医者

• Reading: いしゃ
• Romaji: isha
• Kanji breakdown: 医 (i) — medicine, healing; 者 (sha/mono) — person
• Pronunciation: /i.ɕa/

Meaning

Doctor; physician. A medical doctor who treats patients.

The everyday word for doctor. In more formal or written contexts, 医師 (ishi) is used instead. When visiting a clinic or hospital, you would refer to the doctor as お医者さん (oishasan) to be polite. It is a popular answer for children asked about future career goals.

Examples

1. 熱があるので医者に行きます。 I have a fever, so I'm going to the doctor.
2. 姉は医者になりたいと言っています。 My older sister says she wants to become a doctor.
3. お医者さんは優しい人でした。 The doctor was a kind person.

Usage Guide

Context: health, hospital, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 医 (i, 'medicine/healing') and 者 (sha, 'person'). Literally 'person of medicine,' used since classical times to denote healers.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal