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A1 noun #3,216 most common 11 min read

診療

shinryō Top 3,216

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 診療 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 診療 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 診療 (shinryou) as a word related to 'doctor' and 'hospital.' You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet, but you should know it when you see it on a sign. For example, if you see '診療所' (shinryou-jo), know that it is a place where you can see a doctor (a clinic). If you see '診療時間' (shinryou jikan), understand that these are the hours the clinic is open. Think of it as the formal way to say 'doctor's work.' You might hear a receptionist say '診療ですか？' (Is it for an examination/treatment?), to which you can simply answer 'はい' (Yes). Focus on the visual recognition of the kanji 診 (examine) and the association with being sick and getting help. At this stage, treat it as a fixed noun found in institutional settings.

At the A2 level, you can start using 診療 (shinryou) in basic sentences to describe your medical needs. You should understand that it is a combination of 'examination' and 'treatment.' You can use the phrase '診療を受ける' (shinryou o ukeru) to say you are going to get treated or examined. You should also be familiar with common compounds like '診療代' (shinryou-dai) for medical fees. At this level, you can distinguish between a large '病院' (byouin - hospital) and a smaller '診療所' (shinryou-jo - clinic). When making an appointment, you might ask, '診療時間は何時までですか？' (Until what time are the clinical hours?). You are beginning to understand that this word is more formal than just saying 'doctor,' and you use it to navigate basic healthcare interactions in Japan with more confidence.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 診療 (shinryou) in both spoken and written contexts, such as explaining a medical visit to a colleague or reading a medical form. You understand the nuance that 診療 includes both the diagnostic phase (診察) and the therapeutic phase (治療). You can talk about '診療の予約' (shinryou no yoyaku - medical appointment) and understand the difference between '診療中' (in session) and '休診' (closed). You should also be aware of 'オンライン診療' (telemedicine) and how to discuss it. At this level, you can use the word to describe the quality of care, such as '丁寧な診療' (thorough medical care). You are also starting to see how 診療 fits into the broader context of the Japanese insurance system, recognizing terms like '診療報酬' (medical fees/reimbursement) in news articles.

At the B2 level, you can use 診療 (shinryou) to discuss more complex topics like healthcare policy, medical ethics, or specific clinical procedures. You understand that 診療 is the standard term used in professional medical discourse. You can use it in the context of '診療科' (medical departments) to specify where you are going (e.g., '内科の診療を受ける'). You can also discuss the '診療体制' (medical care system) of a hospital or region. At this level, you should be able to explain the difference between 診療 and similar terms like 医療 or 治療 to others. You can read and understand detailed clinic websites that describe their '診療方針' (treatment philosophy) and '診療内容' (details of treatment). Your usage is precise, and you can handle administrative medical tasks in Japanese with minimal assistance.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 診療 (shinryou) is nuanced and professional. You can engage in deep discussions about the '診療の質' (quality of clinical care) and the socio-economic factors affecting '地域診療' (regional medical care). You are familiar with technical terms like '診療ガイドライン' (clinical practice guidelines) and can use them in a professional or academic setting. You understand the legal implications of '診療録' (medical records/charts) and the doctor's '診療義務' (duty to provide care). You can synthesize information from medical journals or policy papers that use 診療 as a fundamental concept. Your ability to use this word extends to metaphorical or high-level abstract contexts within the medical humanities, and you can navigate the complexities of the Japanese healthcare bureaucracy using this and related terminology fluently.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 診療 (shinryou) and its role in the Japanese language. You can discuss the historical evolution of the term from traditional medicine to modern clinical practice. You can critically analyze '診療報酬制度' (the medical fee reimbursement system) and its impact on national health economics. You are capable of interpreting subtle nuances in '診療の倫理' (clinical ethics) and can participate in high-level debates regarding 'AIによる診療' (AI-driven diagnosis and treatment). You understand the word's place in the legal code (Medical Practitioners Act) and can use it with the precision required for legal or medical professional work. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, allowing you to navigate any medical situation, from a simple clinic visit to complex systemic healthcare analysis.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

診療 in 30 Seconds

診療 means the combined process of a doctor diagnosing an illness and then treating it.
It is a formal term used primarily in clinics (診療所) and professional medical contexts.
The word is broader than 'examination' (診察) because it specifically includes the 'treatment' (療) phase.
Commonly found in phrases like 'clinical hours' (診療時間) and 'medical fees' (診療代) in Japan.

The Japanese word 診療 (しんりょう - shinryou) is a cornerstone of the Japanese medical vocabulary, specifically referring to the dual process of medical examination and the subsequent treatment provided by a licensed physician. Unlike more specific terms that might only cover the diagnostic phase, 診療 encompasses the entire clinical encounter. When you enter a Japanese clinic or hospital, the activity taking place between the doctor and the patient is fundamentally defined as 診療. This word is essential for anyone living in Japan or navigating the healthcare system, as it appears on building signs, medical bills, and insurance documents. It is a formal, professional term that conveys the seriousness and comprehensive nature of medical care.

Clinical Scope: 診療 refers to the holistic approach where a doctor first identifies the illness (diagnosis) and then applies the necessary remedy (treatment), whether that be a prescription, a procedure, or medical advice. It is the functional unit of healthcare delivery.
Institutional Usage: You will most frequently see this word in the term 診療所 (shinryou-jo), which means a clinic or a doctor's office. While 'hospital' (病院 - byouin) is the general term for large facilities, 診療所 specifically denotes a place where these clinical examinations and treatments occur on a smaller, often outpatient scale.
Administrative Context: In the context of the Japanese National Health Insurance system, the costs associated with your visit are referred to as 診療費 (shinryou-hi). This covers the doctor's time, the expertise used for diagnosis, and the initial treatment steps taken during the visit.

今日の午後は診療時間が終わっています。(Kyou no gogo wa shinryou jikan ga owatte imasu.)
Translation: Medical examination and treatment hours have ended for this afternoon.

Understanding the nuance of 診療 is vital because it sits between the very specific 診察 (shinsatsu - medical exam) and the broader 医療 (iryou - medical care/healthcare in general). While 医療 might refer to the medical industry or the concept of medicine as a whole, 診療 is the actual 'doing' of medicine at the point of care. If a doctor says they are 'in 診療,' it means they are currently seeing patients and cannot be disturbed. It is also used in specialized fields, such as 歯科診療 (shika shinryou - dental treatment) or 内科診療 (naika shinryou - internal medicine treatment).

この診療所は土曜日も開いています。(Kono shinryou-jo wa doyoubi mo aite imasu.)
Translation: This clinic is also open on Saturdays.

先生は今、診療中です。(Sensei wa ima, shinryou-chuu desu.)
Translation: The doctor is currently examining and treating a patient.

Professionalism: Using 診療 instead of just 'seeing a doctor' (医者に会う) shows a higher level of Japanese proficiency and an understanding of the formal medical system. It is the language of professionals.

In summary, 診療 is the bridge between identifying a problem and fixing it. It is a word that signifies the active engagement of medical expertise to improve a patient's health. Whether you are looking at a clinic's schedule, paying a bill, or discussing a doctor's workload, 診療 is the precise term that covers the core activity of clinical medicine.

Using 診療 (shinryou) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun that can also function as a suru-verb (診療する), although the noun form is more common in compound phrases. It is frequently paired with words related to time, place, and cost. In everyday conversation, you might not use it as much as 'going to the hospital,' but in any formal or administrative context, it is the primary term. Below, we explore how to integrate 診療 into various sentence structures to sound natural and precise.

As a Subject or Object: When 診療 is the focus of the sentence, it often precedes verbs like 始まる (hajimaru - to start), 終わる (owaru - to end), or 受ける (ukeru - to receive/undergo). For example, '診療を受ける' is the standard way to say 'to receive medical treatment/examination.'
In Compound Nouns: 診療 is highly productive in forming compound nouns. Examples include 診療所 (clinic), 診療代 (medical fee), 診療記録 (medical record), and 診療科目 (medical department/specialty). These compounds are ubiquitous in Japanese medical facilities.

適切な診療を受けることが大切です。(Tekisetsu na shinryou o ukeru koto ga taisetsu desu.)
Translation: It is important to receive appropriate medical examination and treatment.

When discussing the schedule of a clinic, 診療 is almost always used. You will see signs that say '診療中' (Currently seeing patients) or '休診' (Closed for consultation). Note that '休診' (kyuushin) uses the first kanji of 診療 to mean 'no examination.' Understanding these signs is crucial for knowing if a doctor is available. In a sentence, you might say, 'The clinic's 診療時間 is from 9 AM to 5 PM.'

その病院は、高度な診療技術を持っています。(Sono byouin wa, koudo na shinryou gijutsu o motte imasu.)
Translation: That hospital possesses advanced medical examination and treatment technology.

最新の設備で診療を行っています。(Saishin no setsubi de shinryou o okonatte imasu.)
Translation: They are conducting medical examinations and treatments with the latest equipment.

Describing Quality: Adjectives like 丁寧な (teinei na - polite/thorough), 迅速な (jinsoku na - rapid), or 適切な (tekisetsu na - appropriate) are often used to describe the quality of the 診療. This is common in reviews of clinics or when describing a medical experience.

Finally, consider the financial aspect. In Japan, you will often hear about '診療報酬' (shinryou houshuu), which refers to the medical fees set by the government that clinics can charge. While this is a technical term, understanding that 診療 is the root helps you navigate insurance conversations. Whether you are a patient or a professional, mastering the use of 診療 ensures you can communicate accurately about the core of medical practice.

The word 診療 (shinryou) is omnipresent in the physical and digital landscape of Japanese healthcare. If you walk down any street in a Japanese city, you will likely see the word on signs for small medical offices. Unlike the large, towering hospitals (病院 - byouin), the neighborhood clinics that provide primary care are officially termed 診療所 (shinryou-jo). Hearing and seeing this word is a daily occurrence for many, and it serves as a signpost for help and professional care.

At the Clinic Entrance: The most common place to hear this word is at the reception desk. A staff member might say, '診療の受付は17時までです' (Reception for medical examination and treatment is until 5 PM). It sets the formal tone for the medical encounter.
On Television and News: During news reports about healthcare policy, doctor shortages, or new medical technologies, 診療 is used to describe the act of medical practice. For example, 'オンライン診療' (online shinryou - telemedicine) has become a major topic of discussion in recent years.

この地域には、夜間診療を行っている病院があります。(Kono chiiki ni wa, yakan shinryou o okonatte iru byouin ga arimasu.)
Translation: In this area, there is a hospital that provides nighttime medical examination and treatment.

In the workplace, if someone is taking time off for a medical check-up, they might use the term 診療 in a formal email to their supervisor. While '病院に行く' (going to the hospital) is fine for casual talk, mentioning that you have a '診療の予約' (shinryou no yoyaku - medical appointment) sounds more professional and specific. It clarifies that you are seeing a doctor for a specific health issue rather than just a general check-up (which would be 健診 - kenshin).

保険証を持って、診療を受けてください。(Hokenshou o motte, shinryou o ukete kudasai.)
Translation: Please bring your insurance card and receive your medical examination and treatment.

離島での診療は、非常に重要です。(Ritou de no shinryou wa, hijou ni juuyou desu.)
Translation: Medical care on remote islands is extremely important.

Government and Policy: When the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) issues guidelines, they use 診療 as the standard term for medical procedures. This filters down into all official documentation you might encounter as a resident in Japan.

Whether you are listening to a podcast about health, reading a sign at a train station for a nearby clinic, or talking to a medical professional, 診療 is the key that unlocks understanding of the Japanese clinical experience. It is a word that carries the weight of authority and the promise of care.

While 診療 (shinryou) is a standard term, learners often confuse it with other similar-looking or similar-sounding medical words. Because the Japanese medical system has a very precise vocabulary, using the wrong word can lead to confusion, especially in formal settings. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid when using 診療.

Confusing 診療 with 診察 (Shinsatsu): This is the most frequent error. 診察 (shinsatsu) refers specifically to the examination part (looking at the patient, listening to the heart). 診療 (shinryou) includes BOTH the examination and the treatment (giving medicine, performing a small procedure). If you only want to say 'the doctor looked at me,' use 診察. If you want to talk about the whole visit, 診療 is better.
Misusing the Verb Form: Learners often say '診療します' (shinryou shimasu) when they mean 'I am going to see a doctor.' However, as a suru-verb, 診療する is typically an action performed by the doctor. A patient should say '診療を受ける' (shinryou o ukeru - receive treatment) or simply '病院に行く' (byouin ni iku).

❌ 私は明日、診療します。
✅ 私は明日、診療を受けます。
Note: The first one sounds like you are the doctor. The second one correctly identifies you as the patient.

Another common mistake is confusing 診療 with 治療 (chiryou). 治療 (chiryou) is 'treatment' or 'cure.' It focuses purely on the healing process. 診療 is broader because it includes the diagnostic examination. If you are in the middle of a long-term treatment plan for a disease, you are undergoing 治療. If you are just going for your regular check-and-fix visit, it is 診療.

❌ 診療所に行きます (when referring to a huge general hospital).
✅ 病院に行きます。
Note: Use 診療所 specifically for smaller clinics. Large facilities are almost always called 病院.

❌ 診療代はいくらですか？ (In a casual conversation with a friend).
✅ 病院代はいくらだった？
Note: 診療代 is very formal. In casual speech, people usually say 病院代 (byouin-dai).

Overusing the Word: Because 診療 is a formal term, using it in very casual settings can sound a bit stiff. It's like saying 'I am seeking medical consultation' instead of 'I'm seeing a doctor.' Use it when reading signs, filling out forms, or in professional contexts, but stick to '病院' or '先生' for daily chat.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the 'Exam + Treatment' combination and the doctor-vs-patient perspective—you will avoid the most common errors and use 診療 like a native speaker.

To truly master 診療 (shinryou), you must understand how it relates to its synonyms and neighbors in the medical vocabulary. Japanese has many words for 'medical care,' each with a specific nuance. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about the exam, the cure, the industry, or the facility.

診療 vs. 診察 (Shinsatsu): 診察: Focuses only on the examination (physical check, diagnosis).
診療: Includes both the examination (診) and the treatment (療).
Example: 'The doctor is examining (診察) the patient to decide on the treatment (診療).'
診療 vs. 治療 (Chiryou): 治療: Focuses purely on the act of healing or treating an injury/illness.
診療: A broader term that starts from the moment the doctor meets the patient to diagnose them.
Example: 'After the 診療 (visit), the long-term 治療 (treatment) began.'
診療 vs. 医療 (Iryou): 医療: The broadest term, referring to the entire field of medicine, healthcare systems, and the medical profession.
診療: The specific clinical act of a doctor seeing a patient.
Example: 'Japan's 医療 (healthcare system) ensures that everyone can receive 診療 (clinical care).'

比較表 (Comparison Table):
1. 診療: Exam + Treatment (Clinical)
2. 診察: Exam only (Diagnostic)
3. 治療: Treatment only (Healing)
4. 医療: Medicine/Healthcare (General Field)

There are also terms like 健診 (kenshin) and 検診 (kenshin - different kanji). 健診 is a general health check-up for healthy people (like a physical), while 検診 is a screening for a specific disease (like a cancer screening). Neither of these are 診療, because 診療 implies you are seeing a doctor because you have a symptom or a known condition that needs active management.

往診 (oushin) vs. 診療
往診 is a 'house call' where the doctor comes to you. 診療 is what they do once they arrive.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to be much more specific. In a Japanese medical environment, precision is highly valued. By knowing when to use 診療 versus its alternatives, you demonstrate that you understand not just the language, but the structure of Japanese healthcare itself.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 診 contains the 'speech' radical (言), suggesting that a diagnosis historically involved a lot of questioning and talking to the patient. The kanji 療 contains the 'sickness' radical (疒), which looks like a person leaning on a bed.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃiːn.ɾjoː/

US /ʃin.rjoʊ/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'shinryou', the pitch typically starts low on 'shi' and rises on 'n-ryo-u'. [LHHH]

Rhymes With

資料 (shiryou - materials) 飼料 (shiryou - animal feed) 終了 (shuuryou - end) 重量 (juuryou - weight) 休養 (kyuuyou - rest) 急行 (kyuukou - express) 修行 (shugyou - training) 中庸 (chuuyou - golden mean)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ryo' as two syllables 'ri-yo'.
Forgetting the long 'o' sound at the end (shinryo vs shinryou).
Using an English 'r' sound instead of the Japanese tapped 'r'.
Nasalizing the 'n' too much like a French 'n'.
Confusing the pitch with 'shiryou' (materials/data).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are somewhat complex but very common in daily life signs.

Writing 4/5

The kanji 療 has many strokes and is easy to miswrite.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward as long as the long vowel is respected.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in medical contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

医者 (Doctor) 病院 (Hospital) 病気 (Illness) 薬 (Medicine) 先生 (Teacher/Doctor)

Learn Next

診察 (Examination) 治療 (Treatment) 処方箋 (Prescription) 保険証 (Insurance card) 検査 (Test/Scan)

Advanced

診療報酬 (Medical fees) 臨床 (Clinical) 問診 (Medical interview) 誤診 (Misdiagnosis) 対症療法 (Symptomatic treatment)

Grammar to Know

Noun + を受ける (ukeru)

診療を受ける (To receive treatment).

Noun + を行う (okonau)

診療を行う (To perform/provide treatment).

Compound Noun Formation

診療 + 時間 = 診療時間 (Clinical hours).

Suru-verb conversion

診療する (To treat/examine - used by doctors).

Honorific Prefix 'O'

お診療 (Rarely used, usually 'ご診療' in very formal letters, but mostly used without a prefix).

Examples by Level

ここは診療所です。

This is a clinic.

Simple AはBです structure.

診療時間は9時からです。

Clinical hours start from 9 o'clock.

診療時間 is a compound noun meaning 'clinic hours'.

先生の診療を受けます。

I will receive the doctor's examination and treatment.

診療を受ける is the standard phrase for 'to see a doctor'.

今日は休診です。

Today is closed for consultation.

休診 (kyuushin) means 'no medical examination/closed'.

診療代を払います。

I will pay the medical fee.

診療代 (shinryou-dai) refers to the cost of the visit.

診療室に入ってください。

Please enter the consultation room.

診療室 (shinryou-shitsu) is the room where the exam happens.

診療は終わりましたか？

Is the examination and treatment finished?

診療 is the subject here.

あそこに診療所があります。

There is a clinic over there.

Using あります to indicate existence.

午後の診療は何時からですか？

What time does the afternoon session start?

午後の診療 refers to the afternoon block of appointments.

この病院は丁寧な診療で有名です。

This hospital is famous for its thorough medical care.

丁寧な (teinei na) modifies 診療.

診療の前に、この紙を書いてください。

Before the examination, please fill out this paper.

診療の前 (shinryou no mae) means 'before the exam/treatment'.

土曜日も診療を行っていますか？

Do you perform examinations and treatment on Saturdays too?

診療を行う (shinryou o okonau) is a formal way to say 'to provide care'.

診療の結果を待ちます。

I will wait for the results of the examination.

診療の結果 refers to the outcome of the doctor's visit.

急いで診療を受ける必要があります。

It is necessary to receive medical treatment urgently.

～必要があります indicates necessity.

診療所は駅の近くにあります。

The clinic is near the station.

Locational sentence.

保険証がないと、診療代が高くなります。

Without an insurance card, the medical fee will be expensive.

Conditional sentence using と.

最近はオンラインでの診療も増えています。

Recently, online medical consultations are also increasing.

オンライン診療 (onrain shinryou) is a common modern term.

診療の予約をキャンセルしたいのですが。

I would like to cancel my medical appointment.

～たいのですが is a polite way to make a request/statement.

その医師は、一人ひとりに時間をかけて診療します。

That doctor takes time to treat each person individually.

時間をかけて (jikan o kakete) means 'taking time'.

診療報酬の改定がニュースになっています。

The revision of medical fees is in the news.

診療報酬 (shinryou houshuu) is a technical term for medical reimbursement.

彼は歯科診療のために休みを取りました。

He took a day off for dental treatment.

歯科診療 (shika shinryou) specifically means dental care.

診療方針について説明を受けました。

I received an explanation about the treatment policy.

診療方針 (shinryou houshin) refers to the approach to care.

適切な診療を受ける権利があります。

You have the right to receive appropriate medical care.

権利 (kenri) means 'right'.

診療記録は厳重に管理されています。

Medical records are strictly managed.

診療記録 (shinryou kiroku) means medical charts/records.

この地域では、夜間の診療体制が整っています。

In this region, the nighttime medical care system is well-established.

診療体制 (shinryou taisei) refers to the setup/system of care.

最新の技術を導入し、より正確な診療を目指しています。

By introducing the latest technology, we aim for more accurate medical care.

～を目指す (o mezasu) means 'to aim for'.

診療の質を向上させるために、研修が行われました。

Training was held to improve the quality of medical care.

向上させる (koujou saseru) means 'to improve'.

離島などの無医地区での診療が課題となっています。

Medical care in doctorless areas such as remote islands has become an issue.

課題 (kadai) means 'issue' or 'challenge'.

患者の同意なしに診療を行うことはできません。

It is not possible to perform medical treatment without the patient's consent.

同意 (doui) means 'consent'.

診療科目が多すぎて、どこへ行けばいいか分かりません。

There are so many medical departments that I don't know where to go.

診療科目 (shinryou kamoku) refers to specialties like pediatrics, etc.

継続的な診療が必要な慢性疾患です。

It is a chronic disease that requires continuous medical care.

継続的 (keizoku-teki) means 'continuous'.

診療報酬制度の仕組みを理解するのは難しいです。

It is difficult to understand the structure of the medical fee system.

仕組み (shikumi) means 'mechanism' or 'structure'.

高度な専門性を要する診療に従事しています。

I am engaged in medical care that requires high levels of expertise.

～に従事する (ni juuji suru) means 'to be engaged in'.

診療ガイドラインに基づいた治療が推奨されています。

Treatment based on clinical practice guidelines is recommended.

～に基づいた (ni motozuita) means 'based on'.

医師の診療拒否が法的にどのような扱いになるか検討する。

We will examine how a doctor's refusal to provide treatment is handled legally.

診療拒否 (shinryou kyohi) is a legal and ethical term.

在宅診療の普及により、高齢者のQOLが向上しました。

The spread of home-based medical care has improved the QOL of the elderly.

在宅診療 (zaitaku shinryou) means home-based care.

診療録の開示請求を行う権利が患者にはあります。

Patients have the right to request the disclosure of their medical records.

開示請求 (kaiji seikyuu) means 'request for disclosure'.

地域医療における診療所の役割を再定義する必要があります。

It is necessary to redefine the role of clinics in regional healthcare.

再定義 (saiteigi) means 'redefinition'.

診療の過程で得られたデータは、研究目的で使用されます。

Data obtained in the course of medical care is used for research purposes.

過程 (katei) means 'process' or 'course'.

多職種連携による診療が、複雑な症例には不可欠です。

Medical care through multi-disciplinary collaboration is essential for complex cases.

多職種連携 (tashokushu renkei) means 'interdisciplinary collaboration'.

診療の個別化は、ゲノム医療の進展により現実味を帯びてきた。

The individualization of medical care has become more realistic with the progress of genomic medicine.

現実味を帯びる (genjitsumi o obiru) is an idiomatic expression for 'becoming realistic'.

診療報酬の引き下げは、中小規模の診療所にとって死活問題だ。

The reduction of medical fees is a matter of life and death for small and medium-sized clinics.

死活問題 (shikatsu mondai) means 'a life-and-death issue'.

包括的な診療体制の構築が、超高齢社会における急務である。

Building a comprehensive medical care system is an urgent task in a super-aging society.

急務 (kyuumu) means 'urgent task'.

医師の裁量権と診療ガイドラインの遵守の間の葛藤が生じている。

A conflict is arising between a doctor's discretionary power and adherence to clinical guidelines.

葛藤 (kattou) means 'conflict/dilemma'.

診療行為の経済的価値をどう評価するかは、極めて政治的な問いである。

How to evaluate the economic value of medical acts is an extremely political question.

極めて (kiwamete) means 'extremely'.

遠隔診療の法的枠組みを整備し、医療格差の是正を図るべきだ。

We should establish a legal framework for remote medical care and aim to correct healthcare disparities.

是正を図る (zesei o hakaru) means 'to aim for correction'.

診療におけるパターナリズムからの脱却が、現代医療の潮流である。

The shift away from paternalism in medical care is the trend in modern medicine.

潮流 (chouryuu) means 'trend' or 'tide'.

臨床倫理学の視点から、終末期診療の在り方を問い直す。

From the perspective of clinical ethics, we will re-examine the nature of end-of-life medical care.

問い直す (toi-naosu) means 'to re-examine/question again'.

Synonyms

診察治療医療手当て検診

Antonyms

放置未受診

Common Collocations

診療を受ける

診療所

診療時間

診療報酬

診療科目

診療中

休診

診療録

歯科診療

オンライン診療

Common Phrases

診療の予約

— An appointment for medical examination and treatment.

明日の診療の予約をしました。

夜間診療

— Medical services provided during the night.

夜間診療を行っている病院を探す。

休日診療

— Medical services provided on holidays.

休日に急に具合が悪くなり、休日診療を受けた。

診療ガイドライン

— Official instructions for doctors on how to treat specific conditions.

診療ガイドラインに従って治療する。

診療費

— The bill for the medical visit.

診療費は受付で払ってください。

診療内科

— Psychosomatic medicine (often confused with psychiatry).

ストレスが多いので診療内科に行く。

診療情報

— Medical information regarding a patient's case.

診療情報を共有する。

診療拒否

— Refusal of medical treatment by a doctor (a legal/ethical issue).

正当な理由のない診療拒否は禁じられている。

診療体制

— The organizational structure for providing medical care.

地域の診療体制を強化する。

診療室

— The room where the doctor sees the patient.

診療室へどうぞ。

Often Confused With

診療 vs 資料 (しりょう)

Means 'materials/data'. Sounds similar but lacks the nasal 'n' and has a different first syllable.

診療 vs 終了 (しゅうりょう)

Means 'end/finish'. The 'shuu' sound is longer and different from 'shin'.

診療 vs 飼料 (しりょう)

Means 'animal feed'. Only distinguished by context and the lack of 'n'.

Idioms & Expressions

"診療のメスを入れる"

— Metaphorically, to perform a 'surgical' intervention or deep analysis into a problem.

経営難の病院に、改革の診療のメスを入れる。

Literary/Metaphorical

"看板を下ろす"

— To close down a business/clinic (often used when a 診療所 closes).

高齢のため、ついに診療所の看板を下ろした。

General/Idiomatic

"匙を投げる"

— To give up on a patient (literally 'to throw the medicine spoon').

どの医者も匙を投げるほどの難病だった。

Old-fashioned/Idiomatic

"病は気から"

— Illness starts from the mind (often mentioned during a 診療 to encourage the patient).

病は気からと言いますから、明るく過ごしましょう。

Proverb

"医者の不養生"

— A doctor's neglect of their own health (doctors giving 診療 but not taking care of themselves).

タバコを吸う医者なんて、まさに医者の不養生だ。

Proverb

"命あっての物種"

— While there is life, there is hope (often said regarding the importance of 診療).

まずは診療を受けてください。命あっての物種ですから。

Proverb

"藪医者"

— A quack doctor or an unskilled doctor.

あそこは藪医者だから、診療を受けないほうがいい。

Informal/Derogatory

"セカンドオピニオン"

— Seeking a second opinion (often mentioned when 診療 results are uncertain).

別の病院で診療を受け、セカンドオピニオンを求める。

Modern/Loanword

"名医"

— A famous/excellent doctor known for great 診療.

彼はこの地域で一番の名医だ。

General

"赤ひげ"

— A compassionate, selfless doctor (from a famous novel/film).

彼は現代の赤ひげのような医師だ。

Literary/Cultural

Easily Confused

診療 vs 診察 (しんさつ)

Both start with 'shin' and relate to doctors.

Shinsatsu is just the exam; Shinryou is exam plus treatment. Shinryou is a broader clinical term.

診察で病気を見つけ、診療で治す。 (Find the illness in the exam, cure it with treatment.)

診療 vs 治療 (ちりょう)

Both involve the 'ryou' (treatment) kanji.

Chiryou is specifically the act of curing. Shinryou includes the initial diagnostic exam.

診療の後、本格的な治療が始まった。 (After the clinical visit, full treatment began.)

診療 vs 医療 (いりょう)

Both relate to medical care.

Iryou is the general field/industry. Shinryou is the specific act of a doctor seeing a patient.

医療の進歩が、新しい診療方法を生む。 (Progress in medicine creates new clinical methods.)

診療 vs 検診 (けんしん)

Relates to medical checkups.

Kenshin is a screening for a specific disease in healthy people. Shinryou is for symptomatic people.

がん検診の結果、診療が必要になった。 (As a result of the cancer screening, clinical care became necessary.)

診療 vs 健診 (けんしん)

Homophone of the above, also relates to checkups.

Kenshin is a general health check (physical). Shinryou is medical care for a condition.

健康診断（健診）は毎年受けるが、診療は病気の時だけだ。 (I get a physical every year, but clinical care only when sick.)

Sentence Patterns

[Place] は [Time] まで診療です。

この診療所は18時まで診療です。

[Person] の診療を受ける。

田中先生の診療を受ける。

[Method] で診療を行う。

オンラインで診療を行う。

[Condition] のため診療が必要です。

急病のため、至急診療が必要です。

[Policy] に基づき診療を実施する。

ガイドラインに基づき診療を実施する。

[Abstract Concept] と診療の両立を図る。

倫理性と効率的な診療の両立を図る。

診療の前に [Action]。

診療の前に保険証を出してください。

診療の結果、 [Statement]。

診療の結果、入院することになりました。

Word Family

Nouns

診療所 (Clinic)

診療代 (Medical fee)

診療録 (Medical record)

診療科目 (Medical specialty)

Verbs

診療する (To examine and treat)

診察 (Medical exam)

治療 (Treatment)

医療 (Healthcare)

受診 (Seeing a doctor)

往診 (House call)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in medical, administrative, and formal contexts in Japan.

Common Mistakes

Saying '診療する' as a patient. → 診療を受ける
診療する means 'to provide medical care' (doctor's action). Patients 'receive' care.
Using 診療 for a general health checkup. → 健康診断 / 健診
診療 implies treatment for a sickness. A checkup for a healthy person is 健診.
Confusing 診療 with 診察. → Depends on context.
診察 is just the exam. 診療 is the whole process including treatment.
Writing 療 without the sickness radical. → 療
Without 疒, the kanji might look like 僚 (colleague), which is incorrect.
Using 診療所 for a large university hospital. → 病院
診療所 is specifically for clinics with fewer than 20 beds.

Tips

Look for the Sign

When walking in Japan, look for the characters 診療所. These are your primary care clinics. Identifying them before you get sick is a great practical use of this vocabulary.

Receiving vs. Doing

Always remember that as a patient, you 'receive' (ukeru) shinryou. If you say 'shinryou suru,' people will think you are the doctor. This is a common mistake for learners.

Insurance Matters

The term 診療報酬 is key to understanding why medical costs are so consistent across Japan. The government sets these fees, so a 診療 visit costs roughly the same everywhere.

The Sickness Radical

The radical 疒 (yamaidare) in 療 is your clue that the word relates to illness. You'll see this radical in words like 病 (sick), 痛 (pain), and 疲 (tired).

Use in Business

If you need to leave work for a doctor's appointment, saying '診療の予約があります' sounds much more professional than '病院に行きます'.

Broad vs. Specific

Use 診療 when you want to cover the whole visit. Use 診察 if you only mean the five minutes the doctor spent looking at you. Precision matters in Japanese.

Online Medicine

Keep an eye out for オンライン診療. It's a growing field in Japan, especially for chronic conditions, and uses the same base word.

Phone Manners

When calling a clinic, you might hear 'Shinryou-jikan wa shuuryou shimashita' (Clinical hours have ended). Knowing 'shinryou' helps you understand you're too late!

Compound Power

診療 is like a Lego brick. Combine it with 'shitsu' (room), 'dai' (fee), or 'jo' (place) to expand your medical vocabulary instantly.

The 'Shin' Connection

Connect 診療 (shinryou) with 診察 (shinsatsu). They both start with the 'examine' kanji. If you know one, you're halfway to knowing the other.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SHIN' as 'thin' (you get thin when sick) and 'RYOU' as 'row' (you row your boat to the doctor). You need a 'SHIN-RYOU' visit when you are thin and need help.

Visual Association

Imagine a doctor with a stethoscope (診 - exam) holding a bottle of medicine (療 - treatment). The two images together represent the word.

Word Web

Doctor Clinic Medicine Appointment Bill Health Insurance Examination

Challenge

Try to find the word 診療 on a Japanese website for a local clinic. Notice how it is used to list their hours and services.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two kanji: 診 and 療. It originated as a formal Sino-Japanese (Kango) compound used to describe the primary duties of a physician.

Original meaning: To diagnose (診) and heal (療).

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Always use 診療 or 診察 when speaking to medical staff; using overly casual words like 'check-up' (in English) can sometimes be misunderstood as a less serious request.

In English, we usually say 'medical care' or 'seeing a doctor,' which are less formal than the Japanese '診療'.

Dr. Koto Shinryoujo (A famous manga/drama about a clinic on a remote island). Medical Practitioners Act (医師法) which defines 診療 duties. National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) documents.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Clinic

診療の予約をしたいです。
診療時間は何時までですか？
診療代はいくらですか？
診療室に入ってください。

On a Medical Form

診療科目
診療情報提供書
診療録の開示
前回の診療日

Professional Discussion

診療ガイドラインを確認する。
適切な診療を行う。
診療体制を整える。
診療の質を向上させる。

News/Insurance

診療報酬の改定。
オンライン診療の普及。
地域診療の課題。
休日診療の案内。

Workplace

診療のため、中座します。
午後は診療の予約があります。
診療結果を報告する。
定期的な診療を受けている。

Conversation Starters

"「この近くに、いい診療所を知っていますか？」 (Do you know a good clinic near here?)"

"「最近、オンライン診療を使ったことがありますか？」 (Have you used online medical consultation recently?)"

"「診療時間は、仕事が終わってからでも間に合いますか？」 (Are the clinical hours late enough for after work?)"

"「診療代をカードで払えるところは多いですか？」 (Are there many places where you can pay medical fees by card?)"

"「日本の診療所は、待ち時間が長いと思いますか？」 (Do you think waiting times at Japanese clinics are long?)"

Journal Prompts

「今日、診療所へ行きました。先生の診療はどうでしたか？」 (Today I went to the clinic. How was the doctor's examination and treatment?)

「将来、AIが診療を行うことについてどう思いますか？」 (What do you think about AI performing medical examinations and treatments in the future?)

「あなたの国の診療システムと、日本のシステムの違いを書いてください。」 (Write about the differences between your country's medical system and Japan's.)

「オンライン診療のメリットとデメリットは何だと思いますか？」 (What do you think are the pros and cons of online medical consultation?)

「理想的な診療所とは、どのような場所だと思いますか？」 (What kind of place do you think an ideal clinic is?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

A hospital (病院 - byouin) in Japan is defined as a facility with 20 or more beds for inpatients. A 診療所 (shinryou-jo) or clinic has 19 beds or fewer, or no beds at all. Most neighborhood clinics you visit for a cold are 診療所.

Not exactly. For a general health check-up when you aren't sick, use 'kenkou shindan' (健康診断) or 'kenshin' (健診). 'Shinryou' implies you have a symptom or a condition that requires a doctor's professional diagnosis and intervention.

It is primarily a noun. However, it can function as a 'suru-verb' (診療する), meaning 'to perform medical examination and treatment.' This verb form is almost exclusively used by doctors, not patients.

It means 'Currently in session' or 'Open for patients.' If you see this sign at a clinic, it means the doctor is currently seeing patients and you can potentially go in (if you have an appointment or it's walk-in time).

The formal term is '診療費' (shinryou-hi) or '診療代' (shinryou-dai). In an insurance context, the technical term '診療報酬' (shinryou houshuu) is used to describe the reimbursement rates.

It is a 'Psychosomatic Internal Medicine' department. It focuses on physical symptoms that are caused or made worse by psychological stress. It is different from 'seishinka' (psychiatry).

Yes, 'shika shinryou' (歯科診療) is the standard term for dental examination and treatment.

It means 'nighttime medical care.' Many cities in Japan have specific clinics or hospital wings designated for 'yakan shinryou' to handle non-emergency but urgent cases after hours.

Yes, at a veterinarian (獣医 - juui), the act of treating a pet is called 'juui shinryou' or simply 'shinryou'.

It is a medical chart or medical record. Doctors are legally required to maintain a 'shinryou-roku' for every patient they treat in Japan.