西医

• Pinyin: xī yī
• Hanzi breakdown: 西 = pictograph of a bird's nest (west); 医 = simplified from 醫, originally showing an arrow being removed from a wound

Meaning

Western medicine; Western-style doctor. Modern medicine based on scientific methods.

Refers to the medical system originating from the West, including modern hospitals, pharmacology, and surgery. Often contrasted with 中医 (Traditional Chinese Medicine). Can refer to both the medical practice and a doctor who practises it.

Examples

1. 他生病了，去看了西医。 He was sick and went to see a Western doctor.
2. 西医和中医各有各的好处。 Western medicine and Chinese medicine each have their own advantages.
3. 这家医院的西医很有名。 The Western doctors at this hospital are very famous.

Usage Guide

Context: health, medicine, hospitals

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我感冒了，想去看西医。(I have a cold, I want to see a Western doctor.)
• 西医用药很快就能见效。(Western medicine takes effect quickly.)

Don't Say

• 说我要去看西而省略医 (Don't shorten it to just 西 — always say the full word 西医; on its own 西 just means west)

Origin & History

西 (xī, west/Western) + 医 (yī, medicine/doctor). Literally 'Western medicine' or 'Western doctor.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal