診察

• Reading: しんさつ
• Romaji: shinsatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 診 (shin) — examine, diagnose; 察 (satsu) — observe, inspect
• Pronunciation: /ɕin.sa.tsɯ/

Meaning

Medical examination; checkup; consultation. The act of a doctor examining a patient.

A suru-verb (診察する) used when a doctor sees and examines a patient. Distinct from 検査 (laboratory tests) and 健康診断 (health screening). Commonly used at clinics and hospitals, often in the phrase 診察を受ける (to receive a medical examination).

Examples

1. 午前中に病院で診察を受けた。 I had a medical examination at the hospital in the morning.
2. 先生の診察は丁寧でとても安心した。 The doctor's examination was thorough, and I felt very reassured.
3. 予約なしでも診察してもらえますか。 Can I be seen without an appointment?

Usage Guide

Context: hospitals, clinics, health

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 診 (shin, to examine/diagnose) and 察 (satsu, to observe/inspect). Together they describe the careful observation involved in a medical examination.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal