Meaning and Usage
The word "医師" (いし) specifically refers to a medical doctor or physician. It is a formal term used in professional and official contexts, such as hospitals, clinics, and medical documents.
Common Contexts
"医師" is often used when talking about medical professionals in a respectful or official manner. It contrasts with more casual terms like "お医者さん" (おいしゃさん), which is a polite but less formal way to say doctor.
Collocations and Patterns
- 医師の診断 (いしのしんだん): doctor's diagnosis — used when discussing medical evaluations.
- 医師として (いしとして): as a doctor — used to describe someone's role or profession.
- 医師に相談する (いしにそうだんする): consult a doctor — common phrase when seeking medical advice.
Register and Politeness
"医師" is a neutral to formal term, suitable for written and spoken language in professional settings. It is less likely to be used in casual conversation with friends or family.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "医師" with "医者" (いしゃ). While both mean doctor, "医者" is more common in everyday speech, and "医師" is more formal and often used in official contexts. Use "医師" when you want to sound professional or when referring to doctors in formal writing.