症状
A 'shōjō' refers to the physical or mental signs that indicate a person has a specific illness or medical condition. It is used to describe the manifestations of a disease, such as a cough, fever, or pain, rather than the name of the disease itself.
Examples
3 of 5風邪の症状があります。
I have cold symptoms.
どのような症状が見られますか？
What kind of symptoms are being observed?
どんな症状？
What are the symptoms?
Word Family
Memory Tip
The first kanji 症 means 'illness' and contains the 'sick' radical 疒. Think of it as the 'show' (shō) of an illness.
Quick Quiz
風邪の____があるので、薬を飲みます。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 症状
Examples
風邪の症状があります。
everydayI have cold symptoms.
どのような症状が見られますか？
formalWhat kind of symptoms are being observed?
どんな症状？
informalWhat are the symptoms?
その病気の主な症状は、高熱と咳です。
academicThe main symptoms of that disease are high fever and a cough.
症状が悪化したため、本日は休みます。
businessBecause my symptoms worsened, I will be taking today off.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
症状が重い
to have severe symptoms
症状を訴える
to complain of symptoms
自覚症状
subjective symptoms (symptoms the patient notices themselves)
Often Confused With
Jōtai is a general 'state' or 'condition' of any object, while shōjō specifically refers to medical signs of illness.
Byōjō refers to the overall progress or status of a disease, whereas shōjō refers to the specific signs (like fever).
Usage Notes
Use this word when talking to a doctor or describing why you feel sick. It can refer to both physical problems (fever, pain) and mental health signs.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'byōki' (illness) when they want to describe specific signs. Remember that 'shōjō' is the symptom, not the name of the sickness.
Memory Tip
The first kanji 症 means 'illness' and contains the 'sick' radical 疒. Think of it as the 'show' (shō) of an illness.
Word Origin
Composed of 症 (illness/condition) and 状 (status/form), originating from Middle Chinese medical terminology.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Japanese medical culture, patients are expected to describe their 'shōjō' accurately so doctors can make a quick diagnosis, often starting with 'doko ga itai desu ka?' (where does it hurt?).
Quick Quiz
風邪の____があるので、薬を飲みます。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 症状
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