatte wa) - when/regarding, and 〜が敷かれている (ga shikarete iru) - is laid/established (passive).
少子高齢化が進む社会において、限られた医療資源を有効活用するためにも、健診による早期発見・早期介入の重要性が一層高まっている。
In a society with a declining birthrate and aging population, the importance of early detection and intervention through health check-ups is further increasing to effectively utilize limited medical resources.
Using 〜において (ni oite) - in/at, and 〜が一層高まっている (ga issou takamatte iru) - is further increasing.
公的医療保険制度における健診の給付範囲と、民間保険による付加的な健康増進サービスとの連携は、今後の医療提供体制における重要な論点である。
The scope of health check-up benefits within the public health insurance system and the coordination with additional health promotion services provided by private insurance are critical points in future healthcare delivery systems.
Using 〜における (ni okeru) - within, and 〜との連携 (to no renkei) - cooperation with.
健診データのビッグデータ解析は、集団の健康リスクの特定のみならず、個別化医療の実現に向けたエビデンス創出に不可欠な要素となりつつある。
Big data analysis of health check-up data is increasingly becoming an indispensable element for creating evidence towards the realization of personalized medicine, not just for identifying the health risks of populations.
Using 〜のみならず〜となりつつある (nomi narazu ~ to naritsutsu aru) - not only ~ but is also gradually becoming ~.
疾病予防の観点から、健診結果のフィードバックメカニズムをいかに効果的に設計し、受診者の行動変容を促すかは、公衆衛生学における長年の課題である。
From the perspective of disease prevention, how to effectively design the feedback mechanism for health check-up results and encourage behavioral changes in participants has been a long-standing challenge in public health.
Using 〜をいかに効果的に設計し〜か (o ika ni koukateki ni sekkei shi ~ ka) - how to effectively design ~ and, and 〜における長年の課題 (ni okeru naganen no kadai) - a long-standing challenge in.
現代医療における健診の意義は、単に疾患の有無を判定するにとどまらず、個人のライフステージに応じた健康維持・増進戦略の立案にまで及んでいる。
The significance of health check-ups in modern medicine extends beyond merely determining the presence or absence of diseases to the formulation of health maintenance and promotion strategies tailored to an individual's life stage.
Using 〜にとどまらず〜にまで及んでいる (ni todomarazu ~ ni made oyonde iru) - not limited to ~ but extends even to ~.
テクノロジーの進化は、健診の実施方法や結果の解釈に革命をもたらしつつあり、将来的には、より簡便かつ高精度な健康モニタリングが実現されるであろう。
Technological advancements are revolutionizing the methods of conducting health check-ups and interpreting their results, likely leading to more convenient and highly accurate health monitoring in the future.
Using 〜をもたらしつつあり (o motarashitsutsu ari) - is bringing about, and 〜であろう (de arou) - will likely.
健診データの経時的変化を分析することで、疾患の発症メカニズムの解明や、個別化された予防策の立案に不可欠な知見が得られる。
By analyzing the temporal changes in health check-up data, indispensable insights can be obtained for elucidating disease pathogenesis and formulating personalized preventive measures.
Using 〜の解明 (no kai mei) - elucidation of, and 〜の立案 (no ritsuan) - formulation of.
医療制度改革の文脈において、健診の費用対効果の検証と、その結果を踏まえた給付範囲の見直しは、持続可能な医療提供体制構築のための喫緊の課題である。
In the context of healthcare system reform, verifying the cost-effectiveness of health check-ups and revising the scope of benefits based on those results are urgent tasks for building a sustainable healthcare delivery system.
Using 〜の文脈において (no bunmyaku ni oite) - in the context of, and 〜を踏まえた (o fumameta) - based on.
健診の受診率向上策として、単なる情報提供にとどまらず、行動経済学の知見を応用したインセンティブ設計や、受診しやすい環境整備が不可欠である。
As measures to improve health check-up participation rates, it is essential not only to provide information but also to design incentives applying behavioral economics insights and to create an environment that facilitates check-ups.
Using 〜にとどまらず (ni todomarazu) - not limited to, and 〜が不可欠である (ga fukaketsu de aru) - is indispensable.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— I will receive a health check-up.
来週、会社の健診を受けます。
— How were the results of your health check-up?
「健診の結果はどうでしたか?」と母に聞かれた。
— Let's have a regular health check-up.
健康のために、定期健診を受けましょう。
— I made a reservation for a health check-up.
病院で健診の予約をしました。
— It is time for a health check-up.
もうすぐ健康診断の時期です。健診の予約をしよう。
— Health check-ups are important.
若いうちから健診は大切です。
— Health examination (health check-up)
会社の健康診断(健診)は、毎年必ず受けなければならない。
— An abnormality was found in the health check-up results.
健診の結果、いくつか異常が見つかりました。
— Reason for undergoing a health check-up
あなたが健診を受ける理由は何ですか?
— Preparation for a health check-up
健診のための準備は、前日の夜から始まります。
Often Confused With
This word has the same pronunciation but a different first kanji (検 instead of 健). While both involve examination, 検診 refers to specific screenings for particular diseases (e.g., cancer screening), whereas 健診 is a general health check-up.
This term means a medical consultation or examination, usually conducted when someone is feeling unwell or has specific symptoms. 健診 is a preventative, general check-up, while 診察 is often diagnostic and for existing health issues.
This is a general term for 'test' or 'examination'. A health check-up (健診) involves various types of tests (検査), but 検査 itself is not specific to health check-ups.
Idioms & Expressions
— To pass a health check-up (implying one is healthy enough for requirements, e.g., for a job or sports).
彼は新しい仕事のために健康診断をパスしなければならなかった。
Common— Pitfalls or unexpected issues found during a health check-up.
定期的な健康診断でも、思わぬ健康診断の落とし穴が見つかることがある。
Figurative— The 'grade' or outcome of a health check-up, often informally referring to how good or bad the results are.
今回の健康診断の成績は、前回より良かった。
Informal— To check one's body through a health check-up.
年に一度は健診で体をチェックすることが大切です。
Direct— A health check-up as a 'compass' for one's health, guiding them on how to stay healthy.
健診は、私たちの健康の羅針盤となるべきだ。
Metaphorical— To avoid having a health check-up, often due to fear or neglect.
健康診断の落とし穴を恐れて、健診を避ける人もいる。
Behavioral— A health check-up results as a barometer indicating one's health status.
健診の結果は、健康のバロメーターとして捉えることができる。
Metaphorical— To feel relieved after a health check-up, especially if the results are good.
健診の結果が異常なしで、これで一安心だ。
Emotional— Building a foundation for health, with check-ups being a part of it.
健診は、健康の土台作りにおいて重要なステップである。
Figurative— Data obtained from a health check-up.
健診のデータを分析することで、健康リスクを予測できる。
TechnicalEasily Confused
Both terms translate to 'health check-up' and are often used interchangeably.
健康診断 is a more formal and complete phrase, while 健診 is often used as a shortened, more common, and slightly less formal version. In official documents, 健康診断 might be preferred.
会社の健康診断は、毎年必ず受けなければなりません。一方、友人との会話では「健診、いつ行く?」のように使われることが多いです。
Same pronunciation as 健診.
The first kanji is different: 検 (check, inspect) vs. 健 (health). 検診 refers to specific screenings for particular diseases (e.g., cancer screening - がん検診), while 健診 is a general health assessment.
定期的な健診は健康維持に役立ちますが、がん検診は特定のがんの早期発見のために重要です。
Both involve medical examinations.
健診 is a preventative, general examination for healthy individuals. 診察 is a medical consultation, often when one is sick or has specific symptoms, aimed at diagnosis and treatment.
風邪をひいたので医者に診察を受けました。一方、健康のために年に一度健診を受けています。
健診 includes various 検査.
健診 is the overall process of a health check-up. 検査 is a specific 'test' or 'examination' that might be part of a 健診, such as a blood test (血液検査) or urine test (尿検査).
健康診断(健診)のプログラムには、血液検査やレントゲン検査が含まれています。
Both are types of comprehensive medical examinations.
健診 is a general health check-up, often basic or employer-mandated. 人間ドック is a more detailed, often private and more expensive, comprehensive medical examination that goes beyond the standard 健診.
通常の健診ではカバーされない項目も、人間ドックなら検査できます。
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 受けます。
<strong>健診</strong>を受けます。
Noun + は + いつですか。
<strong>健診</strong>はいつですか。
Noun + の + 結果 + は + 〜でした。
<strong>健診</strong>の結果は異常なしでした。
Noun + のために + Verb。
健康のために<strong>健診</strong>を受けましょう。
Noun + が + あります/ありました。
明日は<strong>健診</strong>があります。
Noun + は + 〜につながります。
定期的な<strong>健診</strong>は早期発見につながります。
Noun + の + 一環として。
会社の福利厚生<strong>の一環として</strong>、健診が行われます。
Noun + は + 〜にとどまらず + 〜にも及ぶ。
<strong>健診</strong>の役割は、疾病のスクリーニングにとどまらず、健康増進にも及ぶ。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High. The term 健診 is very commonly used in Japan in various contexts related to health.
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Using 健診 when you mean treatment for an illness.
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Using 診察 (shinsatsu) or 治療 (chiryou) for illness treatment.
健診 is for preventative examination when healthy. 診察 is for diagnosing and treating when sick. For example, you go for 健診 to stay healthy, but you go for 診察 when you have a fever.
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Confusing 健診 (general check-up) with 検診 (specific screening).
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Use 健診 for general health check-ups and 検診 for specific disease screenings (e.g., がん検診 - cancer screening).
Although they sound the same, the kanji are different. 健診 checks overall health, while 検診 targets particular illnesses. For instance, you get a 健診 annually, but a specific 検診 when you have a particular concern.
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Using the wrong verb, e.g., 健診をする instead of 健診を受ける.
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Use 健診を受ける (kenshin o ukeru) when you are the one getting the check-up.
を受ける (ukeru) means 'to receive' or 'to undergo'. As the patient, you receive the check-up. 健診をする (kenshin o suru) is typically used when someone (like a doctor or organization) performs the check-up.
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Treating 健診 as a verb.
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健診 is a noun, so it needs to be used with verbs like 受ける (ukeru) or する (suru) with appropriate particles.
You cannot simply say 'I 健診'. You must say 'I receive a 健診' (健診を受けます) or 'There was a 健診' (健診がありました).
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Not understanding the scope of 健診.
→
Understand that 健診 is a general check-up, and for more detailed or specific examinations, other terms like 人間ドック or specific 検診 might be needed.
A standard 健診 might not cover every possible health issue. If you need a very thorough examination, you might opt for a 人間ドック (comprehensive medical check-up). For specific concerns like cancer, you'd get a 検診.
Tips
Distinguish Kanji
Remember that 健診 (health check-up) and 検診 (specific screening) sound the same but have different kanji. 健 means 'health', while 検 means 'to check/inspect'. This distinction is crucial for accurate understanding.
Verb Choice
The most common verb used with 健診 is 受ける (ukeru), meaning 'to receive' or 'to undergo'. So, you 'receive a health check-up' (健診を受ける), rather than 'do' one (健診をする), when you are the patient.
Break Down Kanji
Break down 健診 into 健 (health) and 診 (examine). Visualizing a doctor examining someone's 'health' can help solidify the meaning.
Stress Pattern
The stress in 健診 (kenshin) usually falls on the first syllable: KEN-shin. Practice saying it clearly to avoid confusion.
Societal Importance
Understand that health check-ups are highly valued in Japan for preventative care. This cultural context explains why the term 健診 is so frequently used in various settings.
健診 vs. 診察
健診 is for checking overall health when you're well. 診察 is for when you're sick and need a doctor's diagnosis or treatment. Don't confuse the two.
Sentence Creation
Try creating sentences using 健診 in different contexts: 'I received my health check-up results.' or 'My company offers a health check-up.'
Related Terms
Learn related terms like 定期健診 (regular check-up) and 特定健診 (specific check-up for metabolic syndrome) to expand your vocabulary.
Formal vs. Informal
While 健診 is common, 健康診断 is more formal. For very casual chats, loanwords like 'health check' might be used, but 健診 remains the standard Japanese term.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'Ken' (like a person's name) who is very 'shin' (shiny and healthy) because he gets regular check-ups. So, 'Ken's shin health check-up' helps you remember 健診.
Visual Association
Picture a doctor with a stethoscope holding a clipboard, smiling. The clipboard has a large green checkmark (representing 'health' - 健) and a magnifying glass (representing 'examination' - 診).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use '健診' in three different sentences today, describing why it's important or when you might have one.
Word Origin
The word 健診 is a compound word formed from two kanji characters. The first character, 健 (ken), means 'health' or 'healthy'. The second character, 診 (shin), means 'to examine', 'to diagnose', or 'to see (a doctor)'. Together, they literally mean 'health examination'.
Original meaning: The combination of 'health' and 'examination' clearly indicates the purpose of the word: a medical assessment focused on one's well-being.
Japanese (Kanji compound)Cultural Context
When discussing health check-ups, it's important to be mindful of privacy. In Japan, as in many cultures, medical information is considered private. Discussions should be respectful and not intrusive.
In English-speaking countries, 'health check-up' or 'medical examination' are the direct equivalents. The cultural emphasis might vary, with some cultures having more mandated check-ups than others.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At a clinic or hospital.
- 健診を受けたいのですが。
- 健診の結果はいつわかりますか?
- 予約した健診の日時を教えてください。
- 健診の問診票に記入してください。
At work or school.
- 会社の健診はいつですか?
- 健診を受けるために、午後半休を取ります。
- 学校の健診がありました。
- 健診の結果を提出してください。
Discussing personal health.
- 最近、健診を受けたよ。
- 健診の結果、少し悪かったんだ。
- そろそろ健診の時期だね。
- 一緒に健診に行こうか?
Public health information.
- 定期的な健診が推奨されています。
- 自治体で無料の健診を実施しています。
- 健診で病気を早期発見しましょう。
- 健診の重要性について説明します。
Referring to specific types of check-ups.
- 定期健診を受けました。
- 特定健診の対象年齢です。
- がん検診を受けました。
- 人間ドックで精密検査を受けました。
Conversation Starters
"Have you had your health check-up this year?"
"What's the most important part of a health check-up for you?"
"Do you think health check-ups are more important for young people or older people?"
"What do you usually do to prepare for a health check-up?"
"How often do you think people should get a health check-up?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your experience with a recent health check-up. What were the procedures like, and how did you feel afterward?
Why is regular health check-up important for you personally? What are your motivations for undergoing them?
Imagine you are a doctor explaining the benefits of a health check-up to someone who is hesitant to get one. What would you say?
Compare and contrast the general health check-up (健診) with specialized screenings (検診). When would you choose one over the other?
Reflect on the role of health check-ups in society. How do they contribute to public health and individual well-being?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions健診 (kenshin) and 健康診断 (kenkou shindan) both mean 'health check-up' or 'medical examination'. 健康診断 is a more formal and complete term, often used in official contexts or documents. 健診 is a common, slightly more casual, and often shortened version. They are largely interchangeable in everyday conversation, but for official purposes, 健康診断 might be preferred.
In Japan, people typically have a 健診 annually. Many companies require their employees to undergo an annual health check-up as part of their benefits and for occupational health. Schools also conduct regular health check-ups for students. For individuals, it's common to get one around their birthday or at the start of a new year for personal health management.
No, they are different. 健診 is a preventative measure, a general examination to check for potential health problems when you are feeling well. A doctor's visit for illness is called 診察 (shinsatsu) and is for when you have specific symptoms or are seeking treatment for a condition.
A typical 健診 includes various checks such as measuring height, weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing, urine tests, blood tests (for cholesterol, liver function, etc.), and chest X-rays. The specific items can vary depending on the type of 健診 (e.g., company-mandated, specific age group).
While not universally mandatory for all citizens at all times, it is mandatory for employees in companies and for students in schools. Many municipalities also offer subsidized or free health check-ups for residents, especially for specific age groups or for preventative screenings, strongly encouraging participation.
Generally, 健診 refers to a general health check-up. For specific disease screenings like cancer screening, the term 検診 (kenshin, with a different first kanji) is used, such as がん検診 (gan kenshin - cancer screening). However, a comprehensive 健診 might include some basic screenings.
特定健診 (tokutei kenshin) refers to 'specific health check-ups', most notably the 'Metabo-ken' (metabolic syndrome screening) required for individuals aged 40-74 in Japan. It's a targeted health check-up focusing on risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases.
You can usually make an appointment by calling the clinic or hospital directly, or through their website if they offer online booking. If it's a company or school mandated check-up, they will usually provide information and schedule it for you.
If the results are normal, you should continue with your healthy lifestyle. If any abnormalities are found, follow the doctor's recommendations, which might include lifestyle changes, further tests (精密検査 - seimitsu kensa), or treatment (治療 - chiryou).
No, the pronunciation is the same: けんしん (kenshin). The difference lies solely in the first kanji: 健 (health) for general check-ups and 検 (check/inspect) for specific screenings. Context is key to distinguishing them.
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Summary
健診 (kenshin) is the standard Japanese term for a health check-up, essential for proactive health management and early disease detection, frequently encountered in medical settings, employment, and education.
- 健診 (kenshin) is a Japanese noun for 'health check-up' or 'medical examination'.
- It's used for preventative health and early detection of issues.
- Commonly heard in clinics, workplaces, and schools.
- Often paired with verbs like 受ける (ukeru) - to receive.
Distinguish Kanji
Remember that 健診 (health check-up) and 検診 (specific screening) sound the same but have different kanji. 健 means 'health', while 検 means 'to check/inspect'. This distinction is crucial for accurate understanding.
Verb Choice
The most common verb used with 健診 is 受ける (ukeru), meaning 'to receive' or 'to undergo'. So, you 'receive a health check-up' (健診を受ける), rather than 'do' one (健診をする), when you are the patient.
Context is Key
While 健診 is general, context helps. If someone mentions it in relation to being sick, they might be using it loosely. However, typically, it implies a routine, preventative examination. Listen for phrases like 'annual' or 'company check-up'.
Break Down Kanji
Break down 健診 into 健 (health) and 診 (examine). Visualizing a doctor examining someone's 'health' can help solidify the meaning.
Example
年に一度は健診を受けるようにしている。
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More health words
しばらく
B1For a while, for some time.
異変がある
B1To have an unusual change or abnormality.
異常な
B1Abnormal; unusual; irregular.
擦り傷
B1Scratch, graze, abrasion.
吸収する
B1To absorb.
禁酒
B1Abstinence from alcohol; the act of refraining from alcohol.
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1Acupuncture and moxibustion; traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
急性的
B1Acute.
急性な
B1Acute