How to ask for immediate medical help in Japanese

To ask for immediate medical help in Japanese, you can use the phrase 「助けてください！」 (Tasukete kudasai!) which means “Help me, please!” This is a general urgent call for help. To specifically ask for a doctor or medical help, you can say 「医者を呼んでください！」 (Isha o yonde kudasai!) meaning “Please call a doctor!” or 「救急車を呼んでください！」 (Kyuukyuusha o yonde kudasai!) which means “Please call an ambulance!”

In emergency situations, these phrases are essential to communicate the need for immediate medical assistance effectively. Also, pointing to the injured or ill person while saying these phrases can help overcome language barriers. These expressions are commonly understood in Japan for urgent medical help.

Using polite but direct requests like 「お願いします！」 (Onegaishimasu!) meaning “Please!” can add urgency. These phrases are recommended for quick, clear communication in emergencies in Japan. ^{2, 3}

References

• Request Expressions in Japanese Language for Educational Purpose

• The Importance of “Easy Japanese”: Communicating Health Information to Foreigners in Japan

• Changes in the proportion and severity of patients with fever or common cold symptoms utilizing an after-hours house call medical service during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tokyo, Japan: a retrospective cohort study