耳鼻科

じびか

otolaryngology

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

What is 耳鼻科?

耳鼻科 (じびか) refers to the medical specialty of otolaryngology, which deals with diseases and conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. It is a common department in hospitals and clinics in Japan.

Usage and Context

When Japanese speakers mention 耳鼻科, they usually mean the clinic or department where you can get treatment for ear infections, nasal allergies, throat problems, and related issues. It is a formal medical term and used in both casual and professional contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 耳鼻科に行く: to go to the otolaryngology clinic
  • 耳鼻科の先生: otolaryngologist (doctor specializing in ear, nose, and throat)
  • 耳鼻科で診てもらう: to have a medical examination at the otolaryngology department

Tips for Learners

Be careful not to confuse 耳鼻科 with 耳鼻咽喉科 (じびいんこうか), which is a more formal or complete term including the throat (咽喉). In everyday conversation, 耳鼻科 is sufficient and widely understood. When talking about symptoms or treatment related to ears, nose, or throat, using 耳鼻科 is natural and appropriate.

Example Sentences

かぜをひいたので、じびかにいきました。

I caught a cold, so I went to the otolaryngology department.

じびかのせんせいははなのびょうきにくわしいです。

The otolaryngologist is knowledgeable about nasal diseases.

こどもがみみのいたみをうったえたので、じびかでみてもらいました。

My child complained of ear pain, so we had it checked at the otolaryngology clinic.