This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #4,000 most common 9 min read

内科

nèikē Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 内科 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 内科 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to recognize '内科' (nèikē) as a word related to the hospital. Think of it as 'Doctor's Department - Inside.' If you are sick and go to a big hospital in China, you will see this word on signs. It is made of two simple characters: '内' (nèi), which means 'inside' (like in '办公室之内' - inside the office), and '科' (kē), which means 'subject' or 'department' (like in '科学' - science). At this stage, just remember: if you have a stomach ache or a cold, you go to the '内科' department. You can say '我去医院看内科' (I go to the hospital to see internal medicine). It is one of the most basic hospital words you will learn, right after '医院' (hospital) and '医生' (doctor). You don't need to know the complex diseases yet, just that this is the place for general sickness that doesn't need a needle or a knife.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '内科' in simple sentences to describe your health needs. You should know that '内科' (internal medicine) is different from '外科' (surgery). If you have a fever (发烧), a cough (咳嗽), or a headache (头疼), you should '挂内科的号' (register for an internal medicine number). You might also start to see the word '内科医生' (internist). A common sentence you might use is: '医生，我想看内科' (Doctor, I want to see internal medicine). You should also understand that '内科' is for adults. If you are talking about a child, you use '儿科' (pediatrics). This level is about navigating the hospital and making sure you end up in the right room. You should be able to ask for directions: '请问，内科诊室在哪里？' (Excuse me, where is the internal medicine consultation room?).

For B1 learners, '内科' becomes part of a larger medical vocabulary. You should understand that '内科' is an umbrella term for many sub-specialties. When you go to a large hospital, you might see '呼吸内科' (Respiratory Medicine) or '消化内科' (Gastroenterology). You should be able to explain the difference between internal medicine and other departments using simple conjunctions. For example: '内科主要是通过药物治疗，而外科通常需要手术' (Internal medicine mainly treats through medicine, while surgery usually requires operation). You should also be comfortable using '内科' in the context of professional titles and workplace descriptions. If you are reading a news article about a new health study, you might see '内科专家' (internal medicine expert) being quoted. You should also know the term '内科门诊' (internal medicine outpatient clinic) for making appointments.

At the B2 level, you should understand the academic and systemic nuances of '内科'. You can discuss the development of '内科学' (the science of internal medicine) and how it integrates with other fields. You should be able to understand more complex medical reports that mention '内科治疗' (internal medicine treatment) as opposed to '介入治疗' (interventional treatment). You might encounter this word in literature or formal essays discussing the healthcare system in China. For example, discussing the '分级诊疗' (tiered medical system) and how '内科' resources are distributed between community centers and large hospitals. Your ability to use '内科' should now extend to compound words and formal registers, such as '内科病房' (internal medicine ward) or '内科综合治疗' (comprehensive internal medicine treatment). You should also be aware of '中医内科' (TCM internal medicine) and how it differs in theory from Western internal medicine.

At the C1 level, '内科' is a term you use with precision and technical awareness. You can engage in detailed discussions about the medical field, including the challenges faced by '内科医生' in the modern era, such as the high volume of patients or the complexity of multi-system diseases. You should be able to read medical journals or professional blogs where '内科' is discussed in terms of '临床路径' (clinical pathways) or '循证医学' (evidence-based medicine). You understand the historical evolution of the term in the Chinese language, from its roots in traditional classifications to its modern scientific definition. You can also use the word metaphorically or in high-level administrative contexts, such as discussing the '内科化' (internal-medicine-ization) of certain surgical procedures that are becoming less invasive. Your vocabulary should include highly specific sub-branches like '神经内科' (Neurology) or '肾内科' (Nephrology) without hesitation.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '内科' is equivalent to a native professional. You can analyze the linguistic nuances of medical terminology across different Chinese-speaking regions (e.g., subtle differences in how '内科' sub-specialties are named in Hong Kong vs. Mainland China). You can participate in medical conferences, contribute to policy discussions regarding '内科' healthcare delivery, or translate complex medical documents with accuracy. You understand the philosophical underpinnings of why certain conditions are classified under '内科' in the Chinese system and can debate the merits of integrated '内外科' (internal-surgical) approaches for complex cases. The word is no longer just a label but a concept within a vast web of medical, social, and historical knowledge. You can use it in any register, from highly technical academic writing to empathetic patient communication, and you are aware of the most subtle connotations of the term in various professional environments.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

内科 in 30 Seconds

内科 (nèikē) means 'Internal Medicine', the hospital department for non-surgical treatments.
It is the opposite of 外科 (wàikē), which refers to surgery and manual procedures.
Used for common symptoms like fever, cough, and stomach aches in adult patients.
Essential for hospital navigation and describing medical specialties in Chinese-speaking regions.

The term 内科 (nèikē) is a fundamental pillar of medical terminology in Chinese, literally translating to "inner department." In a clinical or hospital setting, it refers specifically to internal medicine. This branch of medicine deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of internal diseases without the use of surgery. When you walk into a large Chinese hospital (医院 - yīyuàn), the division between 内科 and its counterpart 外科 (wàikē - surgery) is the most significant organizational split you will encounter.

Core Concept: Internal medicine focusing on non-surgical treatments of internal organs such as the heart, lungs, and digestive system.
Etymology: '内' (nèi) means inside or internal; '科' (kē) means a branch of study or a department. Together, they signify the study of the 'inside' of the body.
Practical Usage: Used primarily when registering for a doctor's appointment, describing one's medical specialty, or navigating hospital signage.

In the context of the Chinese healthcare system, 内科 is often the first stop for patients experiencing non-emergency symptoms like persistent coughs, stomach aches, or chronic fatigue. Because Chinese hospitals often lack a primary care 'gatekeeper' system similar to the West, patients must decide which department to 'register' (挂号 - guàhào) for themselves. Understanding 内科 is therefore essential for navigating daily life in a Chinese-speaking environment.

医生说我的感冒需要看内科。(The doctor said my cold requires a visit to the internal medicine department.)

Historically, the distinction between internal and external medicine in China dates back centuries, though the modern term 内科 was standardized during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Western medical practices were integrated with traditional systems. Today, it stands as a universal term across Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Whether you are filling out a form or talking to a pharmacist, this word identifies the nature of the ailment as systemic or internal rather than superficial or structural.

他在那家大医院的内科工作了十年。(He has worked in the internal medicine department of that large hospital for ten years.)

Furthermore, 内科 is a noun that can also function as an adjective in compound phrases, such as 内科医生 (nèikē yīshēng - internist) or 内科疾病 (nèikē jíbìng - internal disease). It is distinct from 'Traditional Chinese Medicine' (中医 - zhōngyī), though TCM also has its own internal medicine branch (中医内科). For learners, mastering this word provides a key to understanding how health is categorized and treated in the Sinosphere.

Using 内科 (nèikē) correctly involves understanding its role as a specific noun and its collocation with verbs like '看' (kàn - to see/visit) and '挂号' (guàhào - to register). Because it represents a department, it often follows the name of a hospital or precedes the title of a professional.

Registering for Care: When arriving at a hospital, you must tell the receptionist: '我想挂内科' (I want to register for internal medicine). This is the standard way to initiate a non-surgical consultation.
Identifying Specialists: To describe a doctor's specialty, use the pattern: [Name] + 是 + 内科医生. For example, '王医生是内科医生' (Dr. Wang is an internist).
Asking for Directions: In a large medical complex, you might ask: '请问，内科在哪层楼？' (Excuse me, which floor is internal medicine on?).

One of the most common sentence patterns for A2 learners involves the verb 看 (kàn). In Chinese, 'to see a doctor' is often expressed as '看病' (kànbìng), but you can be more specific by saying '看内科'. This implies that the nature of your illness requires an internist rather than a surgeon or a specialist like a dentist.

如果你觉得肚子疼，最好去内科检查一下。(If you feel a stomach ache, you had better go to the internal medicine department for a check-up.)

At higher levels of proficiency, you will see 内科 combined with specific organs to create sub-specialties. For instance, '心血管内科' (Cardiovascular Internal Medicine). However, for daily communication, simply knowing the broad term is usually sufficient to get you to the right part of the building. It is also used in academic contexts to describe textbooks or courses: '内科学' (Internal Medicine as a science).

这本内科教材非常厚。(This internal medicine textbook is very thick.)

When writing, ensure you don't confuse 内科 with the general word for 'medicine' as a substance (药 - yào). If you say '我买内科' (I buy internal medicine), it will be misunderstood. You must say '我买内科药' (I am buying internal medicine drugs) or more commonly, just specify the type of medicine you need. 内科 always refers to the field or the department first and foremost.

In real-world settings across China, Taiwan, and Singapore, 内科 (nèikē) is most frequently encountered in hospitals and clinics. Unlike the Western 'Family Medicine' model, the Chinese system is heavily hospital-centric. When you enter a 'Grade 3A' (三甲 - sānjiǎ) hospital—the highest tier in China—the first thing you will see is a massive electronic board or a wall of windows for registration. You will hear staff and patients constantly using this word here.

Imagine standing in a crowded lobby in Beijing. You will hear announcements like: '请挂内科号的患者到三楼候诊' (Patients who registered for internal medicine, please go to the third floor to wait). This is a common auditory experience. The word is functional, sterile, and professional. It is rarely used in casual slang, but it is a staple of 'adulting' in a Chinese-speaking city.

医院的大厅里挂着内科的指示牌。(An internal medicine sign is hanging in the hospital lobby.)

You will also see this word on television dramas, especially those centered around medical professionals (医疗剧 - yīliáojù). Characters will introduce themselves as '内科主任' (Head of Internal Medicine). In news reports regarding public health, such as flu seasons or chronic disease management, experts from the 内科 departments are the primary voices interviewed. It carries a sense of authority and scientific rigor.

Another common location is the pharmacy. While pharmacies sell medicine (药店), some larger ones attached to clinics will have signs indicating which medicines are for 'Internal Medicine' (内科用药). If you are looking for cough syrup or digestive aids, you are looking for products categorized under this heading. In digital spaces, medical apps like 'WeDoctor' or 'Alipay Health' require you to select 内科 from a dropdown menu to find a doctor for an online consultation.

他在网上预约了明天的内科门诊。(He made an online appointment for tomorrow's internal medicine outpatient clinic.)

Finally, in educational contexts, students studying for the 'Gaokao' or medical school entrance exams will frequently discuss 内科 as a major. It is considered one of the 'Big Two' clinical paths, alongside surgery. Hearing a student say '我想考内科专业' (I want to test into the internal medicine major) is a common way to express career ambition in the medical field.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake with 内科 (nèikē) is trying to use it as a synonym for 'medicine' in the sense of a pill or liquid. In English, 'medicine' is polysemous—it means both the field of study and the physical drug. In Chinese, these are strictly separated. 内科 is the field; 药 (yào) is the drug. Saying '我吃内科' (I eat internal medicine) is nonsensical and confusing to native speakers.

Another common error is confusing 内科 with 外科 (wàikē). While 'internal' and 'external' seem clear, the clinical boundary can be confusing. For example, a broken bone might seem 'internal' because it's inside the body, but it actually falls under 外科 (specifically Orthopedics/骨科) because it often requires physical manipulation or surgery. 内科 is for illnesses treated with prescriptions and lifestyle changes.

Incorrect: 我的腿骨折了，要去内科。(My leg is broken, I need to go to internal medicine.)
Correct: 我的腿骨折了，要去外科。(My leg is broken, I need to go to surgery/orthopedics.)

Learners also often mispronounce the second tone in 内 (nèi) and the first tone in 科 (kē). Ensure you use a sharp falling tone for 'nèi' and a high flat tone for 'kē'. A common misstep is pronouncing it as 'nèikě' (falling-rising), which sounds like 'internal can' or 'internal possible,' making the listener pause to decode your meaning.

Lastly, avoid using 内科 to describe 'General Practice' in a neighborhood clinic. While an internist is a doctor, in small community health centers (社区卫生服务中心), the term '全科' (quánkē - general practice) is more accurate. Using 内科 in a tiny clinic might imply a level of specialization that isn't there. Always consider the scale of the medical facility you are discussing.

To truly master 内科 (nèikē), it is helpful to compare it with other departmental terms and related medical vocabulary. This helps you build a mental map of the hospital environment.

外科 (wàikē) - Surgery: The direct opposite. While 内科 focuses on medication, 外科 focuses on manual or operative procedures. If you need a 'cut' (手术 - shǒushù), you are in 外科.
全科 (quánkē) - General Practice: Refers to 'General Practice' or 'Family Medicine'. A 全科医生 treats patients of all ages and conditions, whereas an 内科医生 specifically treats adult internal diseases.
儿科 (érkē) - Pediatrics: The department for children. Even if a child has an 'internal' disease like pneumonia, they go to 儿科, not 内科.

In some contexts, you might hear the term 大内科 (dà nèikē). This is a professional term used within hospitals to refer to the entire administrative division of all internal medicine sub-specialties. It is rarely used by patients but common in medical management.

这家医院的内科比外科更有名。(The internal medicine department of this hospital is more famous than the surgery department.)

When discussing Traditional Chinese Medicine, you will encounter 中医内科 (TCM Internal Medicine). While the name is similar, the diagnostic methods (like pulse reading and tongue examination) and treatments (herbal teas) are entirely different from the Western-style 内科. If you are looking for a 'Western' doctor, you might clarify by saying '西医内科' (xīyī nèikē), although 内科 alone usually defaults to Western medicine in modern urban hospitals.

Another nuance is the term 专科 (zhuānkē). This means 'specialty' or 'specialist department'. 内科 is a type of 专科. If a doctor says '你需要看专科医生' (You need to see a specialist), they might then refer you to a specific branch of 内科, like '内分泌科' (Endocrinology).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, medicine was often divided into 'Big Internal' (大方脉 - for adults) and 'Small Internal' (小方脉 - for children). The modern term '内科' was adopted to align with international Western medical classifications in the early 20th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /neɪ kɜː/

US /neɪ kɜːr/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'nèi', which has a falling tone.

Rhymes With

背 (bèi) 内 (nèi) 类 (lèi) 车 (chē) 喝 (hē) 哥 (gē) 乐 (lè) 特 (tè)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'nèi' as 'něi' (third tone), which sounds like 'which'.
Pronouncing 'kē' as 'kě' (third tone), which sounds like 'can' or 'thirsty'.
Pronouncing 'nèi' like the English 'knee'.
Using a rising tone for 'kē', making it sound like a question.
Merging the two sounds into one syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively simple and common for A2 learners.

Writing 3/5

Writing '科' requires attention to stroke order and the '禾' radical.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if tones are mastered.

Listening 2/5

Very common in hospital announcements and medical contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

内 (Inside) 科 (Department) 医生 (Doctor) 医院 (Hospital) 看病 (To see a doctor)

Learn Next

外科 (Surgery) 挂号 (To register) 感冒 (Cold/Flu) 药 (Medicine) 检查 (Check-up)

Advanced

心血管 (Cardiovascular) 消化系统 (Digestive system) 临床 (Clinical) 诊断 (Diagnosis) 处方 (Prescription)

Grammar to Know

Noun + Noun compounds

内科 + 医生 = 内科医生 (Internist)

Using '在' for location

他在内科。 (He is in the internal medicine department.)

Verb '看' with medical departments

看内科 (To visit the internal medicine department)

The '的' possessive in titles

内科的专家 (Expert of internal medicine)

Directional complements with hospital movement

走进内科 (Walk into internal medicine)

Examples by Level

我去内科看病。

I go to the internal medicine department to see a doctor.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

内科在那儿。

Internal medicine is over there.

Using '在' to indicate location.

医生在内科。

The doctor is in the internal medicine department.

Basic locative sentence.

我不去外科，我去内科。

I am not going to surgery, I am going to internal medicine.

Contrastive negation.

内科医生很好。

The internal medicine doctor is very good.

Noun + Noun to form a compound noun.

他在内科工作。

He works in internal medicine.

Prepositional phrase '在内科' acting as an adverbial.

这是内科门诊。

This is the internal medicine outpatient clinic.

Demonstrative pronoun sentence.

内科在哪层？

Which floor is internal medicine on?

Question word '哪' used for selection.

如果你肚子疼，就去挂内科。

If you have a stomach ache, go register for internal medicine.

Conditional '如果...就...' structure.

我需要买一些内科药。

I need to buy some internal medicine drugs.

Using '内科' as an attributive to '药'.

王医生是内科的主任。

Dr. Wang is the director of internal medicine.

Possessive '的' used to show affiliation.

这家医院的内科很有名。

This hospital's internal medicine department is very famous.

Adjective '有名' modifying the noun phrase.

内科病房在五楼。

The internal medicine ward is on the fifth floor.

Compound noun '内科病房'.

我们要学习内科知识。

We need to learn internal medicine knowledge.

Verb '学习' with a complex object.

内科医生检查了我的身体。

The internal medicine doctor examined my body.

Past action indicated by '了'.

请问，内科在那边吗？

Excuse me, is internal medicine over there?

Polite question with '请问'.

内科和外科是医院最重要的两个部门。

Internal medicine and surgery are the two most important departments in the hospital.

Conjunction '和' connecting two noun phrases.

由于感冒严重，他被转到了内科病房。

Because the cold was serious, he was transferred to the internal medicine ward.

Passive '被' construction and '由于' for cause.

内科医生通常通过药物来治疗病人。

Internal medicine doctors usually treat patients through medication.

Instrumental '通过...来...' structure.

他打算在大学里主修内科学。

He plans to major in internal medicine at university.

Verb '主修' (to major in) with '内科学'.

内科门诊每天都有很多病人排队。

Many patients queue up at the internal medicine outpatient clinic every day.

Existential '有' sentence with a descriptive clause.

这种病属于内科的范畴。

This disease belongs to the category of internal medicine.

Verb '属于' (to belong to).

内科专家建议大家要多喝水。

Internal medicine experts suggest everyone should drink more water.

Verb '建议' followed by an object clause.

他在内科领域有着丰富的经验。

He has rich experience in the field of internal medicine.

Fixed phrase '在...领域' (in the field of).

随着医学的发展，内科的分支越来越细。

With the development of medicine, the branches of internal medicine are becoming more and more detailed.

Structure '随着...的...越来越...'.

内科治疗虽然见效慢，但副作用通常较小。

Although internal medicine treatment takes effect slowly, the side effects are usually smaller.

Concessive '虽然...但...' structure.

中医内科强调整体调理和阴阳平衡。

TCM internal medicine emphasizes holistic regulation and the balance of Yin and Yang.

Verb '强调' (to emphasize) with abstract objects.

这份报告详细分析了内科疾病的发病趋势。

This report analyzed the incidence trends of internal diseases in detail.

Adverbial '详细' modifying '分析'.

内科医生不仅要懂药理，还要懂心理学。

Internal medicine doctors not only need to understand pharmacology but also psychology.

Correlative '不仅...还要...'.

该药已被广泛应用于内科临床实践。

The drug has been widely applied in internal medicine clinical practice.

Passive '被' with '广泛' and '应用'.

内科手术的减少反映了非侵入性技术的进步。

The reduction in internal medicine procedures reflects the progress of non-invasive technology.

Subject is a nominalized verb phrase.

他在这篇论文中探讨了内科护理的重要性。

In this paper, he explored the importance of internal medicine nursing.

Verb '探讨' (to explore/discuss).

内科医生在处理多系统衰竭时面临巨大挑战。

Internal medicine doctors face huge challenges when dealing with multi-system failure.

Complex temporal clause with '在...时'.

现代内科学正朝着精准医疗的方向迈进。

Modern internal medicine is moving towards the direction of precision medicine.

Progressive aspect with '正' and directional '朝着'.

内科与外科的界限在某些微创领域变得模糊。

The boundary between internal medicine and surgery has become blurred in some minimally invasive fields.

Verb '变得' with an adjective '模糊'.

他被誉为当代内科领域的泰斗。

He is hailed as a titan in the field of contemporary internal medicine.

Passive '被誉为' (be hailed as).

内科用药的个体化差异是临床研究的重点。

The individual differences in internal medicine drug usage are the focus of clinical research.

Complex noun phrase as the subject.

该医院内科的科室设置非常科学合理。

The department setup of this hospital's internal medicine is very scientific and reasonable.

Double adjective complement '科学合理'.

内科医生必须具备敏锐的观察力和严密的逻辑。

Internal medicine doctors must possess sharp observation skills and rigorous logic.

Auxiliary '必须' with '具备'.

这起医疗纠纷主要集中在内科诊断的准确性上。

This medical dispute mainly focused on the accuracy of the internal medicine diagnosis.

Fixed phrase '集中在...上' (focus on).

内科医生在伦理困境中往往需要权衡利弊。

Internal medicine doctors often need to weigh pros and cons in ethical dilemmas.

Abstract noun '伦理困境' and idiom '权衡利弊'.

内科学的博大精深要求从业者终身学习。

The breadth and depth of internal medicine require practitioners to engage in lifelong learning.

Idiom '博大精深' as a subject.

该政策旨在优化内科医疗资源的跨区域配置。

The policy aims to optimize the cross-regional allocation of internal medicine medical resources.

Formal verb '旨在' (aim at).

内科干预手段的创新极大地提高了患者的生存率。

The innovation of internal medicine intervention methods has greatly increased the survival rate of patients.

Causal relationship with '提高了'.

探讨内科疾病与环境因素的关联具有深远意义。

Exploring the link between internal diseases and environmental factors has profound significance.

Gerund-like phrase '探讨...' as the subject.

内科医生在慢病管理中发挥着不可替代的作用。

Internal medicine doctors play an irreplaceable role in chronic disease management.

Fixed phrase '发挥...作用'.

内科诊断的艺术在于从纷繁的症状中抽丝剥茧。

The art of internal medicine diagnosis lies in unraveling the truth from complex symptoms.

Metaphorical use of '抽丝剥茧'.

内科领域的跨学科合作已成为大势所趋。

Interdisciplinary cooperation in the field of internal medicine has become an irresistible trend.

Idiom '大势所趋' (the trend of the times).

Common Collocations

挂内科号

看内科

内科医生

内科病房

内科门诊

内科疾病

内科专家

内科检查

内科手术

呼吸内科

Common Phrases

挂个内科

— To register for an internal medicine appointment. This is the casual way to say you are seeing an internist.

你先去挂个内科吧。

内科主任

— The head or director of the internal medicine department. A position of high authority.

内科主任正在查房。

大内科主任

— The overall head of all internal medicine sub-departments in a large hospital.

他是我们医院的大内科主任。

看中医内科

— To see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor for internal issues. Implies herbal treatment.

我想看中医内科调理一下身体。

内科用药

— Medicines specifically used for internal diseases. Often found on pharmacy labels.

这些都是内科用药，请按说明服用。

内科诊室

— The consultation room for internal medicine. Used when looking for the physical room.

内科诊室在走廊尽头。

内科护理

— Nursing care specifically for internal medicine patients. A specialized nursing field.

内科护理需要更多的细心和观察。

内科综合

— A comprehensive internal medicine department or exam. Often refers to general checkups.

这次体检包括内科综合项目。

心内科

— Short for 'Cardiovascular Internal Medicine'. Very common in hospital settings.

他的心脏不太好，得去心内科。

消化内科

— Short for 'Gastroenterology Internal Medicine'. Used for stomach and bowel issues.

消化内科的医生检查了他的胃。

Often Confused With

内科 vs 外科

Internal medicine (内科) uses medicine; Surgery (外科) uses operations.

内科 vs 药

Inner medicine (内科) is a department; Medicine (药) is a physical pill.

内科 vs 全科

Internal medicine is for adults; General practice (全科) is for everyone.

Idioms & Expressions

"内科外治"

— Treating internal diseases with external methods (like acupuncture or plasters). Used in TCM contexts.

这种疗法属于内科外治的范畴。

Formal/TCM

"内科功夫"

— Metaphorically, deep or 'internal' skill/foundation in a particular field. Not common but used in martial arts/literary contexts.

他的内科功夫很深，不是一般的老师。

Literary

"救死扶伤"

— To heal the wounded and rescue the dying. A general idiom for medical work, including internal medicine.

内科医生也要救死扶伤。

Formal

"妙手回春"

— Miraculous hands bring back the spring (bring a patient back to health). High praise for a doctor.

这位内科专家的医术真是妙手回春。

Formal/Praise

"仁心仁术"

— Benevolent heart and benevolent skill. The ideal standard for any doctor.

内科王医生真可谓是仁心仁术。

Formal/Praise

"对症下药"

— To prescribe the right medicine for the illness. Crucial in internal medicine.

内科诊断必须做到对症下药。

Neutral

"药到病除"

— As soon as the medicine arrives, the disease is removed. Used to describe effective treatment.

希望内科医生的药能让你药到病除。

Neutral/Hopeful

"防患未然"

— To prevent trouble before it happens. Key in internal medicine preventative care.

内科检查是为了防患未然。

Formal

"对症治疗"

— Symptomatic treatment. A common term in internal medicine practice.

内科目前主要进行对症治疗。

Medical

"医者仁心"

— A healer has a benevolent heart. A common motto in the medical profession.

每位内科医生都应秉持医者仁心。

Formal

Easily Confused

内科 vs 外科

Both are major hospital departments.

内科 (nèikē) is internal medicine (non-surgical). 外科 (wàikē) is surgery (surgical). If you need a procedure, it's 外科; if you need pills, it's 内科.

他骨折了，得去外科，不是内科。

内科 vs 儿科

Both treat internal diseases.

内科 (nèikē) is generally for adults. 儿科 (érkē) is specifically for children. Even if a child has an internal issue, they go to 儿科.

小明才五岁，应该去儿科，不能去内科。

内科 vs 内分泌科

Both have '内' and are related to internal systems.

内科 (nèikē) is the general broad department. 内分泌科 (nèifēnmìkē) is a specific sub-specialty (Endocrinology) under internal medicine.

糖尿病属于内分泌科，它是内科的一个分支。

内科 vs 全科

Both deal with general health.

内科 (nèikē) is a specialized branch of clinical medicine. 全科 (quánkē) is General Practice/Family Medicine, covering all ages and types of issues.

在社区中心，我们通常看全科医生。

内科 vs 西医

Often people assume 内科 means Western medicine.

内科 is a department type. 西医 (xīyī) is the system of medicine. You can have 中医内科 (TCM Internal Medicine) and 西医内科 (Western Internal Medicine).

他想看中医内科，不想吃西药。

Sentence Patterns

我去[Department]。

我去内科。

我想挂[Department]的号。

我想挂内科的号。

[Department]位于[Location]。

内科位于医院的三楼。

[Subject]属于[Department]的范畴。

感冒属于内科的范畴。

[Subject]在[Department]领域有建树。

他在内科领域有建树。

针对[Disease]，[Department]采取了[Treatment]。

针对心脏病，内科采取了药物治疗。

[Name]是[Department]医生。

张医生是内科医生。

因为[Reason]，所以我去看[Department]。

因为肚子疼，所以我去看内科。

Word Family

Nouns

内科学 (Internal Medicine - the science)

内科医生 (Internist)

内科病房 (Internal medicine ward)

内科门诊 (Internal medicine clinic)

Adjectives

内科的 (Internal medicine-related)

外科 (Surgery)

儿科 (Pediatrics)

中医 (TCM)

西医 (Western Medicine)

挂号 (Register at a hospital)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in healthcare and daily life contexts.

Common Mistakes

我吃内科。 → 我吃内科药。
You cannot 'eat' a department. You eat the medicine prescribed by the department.
我的孩子要去内科。 → 我的孩子要去儿科。
Children have their own department (Pediatrics).
内科手术很成功。 → 外科手术很成功。
Surgeries belong to the '外科' (surgery) department, not '内科'.
我想挂号内科。 → 我想挂内科的号。
The verb '挂号' is usually split or followed by '的号' when specifying the department.
内科医生看我的眼睛。 → 眼科医生看我的眼睛。
Even though eyes are 'internal' to the head, they have a specific specialty (眼科).

Tips

The 'Inside' Category

Remember '内' (nèi) is 'inside' and '科' (kē) is 'category'. It's the category for things inside your body!

Hospital Navigation

Signs in Chinese hospitals are very consistent. Look for the character '内' to find where to go for general sickness.

Verbs to Use

Always pair '内科' with '看' (to see) or '挂' (to register/hang). Don't use '去' alone if you mean to get treatment.

Pills vs. Department

Never say '吃内科'. If you are taking medicine, say '吃药' (chī yào).

Tone Accuracy

Practice the falling tone of 'nèi' followed by the high flat 'kē'. It sounds professional and clear.

Internal vs. External

If there's no blood or broken bones, it's probably '内科'. If there is, it's '外科'.

Using Apps

On apps like Alipay or WeChat health, '内科' is usually the first option under the hospital registration section.

Radical Recognition

The '禾' radical in '科' relates to grain/measurement, which historically meant classifying things.

Large Hospitals

In small clinics, you might not see '内科', just a general doctor. This word is for formal medical settings.

Academic Suffix

Add '学' (xué) to make it 'Internal Medicine' as a field of study: '内科学'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Nèi' (Internal) as 'Nay, I don't want surgery' and 'Kē' (Department) as 'Category'. It's the 'Nay-Surgery Category'.

Visual Association

Imagine a hospital sign with an arrow pointing 'IN' (内) to a room full of books and medicine bottles (科).

Word Web

内 (Inside) 科 (Department) 医生 (Doctor) 医院 (Hospital) 药 (Medicine) 外科 (Surgery) 看病 (See a doctor) 挂号 (Register)

Challenge

Try to find the '内科' sign in a Chinese medical drama or on a hospital website. Use it in a sentence to explain where you would go if you had a cold.

Word Origin

The term '内科' consists of two Chinese characters. '内' (nèi) dates back to oracle bone script, representing an entrance into a house, meaning 'inside'. '科' (kē) originally referred to the hollow of a tree or a classification/category, especially in the context of the imperial examination system (科举).

Original meaning: The combination literally means 'the internal category' or 'the department of the interior'.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

None. This is a standard professional term.

In English-speaking countries, people often say 'I'm seeing my doctor' or 'GP'. In China, people more commonly name the department: 'I'm going to Internal Medicine'.

The TV show 'Medical Examiner Dr. Qin' often mentions various hospital departments including 内科. The drama 'The Surgeons' (外科风云) contrasts the surgery department with the internal medicine teams. Standard Chinese medical textbooks are titled '内科学'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hospital Registration

我想挂内科。
内科还有号吗？
内科在几楼？
请问内科怎么走？

Describing symptoms to a friend

我打算去看内科。
医生建议我看内科。
内科医生给我开了药。
我觉得我应该挂内科。

Professional Introduction

我是内科医生。
他在内科工作。
他是内科专家。
这是内科主任。

Reading a sign

内科门诊
内科病房
大内科
中医内科

Pharmacy/Medicine

内科用药
内科常用药
内科处方
内科药房

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这家医院的内科怎么样？ (What do you think of this hospital's internal medicine department?)"

"你认识比较好的内科医生吗？ (Do you know any good internists?)"

"内科和外科，你觉得哪个更难学？ (Between internal medicine and surgery, which do you think is harder to study?)"

"为什么你选择挂内科而不是外科？ (Why did you choose to register for internal medicine instead of surgery?)"

"你知道内科在医院的哪个位置吗？ (Do you know where internal medicine is located in the hospital?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你最近一次去医院看内科的经历。 (Write about your recent experience visiting the internal medicine department.)

如果你是一名内科医生，你最想治愈什么疾病？ (If you were an internist, what disease would you most want to cure?)

描述一下你理想中的内科诊室是什么样的。 (Describe what your ideal internal medicine consultation room would look like.)

讨论一下内科治疗和外科治疗的区别。 (Discuss the differences between internal medicine treatment and surgical treatment.)

为什么内科医生在社会中如此重要？ (Why are internal medicine doctors so important in society?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '内科' (internal medicine) specifically focuses on non-surgical treatments. If you need surgery, you will be referred to '外科' (surgery).

Usually, no. Hospitals have a specific '儿科' (pediatrics) department for children. '内科' is intended for adult patients.

Common reasons include fever, cough, stomach pain, high blood pressure, or chronic issues like diabetes.

Not exactly. While an internist does general adult care, a family doctor (全科医生) treats patients of all ages, including children and pregnant women.

In most Chinese hospitals, '内科' outpatient clinics are on the lower floors (2nd or 3rd), while '内科' wards are on higher floors.

You can say '我想看内科' (Wǒ xiǎng kàn nèikē) or '我想挂内科的号' (Wǒ xiǎng guà nèikē de hào).

It is the internal medicine department of a Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital. They treat internal issues using herbs, acupuncture, and other TCM methods.

For A2 learners, it is a key practical word. The characters are common, and the concept is essential for daily life in China.

No, it refers to the department or the field of study. You would say '内科疾病' to refer to a disease within that field.

In most large Chinese hospitals, you must '挂号' (register), which can often be done via an app or at the hospital on the day of your visit.