Making a phone call in Japanese can feel intimidating, but most medical receptionists are used to helping foreign patients and will be patient with you. They deal with appointment bookings all day, so they’ll guide you through the process. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, they’ll understand what you’re trying to do. The worst thing that can happen is you might need to repeat yourself or try again – and that’s okay!
Many clinics have at least one staff member who speaks some English, especially those you’ll be referred to from Kantan Health, so you might be pleasantly surprised.
Just speak slowly, have this script handy, and remember: they want to help you.
When they answer:
予約をお願いしたいのですが。
(Yoyaku wo onegai shitai no desu ga)
"I'd like to make an appointment"
英語を話せる方はいらっしゃいますか？
(Eigo wo hanaseru kata wa irasshaimasu ka?)
"Is there someone who speaks English?"
If they say yes to English:
英語で話してもいいですか？
(Eigo de hanashite mo ii desu ka?)
"May I speak in English?"
If they say no English available:
大丈夫です。続けます。
(Daijoubu desu. Tsuzukemasu.)
"That's okay. I'll continue [in Japanese]."
If they ask what it’s regarding:
Choose one:
健康診断 (kenkou shindan) - general checkup
風邪の症状 (kaze no shoujou) - cold symptoms
相談したいことがあります (soudan shitai koto ga arimasu) - I have something to consult about
When they ask about timing:
今週の平日は空いていますか？
(Konshuu no heijitsu wa aite imasu ka?)
"Are there any openings on weekdays this week?"
Or be more specific:
木曜日の午後はどうですか？
(Mokuyoubi no gogo wa dou desu ka?)
"How about Thursday afternoon?"
Confirming the appointment:
はい、それで大丈夫です。
(Hai, sore de daijoubu desu)
"Yes, that's fine"
念のため確認させてください。
(Nen no tame kakunin sasete kudasai)
"Let me confirm just to be sure"
Important phrases to know:
- 初診です (shoshin desu) – “It’s my first visit”
- 保険証を持っています (hokenshou wo motte imasu) – “I have insurance”
- 英語で診察を受けたいのですが (Eigo de shinsatsu wo uketai no desu ga) – “I’d like to receive consultation in English”
- 英語が話せる先生はいますか？ (Eigo ga hanaseru sensei wa imasu ka?) – “Is there a doctor who speaks English?”
Ending the call:
よろしくお願いします。失礼します。
(Yoroshiku onegai shimasu. Shitsurei shimasu)
"Thank you. Goodbye"
Helpful Tips:
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Have your calendar ready
- Write down the appointment details as they tell you
- If you don’t understand, say: もう一度お願いします (mou ichido onegai shimasu) – “Please say that again”
Days of the Week:
- 月曜日 (getsuyoubi) – Monday
- 火曜日 (kayoubi) – Tuesday
- 水曜日 (suiyoubi) – Wednesday
- 木曜日 (mokuyoubi) – Thursday
- 金曜日 (kinyoubi) – Friday
- 土曜日 (doyoubi) – Saturday
- 日曜日 (nichiyoubi) – Sunday
Times of Day:
- 午前 (gozen) – Morning/AM
- 午後 (gogo) – Afternoon/PM
- 朝 (asa) – Early morning
- 夕方 (yuugata) – Evening