About This Lesson
Use Navigating a Clinic Visit to practice Japanese conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
クリニックの予約があります。
kree-NIK-koo no yoh-YAH-koo ga ah-ree-MAHS. I have a clinic appointment.
A
でも、最初に何をすればよいか分かりません。
DEH-moh, sigh-SHOH-nee NAH-nee oh soo-REH-bah yoh-EE kah wah-kah-ree-mah-SEN. But I am not sure what to do first.
B
受付で手続きを始めて、保険証を見せてください。
oo-keh-TSOO deh teh-tsoo-KEE oh hah-JEE-meh-teh, hoh-KEN-shoh oh mee-SEH-teh koo-dah-SIGH. Start at reception and show them your insurance card.
A
看護師に会う前に、書類に記入する必要がありますか。
kahn-GOH-shee nee AH-oo MAH-eh nee, SHOH-ree-oo nee kee-NYOO soo-roo hee-TSOO-yoh ah-ree-MAHS kah. Will I need to fill out a form before I see the nurse?
B
たぶん必要です。特に、今回が初めての受診なら必要です。
tah-BOON hee-TSOO-yoh dess. TOH-koo-nee, kon-NYE-chee gah hah-jee-MEH-teh noh joo-SHEEN nah-rah hee-TSOO-yoh dess. Probably, especially if this is your first visit.
A
その後は、メインの待合室で待てばよいですか。
soh-noh AH-toh wa, MAYN noh mah-chee-ah-ee-SHOO deh mah-TEH-bah yoh-EE dess kah. Should I wait in the main waiting room after that?
B
受付から別の場所へ行くように言われない限り、そこにいてください。
oo-keh-TSOO kah-rah BEH-tsoo noh bah-SHOH eh ee-koo yoh-oo nee ee-wah-reh-NAI kah-GHEE-ree, soh-koh nee eet-eh koo-dah-SIGH. Stay there unless reception sends you somewhere else.
A
手順が分からないと、不安になります。
teh-JOON gah wah-kah-rah-NAI toh, foo-AHN nee nah-ree-MAHS. I feel nervous when I do not know the procedure.
B
それは普通のことです。スタッフに一つ一つの手順を説明してもらえます。
soh-REH wa foo-TSOO noh koh-toh dess. soo-TAHF-foo nee hee-TOH-tsoo hee-TOH-tsoo noh teh-JOON oh seh-tsoo-MAY shee-teh moh-rah-eh-MAHS. That is normal. You can ask the staff to explain each step.
A
書類を書く時間が十分にあるように、早めに着きます。
SHOH-ree-oo oh KAH-koo JEE-kahn gah joo-BOON nee ah-roo yoh-oo nee, hah-yah-MEH nee TSOO-kee-MAHS. I will arrive early so I have enough time for the paperwork.
B
時間に余裕があれば、急がずに受診できるはずです。
JEE-kahn nee yoh-YOO gah ah-REH-bah, ah-see-gah-zoo nee joo-SHEEN deh-kee-roo hah-zoo dess. Extra time should make the appointment feel less rushed.Word by Word
クリニック
“クリニック” means a clinic, the medical place mentioned in the appointment. It is used in “クリニックの予約” to identify what the reservation is for. A learner can use it when talking about going to or making an appointment at a clinic.
の
In “クリニックの予約”, “の” links “クリニック” with “予約”, giving the meaning “a clinic appointment”. This linking pattern is useful when one noun describes or specifies another noun.
予約
“予約” means the appointment or reservation the speaker has. In “クリニックの予約があります”, it identifies the scheduled clinic visit. You can use it with “あります” to say that you have an appointment or reservation.
が
In “予約があります”, “が” marks “予約” as what exists. Together with “あります”, the phrase says that an appointment is available or that the speaker has one. This pattern is useful for stating that something exists or is scheduled.
あります
“あります” says that the clinic appointment exists, giving the practical meaning “I have an appointment” in “予約があります”. It is the polite form used here for the existence of an appointment. You can reuse it after a noun when saying that something is available or scheduled.
でも
“でも” introduces a contrast with the previous statement: the speaker has an appointment, but does not know what to do first. It means “but” here and connects two parts of the same situation. Use it when adding an opposing or limiting point.
最初
“最初” means “the beginning” or “the first point” in “最初に”. The speaker is asking about the first action in the clinic procedure. It is useful when asking what should happen at the beginning of a process.
に
In “最初に”, “に” marks the point in time or sequence when something happens. The phrase means “first” or “at the beginning”. This use is common with time or order expressions.
何
“何” means “what” in the question about the first action. In “何をすればよいか”, it asks which action is appropriate. You can use it before “を” when asking what someone should do.
を
In “何をすればよいか”, “を” marks “何” as the object of the action. The phrase asks what action the person should perform. This is the usual object-marking pattern before an action.
すれば
“すれば” contributes the idea “if one does” inside “何をすればよいか”, which asks what one should do. It connects the possible action with the judgment of what is good or appropriate. This pattern is useful for asking what action is advisable.
よい
“よい” means “good” or “advisable” in “何をすればよいか”. Together with “すれば”, it gives the meaning “what should I do”. Use it in this construction when asking which action is appropriate.
か
In “何をすればよいか分かりません”, “か” marks the embedded question. The speaker says they do not know the answer to “what should I do first”. This pattern lets a question function as the thing someone knows or does not know.
分かりません
“分かりません” means “I do not know” or “I do not understand” here. It applies to the embedded question “何をすればよいか”, so the speaker does not know the first step. You can use it after information or a question when saying that it is unclear to you.
受付
“受付” means the reception desk or reception area at the clinic. In the dialogue, it is where the check-in process begins and where instructions may come from. Use it when referring to the place or staff handling reception.
で
In “受付で手続きを始めて”, “で” marks the place where the procedure begins. The action takes place at reception. This use is common for marking the location of an activity.
手続き
“手続き” means the procedure or check-in process at the clinic. In “手続きを始めて”, it is the process that should be started at reception. You can use it with “始める” when beginning an administrative process.
始めて
“始めて” means “start and then” in “手続きを始めて、保険証を見せてください”. It links the first instruction to the next instruction. This form is useful when giving a sequence of actions.
保険証
“保険証” means the insurance card that the visitor should show at reception. It is the object of “見せて” in the clinic check-in instruction. You can use it when discussing what to present during a medical visit.
見せて
“見せて” means “show” and connects to the polite request “ください”. In “保険証を見せてください”, it asks the visitor to show the insurance card. This pattern is useful for politely requesting that someone show an item.
ください
“ください” makes “保険証を見せて” a polite request: “please show your insurance card”. It follows the requested action and softens the instruction. Use it after an action form when asking someone politely to do something.
看護師
“看護師” means nurse in the clinic setting. In “看護師に会う前に”, it identifies the medical professional the speaker expects to see. You can use it when referring to meeting or speaking with a nurse.
会う
“会う” means “meet” in “看護師に会う前に”. It describes the event that has not happened yet and is used before “前に” to say “before meeting the nurse”. Use it with a person marked by “に” for meeting someone.
前
“前” means “before” in “看護師に会う前に”. It places the form-filling action earlier than meeting the nurse. This pattern is useful for describing an action that must happen before another event.
書類
“書類” means the form or paperwork that may need to be completed before seeing the nurse. In the dialogue, it is what the speaker fills in. Use it when talking about documents required during an administrative process.
記入する
“記入する” means “fill out” in the question about completing the paperwork. It describes writing information into “書類”. You can use it with a form or document as the object when discussing required paperwork.
必要
“必要” means “necessary” in “必要がありますか” as part of the question about filling out a form. It asks whether the action is required before seeing the nurse. This word is useful when checking whether something must be done.
です
“です” gives the statement a polite form in “必要です”. In the dialogue, it appears in the question “必要がありますか” and in the reply “たぶん必要です”, presenting necessity politely. Use it after a description or noun-based statement in polite conversation.
たぶん
“たぶん” means “probably” in the reply about filling out a form. It shows that the speaker expects it to be necessary but is not completely certain. Use it before a statement when giving a likely answer.
特に
“特に” means “especially” and highlights the condition of this being the learner’s first visit. In “特に、今回が初めての受診なら”, it gives extra importance to that case. Use it when emphasizing one situation among others.
今回
“今回” means “this time” in the phrase about the current clinic visit. It distinguishes the present visit from other possible visits. You can use it when referring to the specific occasion being discussed.
初めて
“初めて” means “for the first time” in “今回が初めての受診”. It tells the listener that this current visit is the person’s first clinic visit of this kind. Use it when identifying an experience as a first occasion.
受診
“受診” means receiving medical care or having a medical consultation. In “初めての受診”, it refers to the current clinic visit as a medical consultation. This word is useful in formal or practical discussion about going to see a medical professional.
なら
“なら” introduces the condition “if this is the case” in “今回が初めての受診なら”. The reply says that the paperwork is especially likely to be necessary if this is the first visit. Use it to set a condition for the following statement.
その
“その” means “that” in “その後”. It points back to the action just mentioned, filling out the form. Use it before a noun when referring to something already described.
後
“後” means “after” or “later” in “その後は”. It asks what the visitor should do after completing the earlier step. This pattern is useful when organizing actions in time.
は
In “その後は”, “は” marks the period after that step as the topic. The question then asks what should happen during that time. This use is helpful when shifting attention to a particular stage or situation.
メイン
“メイン” means “main” in “メインの待合室”. It identifies the principal waiting room rather than another possible area. Use it before a noun when distinguishing the main location or option.
待合室
“待合室” means “waiting room”. In “メインの待合室で待てばよいですか”, it is the place where the visitor may wait after checking in. You can use it when asking or explaining where to wait at a clinic.
待てば
“待てば” contributes “if I wait” in “待てばよいですか”, which asks whether waiting is the appropriate next action. Together with “よいですか”, it politely asks what should be done. This construction is useful for checking whether a proposed action is acceptable.
から
In “受付から別の場所へ行くように言われない限り”, “から” marks reception as the source of the instruction. The meaning is that the visitor should move only if reception tells them to do so. This use is common when identifying where information or an instruction comes from.
別
“別” means “different” or “another” in “別の場所”. It shows that the place would be somewhere other than the current waiting area. Use it before a noun when referring to an alternative or separate thing.
場所
“場所” means “place” in “別の場所”. The phrase refers to another location in the clinic that reception might direct the visitor to. You can use it when discussing where someone should go or stay.
へ
In “別の場所へ行く”, “へ” marks the direction toward another place. It shows where the movement is headed. This pattern is useful when describing going to a destination.
行く
“行く” means “go” in “別の場所へ行く”. It describes moving toward another location if reception gives that instruction. You can use it with “へ” before a destination.
よう
In “行くように言われない”, “ように” presents the content of the instruction: being told to go to another place. It helps connect the action “行く” with “言われない”. This pattern is useful when reporting what someone is instructed to do.
言われない
“言われない” means “is not told” in the condition “行くように言われない限り”. It refers to not receiving an instruction from reception to go elsewhere. Use it when describing an instruction that has not been given.
限り
“限り” means “unless” in “言われない限り”. The visitor should remain in the waiting room unless reception tells them to go somewhere else. This pattern is useful for stating an exception or condition that limits an instruction.
そこ
“そこ” means “there” and refers back to the main waiting room. In “そこにいてください”, it tells the visitor to remain in that previously mentioned place. Use it when pointing to a place already known from the conversation.
いて
“いて” contributes “stay” or “remain” in “そこにいてください”. With “ください”, it becomes a polite request to stay there. Use this pattern when asking someone to remain in a particular place.
手順
“手順” means the procedure or sequence of steps in the clinic visit. In “手順が分からないと”, the speaker feels uneasy when this sequence is unclear. Use it when talking about the ordered steps of a process.
分からない
“分からない” means “do not know” or “do not understand” in “手順が分からないと”. It describes not understanding how the procedure works. You can use it when information or a process is unclear to you.
と
In “手順が分からないと、不安になります”, “と” connects the condition of not understanding the procedure with the resulting feeling. The meaning is “when or if I do not understand the procedure”. This pattern is useful for describing a regular result of a condition.
不安
“不安” means anxious or uneasy in “不安になります”. The speaker becomes uneasy when the procedure is unclear. You can use it to describe worry about an uncertain situation.
なります
“なります” means “become” in “不安になります”. It shows a change into an anxious state when the procedure is not understood. Use it after a feeling or condition when describing becoming that way.
それ
“それ” means “that” in “それは普通のことです”. It refers to the speaker’s feeling of anxiety described in the previous sentence. Use it to point back to something just mentioned.
普通
“普通” means “normal” or “ordinary” in “普通のこと”. The reply reassures the speaker that feeling uneasy in this situation is normal. Use it when describing something as usual or not unusual.
こと
In “普通のこと”, “こと” means “thing” or “matter” and turns the idea of being normal into “a normal thing”. It refers to the situation just described rather than to a physical object. This pattern is useful when evaluating an event or experience.
スタッフ
“スタッフ” means the clinic staff in “スタッフに一つ一つの手順を説明してもらえます”. They are the people who can explain the procedure. Use it when referring generally to the employees helping visitors at the clinic.
一つ一つ
“一つ一つ” means “each one” or “step by step” in “一つ一つの手順”. The repeated “一つ” emphasizes that the steps should be explained individually, not only as a general process. Use it when discussing items or steps one at a time.
説明して
“説明して” means “explain” and appears in “説明してもらえます”. It identifies the action the staff can perform for the visitor. Together with “もらえます”, the phrase says that the visitor can have the staff explain each step.
もらえます
“もらえます” contributes the idea that the speaker can receive the benefit of someone else doing an action in “説明してもらえます”. With “説明して”, it means the visitor can have the staff explain the steps. This pattern is useful when asking or saying that someone can do something for you.
書く
“書く” means “write” in “書類を書く時間”. It describes writing information on the paperwork. Use it with “時間” when referring to the time needed to write or complete documents.
時間
“時間” means “time” in “書類を書く時間”. It refers to the period needed to complete the paperwork. You can use it with an action to say how much time that action requires.
十分
“十分” means “enough” or “sufficient” in “十分にあるように”. It describes having enough time for the paperwork. Use it when saying that a quantity or amount meets the need.
ある
“ある” means that the time exists or is available in “時間が十分にある”. The speaker plans to arrive early so sufficient time will be available. You can use it after a thing or resource when saying that it is present or available.
早め
“早め” means earlier than usual or earlier than the expected time in “早めに着きます”. The speaker will arrive early to leave enough time for paperwork. Use it before “に” when describing an intentionally early action.
着きます
“着きます” means “arrive” in “早めに着きます”. It describes reaching the clinic earlier than necessary. You can use it with a place or time expression when talking about arrival.
余裕
“余裕” means extra time or leeway in “時間に余裕があれば”. It refers to having more time than the minimum needed, making the visit feel less rushed. Use it when discussing comfortable time available for a task.
あれば
“あれば” means “if there is” in “時間に余裕があれば”. It introduces the condition that enough extra time is available. Use it after a noun when setting a condition about having or possessing something.
急がず
“急がず” means “without rushing” in “急がずに受診できる”. It describes doing the clinic visit calmly rather than hurriedly. This pattern is useful when describing an action performed without doing another action.
できる
“できる” means “can” or “be able to” in “受診できる”. It says that the person will be able to attend the appointment without rushing. You can use it after an action form to express ability or possibility.
はず
“はず” expresses an expectation in “できるはずです”. The speaker believes that having extra time should make an unrushed visit possible. Use it when making a reasonable expectation based on the situation.
Grammar Points
動詞の辞書形＋必要があります
書類に記入する必要があります。
SHOH-ree-oo nee kee-NYOO soo-roo hee-TSOO-yoh gah ah-ree-MAHS.You need to fill out the form.
必要があります expresses necessity. Use a verb’s dictionary form before 必要があります.
動詞て形＋、＋動詞
保険証を見せて、書類に記入する。
hoh-KEN-shoh oh mee-SEH-teh, SHOH-ree-oo nee kee-NYOO soo-roo.Show your health insurance card and fill out the form.
The て-form connects actions in sequence: do the first action, then the next.
Japanese Vocabulary
クリニック
noun
kree-NIK-koo
clinic
看護師
noun
kahn-GOH-shee
nurse
記入する
verb
kee-NYOO soo-roo
fill in; fill out
見せて
verb
mee-SEH-teh
show
最初に
adv
sigh-SHOH-nee
first; at first
始めて
verb
hah-JEE-meh-teh
start; begin
手続き
noun
teh-tsoo-KEE
procedure; check-in process
受付
noun
oo-keh-TSOO
reception; check-in desk
書類
noun
SHOH-ree-oo
form; document; paperwork
必要
adj
hee-TSOO-yoh
necessary; needed
保険証
noun
hoh-KEN-shoh
health insurance card
予約
noun
yoh-YAH-koo
appointment; reservation
Quiz
Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
clinic
Show Answer
クリニックfill in; fill out
Show Answer
記入するhealth insurance card
Show Answer
保険証procedure; check-in process