Translation and Meaning of: 医療 - iryou

If you have ever needed medical care in Japan or are studying Japanese for healthcare fields, the word 医療[いりょう] is essential. In this article, we will explore its etymology, how it is used in everyday life, and even some curiosities about its pictogram. Additionally, you will discover how to easily memorize it and why it is so relevant in contexts like hospitals and health insurance. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also find ready-made phrases to include in Anki and boost your studies!

Origin and etymology of 医療

The word 医療 is composed of two kanjis: 医 (doctor, cure) and 療 (treatment, therapy). Together, they form the concept of medical treatment, something that goes beyond the simple act of healing — it involves the entire process of care. Curiously, the kanji 医 has ancient roots in China, where it originally represented a bow and arrow, symbolizing the precision needed in medicine.

The second kanji, 療, carries the idea of relief and recovery. If you've seen words like 治療[ちりょう] (therapeutic treatment), you can see how this radical appears in health-related . This combination is not random: it reflects the Japanese holistic view of medicine, where diagnosis and care go hand in hand.

Lies in Japanese everyday life

In Japan, 医療 is a broad term used in both formal and informal contexts. It appears on hospital signs, discussions about health insurance, and even in news about medical advancements. For example, the phrase 医療保険[いりょうほけん] (health insurance) is common in conversations about employment benefits. If you plan to live in the country, it's a word you will hear often.

Another interesting detail is that 医療 often appears alongside technical , such as 医療機器[いりょうきき] (medical equipment) or 医療費[いりょうひ] (medical costs). Unlike 病院[びょういん] (hospital), which refers to the location, 医療 encomes the entire health system — from consultations to surgeries.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

A fun way to 医療 is to associate the first kanji, 医, with a stethoscope (even though it doesn't look exactly like one). Meanwhile, 療 can be linked to the idea of "rest," thanks to the radical 疒 (disease), which is present in other kanji like 痛[いた]い (pain). This visualization technique helps to reinforce the meaning.

Did you know that in Japan there is even a 医療ドラマ (medical drama) famous called コード・ブルー (Code Blue)? Series like this popularize such as 医療, showing how they are used in real situations. If you enjoy learning Japanese through culture, it's worth watching!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 医学 (Igaku) - Study of medicine, the science that studies diseases and treatments.
• 医療学 (Iryougaku) - Study of medical practice and health services.
• 医事 (Iji) - Topics related to medicine and medical services.
• 医事業 (Ijigyou) - Industry or businesses related to medicine.
• 医療事業 (Iryoujigyou) - Companies or initiatives focused on health services.
• 医療行為 (Iryoukoui) - Actions or practices related to medical treatment.
• 医療サービス (Iryousaabisu) - Services provided in the health sector.
• 医療機関 (Iryoukikan) - Institutions that provide medical care, such as hospitals.
• 医療施設 (Iryoushisetsu) - Infrastructure or facilities focused on health.
• 医療現場 (Iryougenba) - Medical practice environment, such as hospitals or clinics.
• 医療従事者 (Iryoujuujisha) - Professionals working in the health field.
• 医療関係者 (Iryoukankeisha) - People involved in the healthcare industry, including specialists and s.
• 医療技術 (Iryougijutsu) - Technologies and techniques used in the practice of medicine.
• 医療器具 (Iryoukigu) - Medical equipment and instruments used in medical procedures.
• 医療用品 (Iryouyouhin) - Supplies and materials used in health practice.
• 医療保険 (Iryouhoken) - Insurance that covers medical expenses.
• 医療費 (Iryouhi) - Costs and expenses associated with medical care and treatments.
• 医療制度 (Iryouseido) - Organizational systems and regulations related to health.
• 医療政策 (Iryouseisaku) - Guidelines and policies that govern medical practice and health services.