Essential Japanese Phrases for the Dentist (with Pronunciation)
You don't need fluent Japanese to get through a dental visit — just a handful of the right phrases. Here's a printable cheat sheet, grouped by when you'll use them, with simple pronunciation.
Even at clinics with some English support, knowing a few key phrases makes your visit smoother and helps you describe pain accurately. Pronunciation below is written the way it sounds; stress is fairly even in Japanese, so just say each syllable clearly.
Booking an appointment
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I'd like to make an appointment. | 予約をお願いします。 | yoyaku o onegai shimasu |
| This is my first visit. | 初診です。 | shoshin desu |
| My tooth hurts. | 歯が痛いです。 | ha ga itai desu |
| As soon as possible, please. | できるだけ早くお願いします。 | dekiru dake hayaku onegai shimasu |
| Do you speak English? | 英語は話せますか? | eigo wa hanasemasu ka? |
At reception
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Here is my insurance card. | 保険証です。 | hokenshō desu |
| I have an appointment at 3:00. | 3時に予約しています。 | san-ji ni yoyaku shite imasu |
| I don't speak Japanese well. | 日本語があまり話せません。 | nihongo ga amari hanasemasen |
| Can I pay by credit card? | カードは使えますか? | kādo wa tsukaemasu ka? |
Describing your symptoms
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| It hurts here. | ここが痛いです。 | koko ga itai desu |
| It hurts with cold/hot things. | 冷たい/熱いものがしみます。 | tsumetai / atsui mono ga shimimasu |
| It hurts when I bite. | 噛むと痛いです。 | kamu to itai desu |
| It's throbbing. | ズキズキします。 | zuki-zuki shimasu |
| My gum is swollen. | 歯ぐきが腫れています。 | haguki ga harete imasu |
| A filling came out. | 詰め物が取れました。 | tsumemono ga toremashita |
| The pain is strong / mild. | 痛みが強い / 弱いです。 | itami ga tsuyoi / yowai desu |
Understanding treatment
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| How much will it cost? | いくらかかりますか? | ikura kakarimasu ka? |
| Is it covered by insurance? | 保険は使えますか? | hoken wa tsukaemasu ka? |
| How many visits will it take? | 何回かかりますか? | nan-kai kakarimasu ka? |
| Please give me anesthesia. | 麻酔をお願いします。 | masui o onegai shimasu |
| Please explain in simple Japanese. | 簡単な日本語で説明してください。 | kantan na nihongo de setsumei shite kudasai |
| Can I have a written estimate? | 見積もりをいただけますか? | mitsumori o itadakemasu ka? |
Useful dental vocabulary
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth | 歯 | ha |
| Cavity | 虫歯 | mushiba |
| Gum | 歯ぐき | haguki |
| Filling | 詰め物 | tsumemono |
| Crown / cap | 被せ物 | kabusemono |
| Extraction | 抜歯 | basshi |
| Cleaning | クリーニング | kurīningu |
| Anesthesia | 麻酔 | masui |
| Wisdom tooth | 親知らず | oyashirazu |
After-treatment and follow-up phrases
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Is it still numb? | まだ麻酔が効いていますか? | mada masui ga kiite imasu ka? |
| It still hurts a little. | まだ少し痛いです。 | mada sukoshi itai desu |
| When is my next appointment? | 次の予約はいつですか? | tsugi no yoyaku wa itsu desu ka? |
| Do I need medicine? | 薬は必要ですか? | kusuri wa hitsuyō desu ka? |
| Where is the pharmacy? | 薬局はどこですか? | yakkyoku wa doko desu ka? |
| Can I eat normally? | 普通に食べてもいいですか? | futsū ni tabete mo ii desu ka? |
| Thank you very much. | ありがとうございました。 | arigatō gozaimashita |
Numbers, days and times you'll need
Booking and confirming appointments goes smoother when you can handle a few numbers. Days of the week: 月曜日 (getsuyōbi, Mon), 火曜日 (kayōbi, Tue), 水曜日 (suiyōbi, Wed), 木曜日 (mokuyōbi, Thu), 金曜日 (kinyōbi, Fri), 土曜日 (doyōbi, Sat), 日曜日 (nichiyōbi, Sun). For times, combine the hour with 時 (ji): 9時 (ku-ji, 9:00), 10時 (jū-ji, 10:00), 1時 (ichi-ji, 1:00), and add 午前 (gozen, a.m.) or 午後 (gogo, p.m.) — so 午後3時 is 3 p.m. "Half past" is 半 (han), e.g. 2時半 (ni-ji han, 2:30). Useful counters: 今日 (kyō, today), 明日 (ashita, tomorrow), 来週 (raishū, next week). Put together: 来週の火曜日、午後3時はどうですか? — "How about next Tuesday at 3 p.m.?"
When phrases aren't enough
For complex treatment where you must understand risks, costs and consent, don't rely on phrases alone. Use a translation app, bring a bilingual friend, or book through a service that confirms English support and handles the call for you. Getting the details right matters most when money and your health are on the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say 'my tooth hurts' in Japanese?
歯が痛いです — 'ha ga itai desu.' To point out the spot, say ここが痛いです ('koko ga itai desu' — it hurts here) while pointing at the tooth.
What's the Japanese word for cavity?
虫歯, pronounced 'mushiba.' A filling is 詰め物 ('tsumemono') and a wisdom tooth is 親知らず ('oyashirazu').
How do I ask if treatment is covered by insurance?
Say 保険は使えますか? — 'hoken wa tsukaemasu ka?' This is one of the most useful questions to ask before treatment begins.
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This article is general information for foreigners living in or visiting Japan, not medical or financial advice. Prices are typical 2025–2026 ranges and vary by clinic, region, and your specific case; insurance coverage depends on your enrollment and the treatment. Always confirm details directly with the clinic.