English at the Doctor
How to explain your symptoms to a doctor in English. Useful and simple phrases for a medical visit.
The lesson
Making an appointment
First, you book a visit: I'd like to make an appointment, please. The clinic may ask: What is it about? and Is it urgent? You can say: I'm not feeling well. or I'd like to see a doctor today if possible.
Describing your symptoms
Tell the doctor how you feel with I have... and I feel...: I have a headache. I have a sore throat. I feel dizzy. I feel tired. To show where it hurts: It hurts here. My stomach hurts.
Understanding the doctor
The doctor may ask: How long have you felt like this? and Do you have any allergies? They may say: Take this medicine twice a day. or Get some rest. If you do not understand, say: Could you repeat that, please?
Tip: medicine and advice
Learn a few key words. A prescription is the paper for medicine from the doctor. A painkiller reduces pain. A pharmacy (or chemist) is where you buy the medicine. Example: The doctor gave me a prescription for a painkiller.
Watch the full episode
Prefer to watch on YouTube? Open it here.
Key vocabulary
symptom
/ˈsɪmptəm/a sign that you are ill, like pain or fever
“What are your symptoms?”
Traduction
un symptôme
headache
/ˈhɛdeɪk/pain in your head
“I have a bad headache.”
Traduction
un mal de tête
sore throat
/sɔːr θrəʊt/pain in your throat
“I have a sore throat.”
Traduction
un mal de gorge
appointment
/əˈpɔɪntmənt/a fixed time to see the doctor
“I have an appointment at three.”
Traduction
un rendez-vous
prescription
/prɪˈskrɪpʃən/the doctor's paper for the medicine you need
“Here is your prescription.”
Traduction
une ordonnance
painkiller
/ˈpeɪnˌkɪlər/medicine that reduces pain
“Take a painkiller if it hurts.”
Traduction
un antidouleur
to feel dizzy
/fiːl ˈdɪzi/to feel like the room is spinning
“I feel dizzy when I stand up.”
Traduction
avoir la tête qui tourne
Test yourself
1. How do you describe pain in your head?
2. A 'prescription' is:
3. To book a visit, you say:
4. "I feel dizzy" means:
5. What reduces pain?