Meaning
Seeing a doctor for health
Cultural Background
Patients often go to the hospital very early (4-5 AM) to get a number for 'khám bệnh' to avoid the midday heat and long queues. Private clinics (phòng khám tư) are becoming the preferred choice for 'khám bệnh' among the middle class due to faster service. Many Vietnamese still combine Western 'khám bệnh' with 'Đông y' (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for chronic issues. A 'giấy khám bệnh' (medical note) is strictly required by most Vietnamese companies to justify sick leave.
Use 'Đi khám'
In 90% of daily conversations, just say 'đi khám'. It sounds more natural and less like a textbook.
Tone Matters
If you say 'Kham' (flat tone), it means nothing. Make sure to use the rising tone for 'Khám'.
Meaning
Seeing a doctor for health
Use 'Đi khám'
In 90% of daily conversations, just say 'đi khám'. It sounds more natural and less like a textbook.
Tone Matters
If you say 'Kham' (flat tone), it means nothing. Make sure to use the rising tone for 'Khám'.
The 'Cho' Rule
Always remember: Doctor + khám + cho + Patient. Patient + đi + khám.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Tôi cảm thấy không khỏe, tôi cần đi _______.
When you feel unwell (không khỏe), you need a medical exam.
Which sentence is the most natural for a patient?
A patient wants to say they are going to the hospital for a check-up.
'Tôi đi khám bệnh' is the standard way for a patient to express this.
Match the Vietnamese phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are essential medical collocations.
Complete the dialogue.
Sếp: Sao hôm nay em đi làm muộn? Nhân viên: Dạ, sáng nay em phải đi _______ ạ.
Going to the doctor is a valid reason for being late to work.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Khám vs. Chữa
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTôi cảm thấy không khỏe, tôi cần đi _______.
When you feel unwell (không khỏe), you need a medical exam.
A patient wants to say they are going to the hospital for a check-up.
'Tôi đi khám bệnh' is the standard way for a patient to express this.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are essential medical collocations.
Sếp: Sao hôm nay em đi làm muộn? Nhân viên: Dạ, sáng nay em phải đi _______ ạ.
Going to the doctor is a valid reason for being late to work.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's more common to say 'khám răng' (examine teeth).
It's neutral. It's appropriate for both a doctor's office and a chat with a friend.
'Khám' is specifically medical. 'Kiểm tra' is a general 'check' (like checking your oil or a test).
No, 'đi khám' is a very common and natural shorthand.
Use the term 'tái khám'.
Yes, you can say 'đưa chó đi khám bệnh' (take the dog to the vet).
'Bệnh' is standard. 'Bịnh' is a Southern dialect variation.
Say 'khám tổng quát' or 'khám sức khỏe'.
No, surgery is 'phẫu thuật' or 'mổ'. 'Khám' is just the exam.
It's primarily used as a verb phrase (to examine illness).
Related Phrases
Chữa bệnh
similarTo treat or cure an illness
Khám sức khỏe
specialized formGeneral health check-up
Bệnh nhân
builds onPatient
Bác sĩ
builds onDoctor
