診断

• Reading: しんだん
• Romaji: shindan
• Kanji breakdown: 診 (shin) — examine, diagnose; 断 (dan) — judge, decide, cut
• Pronunciation: /ɕin.da.n/

Meaning

Diagnosis; medical examination. The identification of a disease or condition based on symptoms.

A suru-verb (診断する) used when a doctor identifies a condition. Distinct from 診察 (the physical examination itself) — 診断 focuses on the conclusion reached. Common phrases include 診断を受ける (to receive a diagnosis) and 診断書 (medical certificate/diagnosis document).

Examples

1. 医師に花粉症だと診断された。 I was diagnosed with hay fever by the doctor.
2. 健康診断の結果は来週届く予定だ。 The results of the health checkup are expected to arrive next week.
3. 早い段階で正しい診断を受けることが大切だ。 It's important to receive an accurate diagnosis at an early stage.

Usage Guide

Context: hospitals, health, workplace

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 診 (shin, to examine/diagnose) and 断 (dan, to judge/decide). Literally 'examine and judge,' describing the process of reaching a medical conclusion.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal