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受診する

B1 verb #5,000 most common 9 min read

受診する

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 受診する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 受診する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use '受診する' (jushin suru) often. Instead, you would say 'isha ni iku' (go to the doctor) or 'byoin ni iku' (go to the hospital). These are simpler and easier to remember. However, if you see the word '受診' on a sign at a clinic, just know it means 'seeing the doctor.' It is a formal way to talk about a medical visit. In Japan, hospitals are very organized, and 'jushin' is the word they use for the process of getting checked by a doctor. Even if you can't say it yet, recognizing the first kanji '受' (receive) can help you understand that you are 'receiving' a service.

At the A2 level, you can start recognizing '受診する' in official contexts. For example, if you work in Japan, your company might send you an email about a 'kenshin' (health checkup) and use the word 'jushin.' You should understand that this is more formal than 'iku' (to go). You might use it when writing a simple message to your teacher or boss: 'Byoin o jushin suru node, yasumimasu' (I will see a doctor, so I will be absent). It sounds more polite and professional than 'byoin ni iku.' Remember that 'jushin' is a 'suru' verb, so you can conjugate it like 'jushin shimasu' or 'jushin shimashita.'

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '受診する' comfortably in professional and medical settings. This is the target level for this word. You should know the difference between 'jushin' (patient receiving care) and 'shinsatsu' (doctor giving care). You should also be familiar with common collocations like 'teiki-teki ni jushin suru' (to see a doctor regularly) or 'jushin o susumeru' (to recommend seeing a doctor). When you call a hospital to make an appointment, using 'jushin shitai no desu ga...' (I would like to see a doctor...) sounds much more natural and appropriate for an adult learner than using basic A1 phrases.

At the B2 level, you should understand the administrative and systemic nuances of '受診する.' This includes understanding terms like 'jushin-ken' (examination vouchers) and 'jushin-ryo' (examination fees). You should be able to discuss medical issues using this term in the context of health insurance or public health policy. For example, you might discuss 'jushin-hikae' (refraining from seeing a doctor), a social phenomenon where people avoid hospitals due to cost or fear of infection. At this level, you should also be able to use the word in complex sentences with various grammatical structures, such as passive, causative, or conditional forms, to describe specific medical scenarios.

At the C1 level, '受診する' is part of your formal vocabulary for discussing healthcare systems, medical ethics, and legal requirements. You might use it when analyzing medical reports or discussing the 'jushin-ritsu' (consultation rate) of a certain population. You should be able to distinguish it from highly technical terms like 'shindan' (diagnosis) or 'chiryo' (treatment) in a nuanced way. For instance, you might explain how 'jushin' is the entry point to the 'shindan' process. Your use of the word should be flawless in formal presentations, academic writing, or high-level business negotiations within the healthcare industry.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of '受診する' and its role in the Japanese language. You understand its historical development as a Kango (Sino-Japanese word) and its place in the hierarchy of medical terminology. You can use it to discuss complex legal cases involving 'jushin-kyohi' (refusal of medical examination) or the 'jushin-gimu' (obligation to seek medical care) in specific public health laws. You can also appreciate and use the word in literary or high-level journalistic contexts where the choice of 'jushin' over a more common term conveys a specific tone of clinical objectivity or institutional formality.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

受診する in 30 Seconds

受診する (jushin suru) is a formal verb meaning 'to see a doctor' or 'to receive a medical examination.'
It is used primarily for humans and is the standard term in official, medical, and workplace contexts.
The word focuses on the patient's side of the interaction, whereas 'shinsatsu' focuses on the doctor's side.
Commonly paired with health checkups (kenshin) or specific medical departments like internal medicine (naika).

The Japanese verb 受診する (jushin suru) is a formal and precise term that translates to 'to see a doctor' or 'to receive a medical examination.' While beginners often learn the phrase 医者に行く (isha ni iku), which literally means 'to go to the doctor,' 受診する is the standard term used in professional, medical, and official contexts. It combines the kanji 受 (ju - to receive) and 診 (shin - to examine or diagnose). Therefore, the literal meaning is 'to receive a diagnosis.'

Formal Context: You will encounter this word on medical forms, health insurance documents, and hospital signage. When a company requires employees to undergo a health check, they will use the term 健康診断を受診する.
Professional Advice: If a pharmacist or a nurse suggests you should see a specialist, they are more likely to use 受診 than the colloquial 'go to the hospital.' It implies a formal consultation for the purpose of diagnosis.

体調が優れない場合は、早めに医療機関を受診することをお勧めします。(If you are not feeling well, we recommend seeing a medical institution as soon as possible.)

In Japanese society, the act of 受診する is deeply tied to the national health insurance system. When you 'jushin,' you are officially entering the medical record system. It is not just a casual visit; it is the formal start of a medical process. This is why you see it used in terms like 受診券 (jushin-ken), which is a voucher or ticket for a medical examination provided by local governments for cancer screenings or vaccinations.

Furthermore, 受診する is often used in the passive or causative forms in workplace settings. For example, 受診させられる (to be made to see a doctor) might be used if an employer mandates a check-up. The word carries a weight of 'official medical procedure' that simple verbs lack. It encompasses the entire experience from registration at the front desk to the actual consultation with the physician.

彼は昨日、近所の内科を受診したそうです。(I heard he saw a local internal medicine doctor yesterday.)

Understanding the nuance of 受診する helps you navigate the Japanese healthcare system more effectively. It tells the listener that you are taking your health seriously and following the proper institutional channels. Whether it is for a routine check-up (Kenshin) or a specific symptom (Shinsatsu), this verb is the umbrella term for the professional encounter between a patient and a healthcare provider.

Using 受診する correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the nouns it typically pairs with. Since it is a 'suru' verb, it can be easily conjugated into various forms to fit the timeline and politeness level of your conversation. The most common particle used with it is を (wo), indicating the institution or the type of exam you are receiving.

Object + を受診する: Common objects include 健康診断 (health checkup), 専門医 (specialist), or 内科 (internal medicine). Example: 人間ドックを受診する (To undergo a comprehensive medical checkup).
Institutional Context: When specifying the place, you can say 病院を受診する. This sounds more clinical than saying you are just 'going' to the hospital. It implies you are there for the specific purpose of a medical exam.

予約なしで大きな病院を受診すると、選定療養費がかかることがあります。(If you see a large hospital without a reservation, you may be charged an extra elective treatment fee.)

One important grammatical aspect is the use of the potential form 受診できる (jushin dekiru). This is frequently used when asking if a clinic is open or if they can accommodate a specific type of insurance or condition. For instance, 'Can I see a doctor today?' would be 今日、受診できますか？. This sounds much more natural in a medical setting than asking if you can 'go' there.

In formal writing, such as an email to a boss explaining an absence, you might write: 体調不良のため、午前中に病院を受診してから出社いたします (Due to poor health, I will go to the hospital for an examination before coming to work). Here, 受診する adds a level of professional clarity, indicating that you are seeking medical advice, not just resting at home.

セカンドオピニオンを求めて、別の病院を受診した。(I saw another hospital seeking a second opinion.)

Finally, consider the time-related usage. You can use it with frequency adverbs: 定期的に受診する (to see a doctor regularly). This is a common phrase in health advice columns. It emphasizes the importance of consistent medical oversight. By using 受診する, you distinguish the act of medical consultation from other types of visits, like visiting a friend in the hospital (mimaigo) or just passing through.

In Japan, you will encounter 受診する in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from public service announcements to workplace HR interactions. It is a key vocabulary word for anyone living in or visiting Japan who might need medical care. Let's look at the most common places you will hear or see this term.

Hospital Reception & Signage: Upon entering a clinic, you will see signs like 受診の流れ (Flow of Examination) or 初めて受診される方へ (For those seeing us for the first time). Receptionists will ask, '今日はどのような症状で受診されましたか？' (What symptoms are you seeing us for today?)
Workplace Communications: Japanese companies are legally required to provide annual health checks. You will receive emails stating, 定期健康診断を受診してください. If you miss it, HR will follow up using the same terminology.

【アナウンス】「発熱のある方は、直接来院せずに、まず電話で受診の相談をしてください。」(Announcement: "Those with a fever, please do not come directly; first, consult by phone regarding seeing a doctor.")

During flu season or public health crises (like COVID-19), the word 受診 is constantly in the news. Government officials frequently use the phrase 受診の目安 (Guidelines for seeking medical care) to tell the public when their symptoms are severe enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. This helps prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by minor cases.

You will also see this word on the 'Medicine Notebook' (Okusuri Techo) or on prescription envelopes. If a doctor wants you to come back for a follow-up, they might say, 来週また受診してください. It is a word that bridges the gap between the patient's action and the doctor's professional service. Even in advertisements for health supplements, you might see small text saying, 持病のある方は医師を受診してください (Those with chronic illnesses should consult a doctor).

市区町村から届くクーポンを使って、無料でがん検診を受診できます。(You can receive a cancer screening for free using the coupon sent from your municipality.)

In summary, 受診する is the linguistic key to the Japanese medical world. It is used by doctors to instruct patients, by employers to manage health, and by the government to guide public behavior. Recognizing it will help you understand instructions in a hospital and correctly interpret health-related news and documents.

While 受診する is a straightforward verb, there are several common pitfalls that learners (and even native speakers in specific contexts) might encounter. Understanding these mistakes will help you use the word with the precision of a native speaker.

Confusion with 診察する (Shinsatsu suru): This is the most frequent error. 受診する is what the patient does (receiving the exam). 診察する is what the doctor does (performing the exam). Never say 'I will shinsatsu the doctor' unless you are the physician!
Usage for Non-Humans: While technically possible in some formal veterinary contexts, 受診 is almost exclusively used for humans. For pets, people usually say 動物病院に連れて行く (take to the animal hospital) or use 診察を受ける.

❌ Incorrect: 先生が患者を受診しました。
✅ Correct: 患者が先生を受診しました。(The patient saw the doctor.)

Another mistake is using 受診する for alternative therapies or non-medical treatments. You do not 'jushin' a massage therapist, a chiropractor (unless it's a medical orthopedic clinic), or a spa. 受診する strictly implies a medical institution (iryo kikan) with licensed medical doctors. For other services, use 通う (kayou - to attend/go to) or 受ける (ukeru - to receive).

Learners also sometimes struggle with the particle. While 病院を受診する is common, some people mistakenly use 病院に受診する. While 'ni' is sometimes heard in casual speech to indicate destination, 'wo' is the standard for 'suru' verbs where the institution is the object of the action. To be safe and sound more natural, stick with 〜を受診する.

❌ Incorrect: 薬局を受診する。
✅ Correct: 病院を受診する。(You see a doctor at a hospital, but you just 'go' to a pharmacy to get medicine.)

Lastly, be careful with the duration. 受診する usually refers to the single act of going for an appointment. If you are staying in the hospital overnight, that is 入院する (nyuin suru). If you are going back and forth for treatment over weeks, that is 通院する (tsuin suru). Using 受診する to describe a long-term hospital stay would be inaccurate.

While 受診する is the most formal way to say 'see a doctor,' Japanese has several other expressions depending on the level of formality and the specific nature of the visit. Choosing the right one makes your Japanese sound more nuanced.

診察を受ける (Shinsatsu o ukeru): This is the closest synonym. It literally means 'to receive an examination.' It is very common in both polite conversation and writing. While 'jushin' is a single word, 'shinsatsu o ukeru' feels slightly more descriptive of the actual interaction with the doctor.
医者にかかる (Isha ni kakaru): This is an idiomatic expression. 'Kakaru' here implies being under the care of someone. It sounds a bit more personal and is often used when talking about having a 'regular' doctor or finally deciding to seek help for a persistent cold.

Comparison:
1. 病院を受診する (Formal/Clinical)
2. 病院に行く (Daily/Casual)
3. 医者にかかる (Idiomatic/Personal)

Other related terms include 検診 (kenshin) and 健診 (kenshin). Wait, they sound the same? Yes! But 検診 (with 'test') refers to screening for specific diseases like cancer, while 健診 (with 'health') refers to general health checkups. You 'jushin' both of them.

For specialized visits, you might use 相談する (sodan suru - to consult). If you are just going for a talk or a second opinion, 'sodan' is appropriate. However, if any physical exam or diagnostic test is involved, 受診する remains the most accurate term. In the world of mental health, カウンセリングを受ける (to receive counseling) is used instead of 'jushin' if it's with a counselor rather than a psychiatrist (who is a medical doctor).

「念のため、大きな病院で精密検査を受診してください。」(Just in case, please undergo a detailed examination at a large hospital.)

Finally, consider 来院する (rai-in suru). This is often used from the hospital's perspective. A sign might say 'Rai-in no sai wa...' (When coming to the clinic...). While 'jushin' focuses on the medical act, 'rai-in' focuses on the physical arrival at the institution. As a patient, you 'jushin' to get the doctor's help.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 'Shin' (診) contains the 'speech' radical (言) because, historically, a diagnosis was primarily based on the doctor speaking with and questioning the patient.

Pronunciation Guide

UK dʒuː.ʃɪn.suː.ruː

US dʒuː.ʃɪn.suː.ruː

Heiban (Flat) pitch accent in Japanese: ju-SHIN-SU-RU (the pitch stays relatively level after the initial rise).

Rhymes With

Kushin (苦心 - hard work) Mushin (無心 - innocent) Fushin (不信 - distrust) Kanshin (関心 - interest) Anshin (安心 - relief) Doushin (同心 - concentric) Kishin (帰神 - returning to god) Zenshin (全身 - whole body)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shin' like 'sheen' (it should be a shorter 'i' sound).
Putting stress on the first syllable like 'JU-shin'.
Confusing the 'n' sound with 'm'.
Forgetting the 'u' at the end of 'suru'.
Mispronouncing 'ju' as 'yu'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require B1 level knowledge.

Writing 3/5

Writing 'shin' (診) can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is simple and flat.

Listening 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know the word.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

病院 (Byoin) 医者 (Isha) 行く (Iku) 受ける (Ukeru) 診察 (Shinsatsu)

Learn Next

診断 (Shindan) 処方箋 (Shohosen) 副作用 (Fukusayo) 保険証 (Hokensho) 外来 (Gairai)

Advanced

セカンドオピニオン (Second opinion) インフォームド・コンセント (Informed consent) 地域包括ケア (Community care) 遠隔診療 (Remote medicine)

Grammar to Know

Suru-Verbs

受診します、受診した、受診しない

Potential Form (Dekiru)

ここで受診できますか？

Causative (Saseru)

子供に受診させる。

Passive (Sareru)

受診を勧められる。

Nominalization (Koto/No)

受診することは大切だ。

Examples by Level

びょういんをじゅしんします。

I will see a doctor at the hospital.

This uses the polite 'masu' form.

きのう、じゅしんしましたか？

Did you see a doctor yesterday?

Past tense question.

ここでじゅしんできます。

You can see a doctor here.

Potential form 'dekiru'.

じゅしんのじかんです。

It is time for the examination.

Using 'jushin' as a noun.

はじめてじゅしんします。

I am seeing a doctor for the first time (at this clinic).

Common phrase for first-time patients.

じゅしんのまえにでんわします。

I will call before seeing the doctor.

Using 'mae ni' (before).

どこでじゅしんしますか？

Where will you see the doctor?

Question word 'doko'.

じゅしんはむりょうです。

The examination is free.

Simple predicate with 'desu'.

風邪を引いたので、内科を受診しました。

I caught a cold, so I saw an internal medicine doctor.

Using 'node' to show reason.

健康診断を受診してください。

Please undergo a health checkup.

Polite command 'te kudasai'.

受診するとき、保険証が必要です。

When you see a doctor, an insurance card is necessary.

Using 'toki' (when).

明日の午後に受診する予定です。

I plan to see a doctor tomorrow afternoon.

Using 'yotei' (plan).

予約をしないと、受診できません。

If you don't make a reservation, you cannot see a doctor.

Conditional 'to' and negative potential.

母を病院に受診させました。

I made/helped my mother see a doctor.

Causative form 'saseru'.

受診のあとで、薬をもらいました。

After seeing the doctor, I got some medicine.

Using 'ato de' (after).

早めに受診したほうがいいですよ。

It is better to see a doctor early.

Advice pattern 'ta hou ga ii'.

専門医を受診することを勧められました。

I was recommended to see a specialist.

Passive form 'susumerareta'.

受診の際は、あらかじめ問診票を記入してください。

When seeing the doctor, please fill out the medical questionnaire in advance.

Formal 'no sai wa' (at the time of).

定期的に眼科を受診するようにしています。

I make it a point to see an ophthalmologist regularly.

Pattern 'youni shite iru' (making an effort).

受診の結果、特に異常は見つかりませんでした。

As a result of the examination, no abnormalities were found.

Noun 'kekka' (result).

海外旅行の前に、トラベルクリニックを受診した。

Before traveling abroad, I visited a travel clinic.

Specific medical context.

痛みがあるなら、無理をせず受診してください。

If you are in pain, don't push yourself and please see a doctor.

Negative 'zu' (without doing).

市が提供するがん検診を受診するつもりだ。

I intend to undergo the cancer screening provided by the city.

Intention 'tsumori'.

受診を控える人が増えているというニュースを見た。

I saw news that more people are refraining from seeing doctors.

Relative clause modifying 'hito'.

紹介状なしで大病院を受診すると、追加料金が発生する。

If you see a large hospital without a referral letter, additional charges will occur.

Conditional 'to' showing a natural consequence.

セカンドオピニオンのために、大学病院を受診した。

I saw a university hospital for a second opinion.

Purpose 'no tame ni'.

受診のハードルを下げるために、オンライン診療が導入された。

Online medical consultations were introduced to lower the hurdle of seeing a doctor.

Metaphorical use of 'hurdle'.

自覚症状がなくても、定期的な受診が不可欠です。

Even if there are no subjective symptoms, regular examinations are essential.

Concessive 'temo' (even if).

適切な時期に受診しなかったことが、症状の悪化を招いた。

The failure to see a doctor at the appropriate time led to the worsening of symptoms.

Nominalized clause 'koto ga'.

受診控えによる病気の早期発見の遅れが懸念されている。

There are concerns about delays in early detection of diseases due to refraining from medical visits.

Compound noun 'jushin-hikae'.

不育症の検査を受けるため、専門の外来を受診した。

I visited a specialized outpatient clinic to undergo testing for recurrent pregnancy loss.

Specific medical terminology 'gairai'.

受診歴を正確に医師に伝えることが、正しい診断につながる。

Accurately telling the doctor your history of medical visits leads to a correct diagnosis.

Compound 'jushin-reki'.

日本の国民皆保険制度は、誰もが容易に受診できる環境を支えている。

Japan's universal health insurance system supports an environment where anyone can easily see a doctor.

Complex sentence structure.

離島やへき地における受診機会の確保が、喫緊の課題となっている。

Securing opportunities for medical examinations in remote islands and areas is becoming an urgent issue.

Formal vocabulary like 'kikkin' and 'kakuho'.

患者の受診行動を分析することで、地域医療のニーズを把握する。

By analyzing patient consultation behavior, we understand the needs of regional medical care.

Gerund 'suru koto de'.

経済的な理由で受診を断念せざるを得ない人々への支援が必要だ。

Support is needed for people who have no choice but to give up on seeing a doctor for economic reasons.

Grammar 'sezaru o enai' (have no choice but to).

受診勧奨通知を送付することで、がん検診の受診率向上を図る。

By sending out examination encouragement notices, we aim to improve the cancer screening rate.

Administrative terminology.

精神科への受診に対する心理的抵抗をいかに減らすかが重要である。

How to reduce the psychological resistance to seeing a psychiatrist is important.

Embedded question with 'ika ni'.

特定の症状が継続する場合、速やかに医療機関を受診するよう啓発している。

We are raising awareness to promptly see a medical institution if specific symptoms persist.

Formal 'keihatsu suru'.

救急外来の適正受診を促すため、トリアージ制度が導入されている。

A triage system has been introduced to encourage appropriate use of emergency outpatient services.

Technical term 'tekisei jushin'.

受診時におけるインフォームド・コンセントの徹底が、医療の質を左右する。

The thoroughness of informed consent at the time of examination determines the quality of medical care.

Abstract noun phrases.

パンデミック下において、受診抑制がもたらした未診断疾患の蓄積が危惧される。

Under a pandemic, there are fears about the accumulation of undiagnosed diseases caused by suppressed medical visits.

High-level vocabulary like 'yokusei' and 'kigu'.

医療資源の有限性を鑑みれば、軽症者の安易な受診は慎むべきであるという議論がある。

Considering the finiteness of medical resources, there is an argument that those with mild symptoms should refrain from casual medical visits.

Formal 'kangamireba' and 'tsutsimumu beki'.

受診履歴のデータ化と共有は、重複投薬の防止に極めて有効である。

The digitization and sharing of medical visit histories are extremely effective in preventing duplicate medication prescriptions.

Noun-heavy academic style.

自己決定権に基づき、延命治療を目的とした受診を拒否する権利も尊重されるべきだ。

Based on the right to self-determination, the right to refuse a medical visit for the purpose of life-prolonging treatment should also be respected.

Legal/Ethical context.

医療へのアクセス権は基本的人権の一部であり、受診の機会均等が保障されなければならない。

The right to access medical care is part of basic human rights, and equal opportunity for medical examination must be guaranteed.

Political/Legal philosophy.

受診行動の変容を促すためには、ナッジ理論を用いたアプローチが検討されている。

Approaches using nudge theory are being considered to encourage changes in medical visit behavior.

Scientific/Psychological terminology.

潜在的な受診ニーズを掘り起こすことが、地域包括ケアシステムの構築には不可欠である。

Unearthing potential medical visit needs is essential for building a community-based integrated care system.

Sophisticated verb 'horiokosu'.

Synonyms

診察を受ける医者にかかる病院に行く診療を受ける通院する来院する相談する検査を受ける

Antonyms

往診する放置する治療を拒否する自己診断する

Common Collocations

健康診断を受診する

専門医を受診する

早期に受診する

定期的に受診する

医療機関を受診する

受診を勧める

受診を控える

検査を受診する

受診券を利用する

オンラインで受診する

Common Phrases

初めての受診

— The first time seeing a doctor at a particular clinic. It often involves more paperwork.

初めての受診なので、少し緊張した。

再度の受診

— Seeing the doctor again for the same issue. A follow-up visit.

症状が改善しないため、再度の受診を決めた。

受診の目安

— Guidelines or criteria for when one should see a doctor. Very common in health advice.

子供の熱が何日間続いたら受診の目安ですか？

受診の相談

— Consulting someone (often by phone) about whether or not to see a doctor.

保健所に受診の相談をした。

適切な受診

— Seeking medical care in an appropriate manner (e.g., not using the ER for a cold).

救急医療を守るために適切な受診を心がけよう。

受診の手続き

— The administrative procedures required to see a doctor.

受付で受診の手続きを済ませた。

無料受診

— A medical examination that is free of charge, often provided by the government.

高齢者は無料で受診できる項目がある。

受診の予約

— Making an appointment to see a doctor.

ネットで受診の予約をした。

受診の記録

— Records of one's medical visits.

お薬手帳には受診の記録も残る。

受診が必要

— A medical visit is necessary. Used in warnings or advice.

この症状はすぐに受診が必要です。

Often Confused With

受診する vs 受験 (Juken)

Sounds similar but means taking an entrance exam for school.

受診する vs 受信 (Jushin)

Same pronunciation but means receiving a signal or email (uses different kanji 信).

受診する vs 授乳 (Junyu)

Vaguely similar sound but means breastfeeding.

Idioms & Expressions

"敷居が高い受診"

— Used when someone feels intimidated or hesitant to see a doctor (e.g., a psychiatrist).

精神科はまだ多くの人にとって受診の敷居が高い。

Neutral

"受診の足が遠のく"

— To stop going to the doctor or to go less frequently, often due to fear or laziness.

忙しさのあまり、定期受診の足が遠のいてしまった。

Neutral

"受診を渋る"

— To be reluctant to see a doctor despite having symptoms.

父は頑固で、体調が悪くても受診を渋る。

Neutral

"受診の門を叩く"

— Literally 'to knock on the gate,' meaning to finally decide to seek help at a clinic.

勇気を出して、専門外来の受診の門を叩いた。

Literary

"受診が遅れる"

— Delaying seeing a doctor, often leading to worse outcomes.

受診が遅れると、手遅れになることもある。

Neutral

"受診に踏み切る"

— To take the plunge and decide to see a doctor after much hesitation.

やっと精密検査の受診に踏み切った。

Neutral

"受診を促す"

— To encourage or prompt someone to see a doctor.

ポスターでがん検診の受診を促している。

Formal

"受診の機会を逃す"

— To miss an opportunity for a medical checkup (e.g., missing the company deadline).

出張で健康診断の受診の機会を逃してしまった。

Neutral

"受診を余儀なくされる"

— To be forced to see a doctor due to circumstances.

怪我をしてしまい、急遽受診を余儀なくされた。

Formal

"受診に繋げる"

— To lead someone to a medical consultation (often used in social work).

相談窓口から適切な医療機関の受診に繋げる。

Professional

Easily Confused

受診する vs 診察 (Shinsatsu)

Both relate to medical exams.

Shinsatsu is the act of the doctor examining. Jushin is the act of the patient receiving the exam.

医者が患者を診察する。患者が病院を受診する。

受診する vs 診断 (Shindan)

Both involve medical checks.

Shindan is the conclusion or diagnosis reached by the doctor. Jushin is the process of going to get that check.

受診した結果、風邪と診断された。

受診する vs 検診 (Kenshin)

Often used together.

Kenshin is the specific type of test (like a screening). Jushin is the verb for taking that test.

がん検診を受診する。

受診する vs 通院 (Tsuin)

Both involve going to the hospital.

Tsuin implies a regular, ongoing series of visits. Jushin can be a one-time event.

月一回、通院して受診している。

受診する vs 来院 (Rai-in)

Both mean going to a clinic.

Rai-in is the physical arrival at the clinic. Jushin is the medical purpose.

来院してから受診まで1時間待った。

Sentence Patterns

[Institution] を受診します。

内科を受診します。

[Symptom] のため、受診する。

腹痛のため、受診する。

[Time] に受診する予定です。

来週の月曜日に受診する予定です。

早めに受診することを勧めます。

症状が悪化する前に、早めに受診することを勧めます。

受診の結果、[Result] だった。

受診の結果、異常なしだった。

受診のハードルを[Verb]。

受診のハードルを下げる施策が必要だ。

[N] による受診控え。

コロナ禍による受診控えが問題だ。

受診の機会均等を[Verb]。

受診の機会均等を保障すべきだ。

Word Family

Nouns

受診 (Jushin - medical examination/visit)

受診者 (Jushin-sha - person receiving examination)

受診券 (Jushin-ken - examination voucher)

受診率 (Jushin-ritsu - consultation rate)

Verbs

受診させる (Jushin saseru - to make someone see a doctor)

受診される (Jushin sareru - polite/passive form)

診察 (Shinsatsu - doctor's examination)

診断 (Shindan - diagnosis)

治療 (Chiryo - treatment)

検診 (Kenshin - screening)

健診 (Kenshin - health check)

How to Use It

frequency

High in medical and professional contexts; medium in casual daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'jushin' for the doctor's action. → Using 'shinsatsu' for the doctor.
Jushin means 'receiving' an exam. A doctor cannot 'receive' an exam from a patient.
Confusing 'jushin' (medical) with 'jushin' (signal). → Check the kanji: 診 (medical) vs 信 (signal).
They sound identical but are used in completely different contexts (hospital vs. technology).
Using 'jushin' for a massage or spa. → Use 'ukeru' or 'iku'.
Jushin is strictly for medical institutions with licensed doctors.
Saying 'Byoin ni jushin suru' in formal writing. → Byoin wo jushin suru.
While 'ni' is common in speech, 'wo' is the correct grammatical object marker for this suru-verb.
Using 'jushin' to mean 'staying in the hospital'. → Nyuin suru (入院する).
Jushin is the act of seeing the doctor/getting the exam, not the act of staying overnight.

Tips

Use in Business

Always use 'jushin suru' in formal reports or emails to explain why you are taking time off for medical reasons. It sounds more responsible than 'byoin ni iku'.

Pair with 'wo'

Remember to use the particle 'wo' with the institution. 'Byoin wo jushin suru' is the textbook-correct way to phrase it.

Institutional Use

When you see 'jushin' on a hospital sign, it refers to the entire process of being a patient, from check-in to consultation.

Health Checkups

In Japan, 'Kenshin' (health checks) are a big deal. You will see 'jushin' everywhere during the season when companies and schools do their annual checks.

Patient vs Doctor

Never use 'jushin' if you are the one performing the exam. It is strictly for the person 'receiving' the care.

Vouchers

If you live in Japan, look out for 'jushin-ken' in your mail. These are free tickets for medical exams from your city!

Clinic Visits

When calling a clinic, say 'Jushin shitai no desu ga...' (I'd like to see a doctor...) to sound like an advanced speaker.

News Reports

News about flu or virus outbreaks will always use 'jushin' when giving advice on when to go to the hospital.

Vs. Isha ni kakaru

'Isha ni kakaru' is more 'I'm under a doctor's care,' while 'jushin' is 'I'm undergoing an examination.' Use 'jushin' for the specific act.

Kanji Practice

The kanji for 'shin' (診) is also in 'shindan' (diagnosis) and 'shinsatsu' (exam). Learning it opens up many medical words.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ju' as 'Junior' (the patient) and 'Shin' as 'Shin' (the doctor's diagnosis). The Junior receives the Shin.

Visual Association

Imagine yourself holding a 'Reception' ticket at a hospital. The ticket is what you 'receive' (Ju) to get 'diagnosed' (Shin).

Word Web

Hospital Doctor Insurance Sickness Health Check Voucher Waiting Room Diagnosis

Challenge

Try to use '受診する' instead of 'byoin ni iku' the next time you write a formal email or talk about health in Japanese. See if the listener notices your more 'advanced' vocabulary!

Word Origin

The word is a Kango (Sino-Japanese word). It was formed by combining two characters: 'Ju' (受) meaning 'to receive' and 'Shin' (診) meaning 'to examine/diagnose.' This structure is typical for formal Japanese medical and administrative terms.

Original meaning: To receive a medical diagnosis.

Japonic (Sino-Japanese vocabulary branch).

Cultural Context

When discussing 'jushin' in the context of mental health, be aware that there is still some stigma in Japan, though it is decreasing. Using 'sodan' (consult) might sometimes be softer than 'jushin' (see a doctor) in sensitive conversations.

In English, we say 'see a doctor' or 'go to the doctor.' 'Undergo a medical examination' is the closest formal equivalent, but it sounds much more clinical than 'jushin' does in Japanese.

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) guidelines frequently use 'jushin.' Japanese medical dramas like 'Doctor X' often feature characters discussing the 'jushin' process. Public health posters featuring 'Mameshiba' or other mascots often encourage 'jushin' for cancer screenings.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

健康診断を受診する
再検査を受診する
受診のため遅刻する
受診結果を提出する

Hospital Reception

初めて受診します
予約して受診する
保険証を出して受診する
受診の手続きをする

Health Advice

早めに受診してください
専門医の受診を勧める
受診の目安を知る
無理せず受診する

Public Health

受診率を上げる
無料受診券
がん検診を受診する
適切な受診を心がける

Insurance/Legal

受診履歴を確認する
受診費用を計算する
受診の権利
受診拒否の事例

Conversation Starters

"最近、健康診断を受診しましたか？ (Have you had a health checkup recently?)"

"どのくらいの頻度で歯医者を受診していますか？ (How often do you see a dentist?)"

"いい病院を受診したいのですが、どこかお勧めはありますか？ (I want to see a good hospital; do you have any recommendations?)"

"子供が熱を出したとき、どのタイミングで受診しますか？ (When your child has a fever, at what point do you see a doctor?)"

"オンラインで受診したことはありますか？ (Have you ever had a medical consultation online?)"

Journal Prompts

最後に病院を受診したときのことを詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about the last time you saw a doctor.)

健康のために、定期的に受診することの大切さについてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the importance of regular medical visits for health?)

日本の病院を受診した経験があれば、母国の病院との違いを書いてください。 (If you have experience seeing a doctor in Japan, write about the differences from your home country.)

もし自分が医者だったら、患者さんにどんな時に受診してほしいですか？ (If you were a doctor, when would you want patients to come and see you?)

「受診控え」という言葉について、あなたの意見を書いてください。 (Write your opinion on the term 'refraining from medical visits.')

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can. While 'shika ni iku' (go to the dentist) is more common in daily life, 'shika o jushin suru' is perfectly correct and used in formal contexts or health records.

Yes, it is the standard term for seeing a psychiatrist (seishinka). For a counselor, 'counseling o ukeru' is more common.

It means 'appropriate medical consultation.' It's a social campaign in Japan to encourage people to use medical resources wisely, such as seeing a local doctor before a big hospital or not using the ER for non-emergencies.

The most standard and formal particle is 'wo' (e.g., byoin wo jushin suru). Using 'ni' is common in casual speech but 'wo' is preferred in writing.

No. A doctor 'shinsatsu' (examines) a patient. Only the patient 'jushin' (receives the exam).

It's a voucher or ticket, often sent by the local government, that allows you to receive a specific medical exam (like a cancer screening) for free or at a discount.

'Kenshin' is the noun for a health checkup. 'Jushin' is the verb meaning 'to receive an exam.' You 'jushin' a 'kenshin'.

It's rare. Usually, people say 'dobutsu byoin ni tsurete iku' (take to the animal hospital). 'Jushin' is very human-centric.

No, that is 'jushin' (受信) with different kanji. They sound the same but the meaning is completely different.

Yes, it is a very appropriate and professional word to use when explaining a medical absence to a superior.