General health

❃ General health

具合が悪いです。 [ Guai ga warui desu. ]: I don't feel well.
持病があります。 [ Jibyou ga arimasu. ]: I have a chronic illness.
薬のアレルギーがあります。 [ Kusuri no arerugii ga arimasu. ]: I have a drug allergy.
ペニシリンにアレルギーがあります。 [ Penishirin ni arerugii ga arimasu. ]: I am allergic to penicillin.
毎日飲んでいる薬があります。 [ Mainichi nonde iru kusuri ga arimasu. ]: I take medicine every day.
高血圧です。 [ Kouketsuatsu desu. ]: I have high blood pressure.
糖尿病です。 [ Tounyoubyou desu. ]: I have diabetes.
喘息を持っています。 [ Zensoku o motte imasu. ]: I have asthma.
心臓に問題があります。 [ Shinzou ni mondai ga arimasu. ]: I have a heart condition.
妊娠しています。 [ Ninshin shite imasu. ]: I am pregnant.
妊娠三ヶ月です。 [ Ninshin sankagetsu desu. ]: I am three months pregnant.
授乳中です。 [ Junyuuchuu desu. ]: I am breastfeeding.
手術をしたことがあります。 [ Shujutsu o shita koto ga arimasu. ]: I have had surgery before.
血液型はO型です。 [ Ketsuekigata wa O-gata desu. ]: My blood type is O.
予防接種は受けています。 [ Yobousesshu wa ukete imasu. ]: I have been vaccinated.

Cultural notes

Falling ill in a foreign country is always a stressful experience, but navigating the Japanese healthcare system can be particularly daunting if you cannot communicate your medical history accurately. In Japan, doctors are incredibly thorough, and before any diagnosis is made, they will need a precise overview of your general health. The very first phrase you should use when arriving at a clinic is "Guai ga warui desu" (具合が悪い - I do not feel well). This is a polite, catch-all phrase that indicates you need medical attention. The medical staff will then immediately inquire if you have any pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses, known as "Jibyou" (持病). Being honest and clear about your "Jibyou ga arimasu" (持病があります - I have a chronic illness) is critical, as Japanese doctors are very careful about prescribing interacting medications. Another absolute necessity is communicating your allergies, adopted into Japanese as "Arerugii" (アレルギー). Because Japanese over-the-counter and prescription drugs often use different active ingredients or dosages than those in the West, stating "Kusuri no arerugii ga arimasu" (薬のアレルギーがあります - I have a drug allergy) is a vital safety measure. Furthermore, female travelers must be prepared to state if they are pregnant. In Japan, maternal health protocols are extremely strict, and many common medications, even simple painkillers, will be flatly refused if you say "Ninshin shite imasu" (妊娠しています - I am pregnant). Having these basic health facts translated and written down on a card before your trip is one of the smartest preparations any international traveler can make to ensure they receive safe, prompt, and effective care in Japan.

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