Can I use machine translation at the doctor?

For simple sentences, yes, but machine translation can get medical terms and numbers wrong. Confirm anything important with the doctor, for example by asking them to write it down.

Is medical interpreting free?

It depends on the hospital and service: some are free, some charge. Ask when you book.

Does ViCare translate any sentence?

No. ViCare matches what the doctor says against thousands of common clinic sentences. A sentence that is not in the phrase bank is clearly marked so you can ask the doctor to repeat it or write it down.

Medical interpreting in Japan: getting help and phrases for the doctor

Updated: October 2026

Misunderstanding the doctor can mean taking medicine the wrong way or missing a follow-up. Here are the ways to get language help in Japan, the Japanese you will need and tips for clear communication.

Ways to get language help

Ask the hospital in advance whether it has medical interpreters (医療通訳) or phone/video interpreting. Some hospitals that accept foreign patients offer this.
Bring a family member, friend or someone from your company or support organisation who speaks Japanese, especially for serious illness, childbirth or surgery.
The AMDA International Medical Information Center (AMDA国際医療情報センター) gives phone advice in several languages on where to get care and how the system works. Check its official site for languages and hours.
Prefectural and city international associations (国際交流協会) often offer multilingual consultation and may introduce interpreters.
Use a tool such as ViCare for common phrases, and always confirm anything important with the doctor.

Japanese phrases for your symptoms

Japanese	Reading	Meaning
熱があります。	ねつがあります。	I have a fever.
頭が痛いです。	あたまがいたいです。	I have a headache.
お腹が痛いです。	おなかがいたいです。	I have a stomach ache.
咳が出ます。	せきがでます。	I have a cough.
吐き気がします。	はきけがします。	I feel sick (nauseous).
3日前からです。	みっかまえからです。	It started 3 days ago.
薬のアレルギーがあります。	くすりのアレルギーがあります。	I am allergic to a medicine.
今、飲んでいる薬があります。	いま、のんでいるくすりがあります。	I am taking medicine now.
妊娠しています。	にんしんしています。	I am pregnant.

Phrases to help you understand

Japanese	Reading	Meaning
日本語が少ししかわかりません。	にほんごがすこししかわかりません。	I only understand a little Japanese.
ゆっくり話してください。	ゆっくりはなしてください。	Please speak slowly.
紙に書いてください。	かみにかいてください。	Please write it down.
もう一度お願いします。	もういちどおねがいします。	Once more, please.
やさしい日本語でお願いします。	やさしいにほんごでおねがいします。	Please use easy Japanese.

What the doctor often asks

Japanese	Reading	Meaning
どうしましたか。	どうしましたか。	What seems to be the problem?
いつからですか。	いつからですか。	Since when?
どこが痛いですか。	どこがいたいですか。	Where does it hurt?
熱は何度ですか。	ねつはなんどですか。	What is your temperature?
アレルギーはありますか。	アレルギーはありますか。	Do you have any allergies?
様子を見てください。	ようすをみてください。	Let's wait and see how it goes.

Tips for clear communication

Write down your symptoms, when they started, your temperature and any medicine taken before you go.
Always double-check numbers: tablets, times a day, number of days, the follow-up date.
Before leaving, ask for the diagnosis, when to come back at once, and whether you need time off work or school.
Do not nod if you do not understand. Saying 「わかりません」 (I don't understand) is fine.

For surgery, childbirth or important consent forms, have a medical interpreter or a fluent Japanese speaker with you.

How ViCare helps

ViCare's interpreter listens to the doctor through the microphone and shows the Vietnamese meaning from thousands of clinic sentences, flags numbers to check, and has buttons to ask the doctor to slow down or write it down. The doctor sees a consent request in Japanese first; the app never records audio.

Coming soon to the App Store · Coming soon to Google Play

See the ViCare app

Quick answers

Can I use machine translation at the doctor?: For simple sentences, yes, but machine translation can get medical terms and numbers wrong. Confirm anything important with the doctor, for example by asking them to write it down.
Is medical interpreting free?: It depends on the hospital and service: some are free, some charge. Ask when you book.
Does ViCare translate any sentence?: No. ViCare matches what the doctor says against thousands of common clinic sentences. A sentence that is not in the phrase bank is clearly marked so you can ask the doctor to repeat it or write it down.

This article is general reference information and does not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist or public office. Rules can differ by municipality and change over time; check with your clinic or city office.