Arriving at a Hospital and Explaining Your Situation
Going to a hospital in a new country can feel stressful, especially when you need to explain how you feel in another language. In China, hospital staff usually start by asking what problem you are facing and guide you step by step. Being able to describe your symptoms clearly in Chinese makes everything smoother and faster.
You may first go to the reception desk and say you need to see a doctor (医生, yī shēng). Then you may be asked to register, show your ID, or explain your condition briefly.
Example sentences:
我想看医生。(wǒ xiǎng kàn yī shēng)- I want to see a doctor.
我不太舒服。(wǒ bú tài shū fú)- I don’t feel very well.
我需要挂号。(wǒ xū yào guà hào)- I need to register for a consultation.
我今天早上开始头疼。(wǒ jīn tiān zǎo shang kāi shǐ tóu téng)- I started having a headache this morning.
Describing Pain and Physical Symptoms Clearly
When speaking to medical staff in a hospital, it is important to explain where and how you feel pain. You can describe whether it is sharp, mild, continuous, or occasional.
Example sentences:
我的肚子很痛。(wǒ de dù zi hěn tòng)- My stomach hurts a lot.
我喉咙痛，还有点发烧。(wǒ hóu lóng tòng, hái yǒu diǎn fā shāo)- I have a sore throat and a slight fever.
我觉得头晕。(wǒ jué de tóu yūn)- I feel dizzy.
我咳嗽已经三天了。(wǒ ké sòu yǐ jīng sān tiān le)- I have been coughing for three days.
Doctors may ask follow-up questions like when the symptoms started or whether the pain is getting worse.
Communicating with Nurses and Doctors During Consultation
Inside the consultation room, the doctor will check your condition and may ask you to describe symptoms in more detail. Nurses may assist with temperature checks, blood pressure, or basic tests.
Example sentences:
我昨天晚上开始不舒服。(wǒ zuó tiān wǎn shang kāi shǐ bú shū fú)- I started feeling unwell last night.
疼痛越来越严重。(téng tòng yuè lái yuè yán zhòng)- The pain is getting worse and worse.
我没有食欲。(wǒ méi yǒu shí yù)- I have no appetite.
请问需要做检查吗？(qǐng wèn xū yào zuò jiǎn chá ma)- Do I need to take any tests?
Asking for Help at the Hospital
In a busy hospital, you may need to ask staff for directions, waiting time, or medication instructions. Being polite and clear is very helpful.
Example sentences:
请问挂号处在哪里？(qǐng wèn guà hào chù zài nǎ lǐ)- Where is the registration desk?
我应该去哪个科室？(wǒ yīng gāi qù nǎ gè kē shì)- Which department should I go to?
需要等多久？(xū yào děng duō jiǔ)- How long do I need to wait?
药怎么吃？(yào zěn me chī)- How should I take the medicine?
Explaining Emergency Situations
In urgent situations, clear communication is very important. You should describe symptoms quickly and ask for immediate help.
Example sentences:
我感觉很不舒服，可能需要急诊。(wǒ gǎn jué hěn bú shū fú, kě néng xū yào jí zhěn)- I feel very unwell, I may need emergency care.
我胸口很痛。(wǒ xiōng kǒu hěn tòng)- I have chest pain.
请帮我叫医生。(qǐng bāng wǒ jiào yī shēng)- Please help me call a doctor.
我呼吸有点困难。(wǒ hū xī yǒu diǎn kùn nán)- I have difficulty breathing.
Talking About Recovery and Follow-Up
After seeing a doctor in a hospital, you may receive medicine or instructions for rest and follow-up visits.
Example sentences:
我需要休息几天。(wǒ xū yào xiū xī jǐ tiān)- I need to rest for a few days.
这个药一天吃几次？(zhè ge yào yī tiān chī jǐ cì)- How many times a day should I take this medicine?
我什么时候需要复查？(wǒ shén me shí hòu xū yào fù chá)- When do I need a follow-up check?
我感觉好多了。(wǒ gǎn jué hǎo duō le)- I feel much better.
Vocabulary
- 发烧 (fā shāo)- to have a fever
- 头疼 (tóu téng)- headache
- 挂号 (guà hào)- registration for doctor visit
- 咳嗽 (ké sòu)- cough
- 急诊 (jí zhěn)- emergency treatment
- 检查 (jiǎn chá)- examination or test
- 医生 (yī shēng)- doctor