yīsheng: 医生 - Doctor, Physician

• Keywords: yisheng, yi sheng, 医生, Chinese doctor, how to say doctor in Chinese, Chinese physician, see a doctor in China, medical doctor Chinese, HSK 1 vocabulary
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 医生 (yīshēng), the standard term for a medical “doctor” or “physician”. This comprehensive guide covers its meaning, character breakdown, cultural significance, and practical usage. Discover how to correctly address a doctor in China, avoid common mistakes, and understand related medical terms, making your interactions at a hospital or clinic much smoother.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): yīshēng
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 1
• Concise Definition: A person qualified to practice medicine; a doctor or physician.
• In a Nutshell: 医生 (yīshēng) is the most common and universal word for “doctor” in Mandarin Chinese. It's the word you would use to say you are a doctor, you need to see a doctor, or to refer to a doctor in conversation. It is a neutral term appropriate for any situation, from a casual chat to a formal hospital setting.

• 医 (yī): This character means “medicine,” “medical science,” or “to treat/cure.” The outer radical 匚 represents a container or box, while the inner part originally depicted a weapon like an arrow (矢), symbolizing the treatment of wounds. Think of it as the character for all things medical.
• 生 (shēng): This character's core meaning is “to be born,” “life,” or “to grow.” However, when used as a suffix, it often denotes a person with a certain skill or profession, similar to “-er” or “-ist” in English. For example, 学生 (xuéshēng) is a “student” (learner).
• Together, 医生 (yīshēng) literally translates to a “medical professional” or “master of medicine”—the person who deals with the science of life and healing.

In China, as in most cultures, doctors are highly respected figures. This respect is rooted in the high level of education required and the critical role they play in society's well-being. The term 医生 (yīshēng) commands a sense of authority and trust. A key cultural difference compared to the West lies in how you address them. In English, you might call out “Doctor!” in a general way. In China, this would be unusual. It's culturally important to address a doctor directly using their surname, as in 王医生 (Wáng yīshēng) — “Doctor Wang.” This shows respect and acknowledges their individual identity and professional status. While 医生 (yīshēng) is a modern, all-encompassing term, it's worth noting the distinction between practitioners of Western medicine (西医, xīyī) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (中医, zhōngyī). Both are called 医生, but the underlying philosophy of care can be very different. The high regard for doctors reflects the broader cultural value of respecting knowledge, expertise, and those in positions that serve the community.

医生 (yīshēng) is a fundamental vocabulary word used daily across China.

• As a Profession: When talking about someone's job.
  • “My father is a doctor.” → 我爸爸是医生。 (Wǒ bàba shì yīshēng.)
• As a Title: This is the most important practical point for learners. You combine the doctor's surname with 医生 to address them directly.
  • “Hello, Doctor Li.” → 李医生，你好。 (Lǐ yīshēng, nǐ hǎo.)
• In a Hospital/Clinic: When you need to see a doctor.
  • “I need to see a doctor.” → 我要看医生。 (Wǒ yào kàn yīshēng.)
• Formality: The term is neutral and works in all contexts. While a more colloquial term, 大夫 (dàifu), exists (especially in Northern China), 医生 (yīshēng) is universally understood and always appropriate.

• Example 1:
  • 我妈妈是一名医生。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ māma shì yī míng yīshēng.
  • English: My mother is a doctor.
  • Analysis: This is a simple, standard sentence for stating someone's profession. The measure word 名 (míng) is often used for people with respected professions.
• Example 2:
  • 我感觉不舒服，我需要去看医生。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ gǎnjué bù shūfu, wǒ xūyào qù kàn yīshēng.
  • English: I don't feel well, I need to go see a doctor.
  • Analysis: 看医生 (kàn yīshēng) literally means “to look at a doctor,” but it is the set phrase for “to see a doctor” or “to have a doctor's appointment.”
• Example 3:
  • 张医生，我的检查结果出来了吗？
  • Pinyin: Zhāng yīshēng, wǒ de jiǎnchá jiéguǒ chūlái le ma?
  • English: Doctor Zhang, are my test results out yet?
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the correct way to address a doctor directly, by using their surname + 医生.
• Example 4:
  • 医生说我应该多休息，少工作。
  • Pinyin: Yīshēng shuō wǒ yīnggāi duō xiūxi, shǎo gōngzuò.
  • English: The doctor said I should rest more and work less.
  • Analysis: Here, 医生 refers to a specific doctor already known in the context of the conversation, much like “the doctor” in English.
• Example 5:
  • 这家医院的医生都很有经验。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā yīyuàn de yīshēng dōu hěn yǒu jīngyàn.
  • English: The doctors at this hospital are all very experienced.
  • Analysis: Shows the plural usage of 医生. In Chinese, nouns don't change for plural forms; context and words like 都 (dōu - all) indicate plurality.
• Example 6:
  • 他从小就想成为一名医生。
  • Pinyin: Tā cóngxiǎo jiù xiǎng chéngwéi yī míng yīshēng.
  • English: He has wanted to become a doctor since he was little.
  • Analysis: 成为 (chéngwéi) means “to become,” often used for professions or roles.
• Example 7:
  • 你是医生吗？我需要帮助。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ shì yīshēng ma? Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù.
  • English: Are you a doctor? I need help.
  • Analysis: A simple and direct question you might ask in an emergency.
• Example 8:
  • 医生给我开了一些药。
  • Pinyin: Yīshēng gěi wǒ kāi le yīxiē yào.
  • English: The doctor prescribed me some medicine.
  • Analysis: The verb 开 (kāi), which usually means “to open,” means “to prescribe” in the context of medicine (开药, kāi yào).
• Example 9:
  • 附近有医生吗？
  • Pinyin: Fùjìn yǒu yīshēng ma?
  • English: Is there a doctor nearby?
  • Analysis: Here, 医生 can also refer to a doctor's office or clinic, not just the person. It's a shorthand way of asking for medical services.
• Example 10:
  • 他不但是一位好医生，而且对病人很有耐心。
  • Pinyin: Tā bùdàn shì yī wèi hǎo yīshēng, érqiě duì bìngrén hěn yǒu nàixīn.
  • English: Not only is he a good doctor, but he is also very patient with his patients.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses the “不但…而且…” (bùdàn… érqiě… - not only… but also…) structure to praise a doctor's qualities.

• The #1 Mistake: Addressing a Doctor.
  • Incorrect: Walking up to Doctor Wang and saying, “你好，医生！” (Nǐ hǎo, Yīshēng!). This is like yelling “Hello, Doctor!” in a crowded room. It's impersonal and slightly awkward.
  • Correct: Use their surname. “王医生，你好！” (Wáng yīshēng, nǐ hǎo!). If you don't know their name, it's better to use a general polite address like 你好 (nǐ hǎo) and then state your problem.
• “Doctor” vs. “Ph.D.”
  • The word 医生 (yīshēng) refers exclusively to a medical doctor. It cannot be used for someone with an academic doctorate (a Ph.D.). The term for an academic doctor is 博士 (bóshì). Calling a university professor 医生 would be a mistake.
  • Example: `Dr. Smith is a history professor.` → `史密斯博士是一位历史教授。` (Shǐmìsī bóshì shì yī wèi lìshǐ jiàoshòu.)
• 医生 (yīshēng) vs. 大夫 (dàifu)
  • 医生 (yīshēng) is the standard, modern, and universal term.
  • 大夫 (dàifu) is an older, more colloquial term. It's still commonly used, especially in Northern China (like Beijing), and can sound a bit more familiar or intimate. As a learner, sticking with 医生 is always the safe and correct choice.

• 医院 (yīyuàn) - Hospital. The place where you find many 医生.
• 看病 (kànbìng) - To see a doctor. The action you take when you are sick. (Lit: “to see an illness”).
• 病人 (bìngrén) - Patient. The person a 医生 treats.
• 护士 (hùshi) - Nurse. The professional who works alongside a 医生.
• 大夫 (dàifu) - A more colloquial, northern term for doctor. Often considered a synonym but 医生 is more standard.
• 中医 (zhōngyī) - Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or a practitioner of it. This type of 医生 uses methods like acupuncture and herbal medicine.
• 西医 (xīyī) - Western medicine or a practitioner of it. This is the term for a conventional/allopathic 医生.
• 药 (yào) - Medicine; drugs; prescription. What a 医生 might prescribe.
• 诊所 (zhěnsuǒ) - Clinic. A smaller medical office, often private, where a 医生 works.