Essential Japanese for Pregnancy, Birth and Raising a Baby: Key Phrases for Hospitals, City Hall and Daily Parenting

May 31, 2026 Maternity Prep Navigator Editorial ~12 min read

Not speaking Japanese fluently does not have to mean being lost in the moment. Whether you are checking in at a prenatal clinic, registering your newborn at city hall, or asking a pharmacist a question, having the right phrase ready — in Japanese, with a reading you can attempt — makes a real difference. This phrase guide covers the situations foreign parents most commonly face in Japan, with each phrase presented as: Japanese text, romaji reading, and English meaning.

1. Prenatal Checkups and Maternity Hospital

These phrases are for use at prenatal checkup appointments (ninpu kenshin — 妊婦健診) at a hospital or clinic (byouin — 病院 / kurinikku — クリニック). They help you communicate basic information and ask essential questions at reception and with medical staff.

At reception

• 予約があります。 (yoyaku ga arimasu) — "I have an appointment."
• 〇〇（名前）です。 (○○ (namae) desu) — "My name is ○○." (say your name in place of ○○)
• 妊婦健診の予約をしたいです。 (ninpu kenshin no yoyaku wo shitai desu) — "I would like to make a prenatal checkup appointment."
• 英語が話せるスタッフはいますか？ (eigo ga hanaseru sutaffu wa imasu ka) — "Is there a staff member who speaks English?"
• 通訳はいますか？ (tsuuyaku wa imasu ka) — "Is there an interpreter available?"
• 母子健康手帳を持ってきました。 (boshi kenkou techou wo motte kimashita) — "I have brought my Maternity Health Record Booklet."

During the checkup

• 〇〇週です。 (○○ shuu desu) — "I am ○○ weeks pregnant." (say the week number)
• ここが痛いです。 (koko ga itai desu) — "It hurts here." (point to the area)
• 出血があります。 (shukketsu ga arimasu) — "I have bleeding."
• むくみがあります。 (mukumi ga arimasu) — "I have swelling."
• 気分が悪いです。 (kibun ga warui desu) — "I feel unwell / nauseous."
• アレルギーがあります。 (arerugii ga arimasu) — "I have an allergy." (note: アレルギー is katakana; no separate romaji gloss needed)
• もう一度、ゆっくり言ってもらえますか？ (mou ichido, yukkuri itte moraemasu ka) — "Could you please say that again, slowly?"
• 書いてもらえますか？ (kaite moraemasu ka) — "Could you write that down for me?"

Asking about the birth plan

• 無痛分娩はできますか？ (mutsuu bunben wa dekimasu ka) — "Is an epidural (painless birth) available here?"
• 帝王切開になる可能性はありますか？ (teiou sekkai ni naru kanousei wa arimasu ka) — "Is there a possibility of a caesarean section?"
• 立ち会い出産はできますか？ (tachiai shussan wa dekimasu ka) — "Is a partner-present birth allowed?"

2. Labor, Delivery, and Pain Management

These phrases are for communicating your condition and needs during labor and delivery. Use them to inform nursing staff or call button responses of what you are experiencing.

Reporting your condition

• 陣痛が来ました。 (jintsuu ga kimashita) — "My labor contractions have started."
• 破水しました。 (hasui shimashita) — "My water has broken."
• 陣痛の間隔は〇〇分です。 (jintsuu no kankaku wa ○○ fun desu) — "The contractions are ○○ minutes apart."
• とても痛いです。 (totemo itai desu) — "It is very painful."
• 気分が悪くなってきました。 (kibun ga waruku natte kimashita) — "I am starting to feel unwell."

Requesting pain relief

• 痛み止めはありますか？ (itamidome wa arimasu ka) — "Is there pain relief available?"
• 硬膜外麻酔（無痛分娩）をお願いしたいです。 (koumakugai masui (mutsuu bunben) wo onegai shitai desu) — "I would like to request an epidural (painless birth)."
• 看護師さんを呼んでください。 (kangoshi-san wo yonde kudasai) — "Please call a nurse."
• 先生を呼んでください。 (sensei wo yonde kudasai) — "Please call the doctor."

3. City Hall and Official Procedures

Japan's official procedures — registering your pregnancy, receiving your Maternity Health Record Booklet, registering your newborn's birth, and applying for child benefits — are handled at your city or ward office (shiyakusho — 市役所 / kuyakusho — 区役所). These phrases will help you navigate the process. For detailed guidance on each procedure, see our guides on the Maternity Health Record Booklet and Child Benefit (Jido Teate).

At the city hall counter

• 妊娠届を出したいです。 (ninshin todoke wo dashitai desu) — "I would like to submit my pregnancy notification."
• 母子健康手帳をください。 (boshi kenkou techou wo kudasai) — "I would like to receive my Maternity Health Record Booklet."
• 出生届を出したいです。 (shusshou todoke wo dashitai desu) — "I would like to submit the birth registration for my baby."
• 児童手当の申請をしたいです。 (jidou teate no shinsei wo shitai desu) — "I would like to apply for the Child Benefit."
• 書き方を教えてもらえますか？ (kakikata wo oshiete moraemasu ka) — "Could you explain how to fill in this form?"
• 英語の案内はありますか？ (eigo no annai wa arimasu ka) — "Is there information available in English?"
• 外国語対応の窓口はありますか？ (gaikokugo taiou no madoguchi wa arimasu ka) — "Is there a counter that handles foreign-language inquiries?"
• 必要な書類を教えてください。 (hitsuyou na shorui wo oshiete kudasai) — "Please tell me what documents I need."

4. Pediatric Clinic and Vaccinations

These phrases are for use at a pediatric clinic (shounika — 小児科) when taking your baby for checkups, vaccinations, or when your child is unwell.

Describing symptoms

• 熱があります。 (netsu ga arimasu) — "My child has a fever." (use this to inform staff; medical assessment is done by the doctor)
• 熱は〇〇度です。 (netsu wa ○○ do desu) — "The temperature is ○○ degrees." (e.g., 38.5 do)
• 咳が出ています。 (seki ga dete imasu) — "My child has a cough."
• 下痢をしています。 (geri wo shite imasu) — "My child has diarrhea."
• 嘔吐しました。 (outo shimashita) — "My child has vomited."
• 発疹が出ています。 (hasshin ga dete imasu) — "My child has a rash."
• 食欲がありません。 (shokuyoku ga arimasen) — "My child has no appetite."
• 昨日から症状があります。 (kinou kara shoujou ga arimasu) — "The symptoms started yesterday."

Vaccinations and allergies

• 予防接種の予約をしたいです。 (yobou sesshu no yoyaku wo shitai desu) — "I would like to make a vaccination appointment."
• 今日は〇〇の予防接種に来ました。 (kyou wa ○○ no yobou sesshu ni kimashita) — "We have come today for the ○○ vaccination."
• アレルギーがあります。 (arerugii ga arimasu) — "My child has an allergy."
• 〇〇にアレルギーがあります。 (○○ ni arerugii ga arimasu) — "My child is allergic to ○○." (say the allergen name)
• 母子健康手帳を持ってきました。 (boshi kenkou techou wo motte kimashita) — "I have brought the Maternity Health Record Booklet."

5. Pharmacy and Baby Products

These phrases help you ask pharmacy staff or shop assistants about products for your baby. Note that these phrases are about asking for staff guidance — they are not a substitute for reading the package instructions or consulting a pharmacist about suitability.

• これは赤ちゃんに使えますか？ (kore wa akachan ni tsukaemasu ka) — "Can this be used for a baby?" (show the product)
• 〇〇か月の赤ちゃんに使えますか？ (○○ kagetsu no akachan ni tsukaemasu ka) — "Can this be used for a ○○-month-old baby?"
• おむつのSサイズはありますか？ (omutsu no S saizu wa arimasu ka) — "Do you have size S diapers?"
• 粉ミルクはどこにありますか？ (kona miruku wa doko ni arimasu ka) — "Where are the formula powders?"
• 薬剤師に相談したいです。 (yakuzaishi ni soudan shitai desu) — "I would like to consult with the pharmacist."
• 処方箋があります。 (shohousen ga arimasu) — "I have a prescription."
• 副作用はありますか？ (fukusayou wa arimasu ka) — "Are there any side effects?"

6. Emergency Situations

These phrases are for genuine emergencies only. In Japan, the ambulance and fire department number is 119, and the police number is 110. For full guidance on calling emergency services in Japan, see our dedicated guide: Emergency Contacts and Calling an Ambulance in Japan.

Important: In a life-threatening situation, call 119 first and follow the operator's instructions. The phrases below are to help you communicate what is happening — they are not a substitute for professional medical guidance.

• 救急車を呼んでください。 (kyuukyuusha wo yonde kudasai) — "Please call an ambulance."
• 急病です。 (kyuubyou desu) — "This is a medical emergency."
• 意識がありません。 (ishiki ga arimasen) — "The person is unconscious."
• 呼吸していません。 (kokyuu shite imasen) — "The person is not breathing."
• 子どもが息をしていません。 (kodomo ga iki wo shite imasen) — "The child is not breathing."
• 大量に出血しています。 (tairyou ni shukketsu shite imasu) — "There is heavy bleeding."
• 住所は〇〇です。 (juusho wa ○○ desu) — "The address is ○○." (state your address clearly)
• 今すぐ来てください。 (ima sugu kite kudasai) — "Please come right now."

7. Daily Parenting and Facilities

These phrases cover common situations during everyday outings with a baby — asking about facilities, checking accessibility, and basic requests at public venues. For more detail on getting around Japan with a baby, see our guide on Getting Around Japan with a Baby.

Asking about facilities

• 授乳室はどこですか？ (junyuushitsu wa doko desu ka) — "Where is the nursing room?"
• 授乳室はありますか？ (junyuushitsu wa arimasu ka) — "Is there a nursing room?"
• おむつ替えができる場所はありますか？ (omutsugae ga dekiru basho wa arimasu ka) — "Is there a place where I can change my baby's diaper?"
• エレベーターはどこですか？ (erebeetaa wa doko desu ka) — "Where is the elevator?" (note: エレベーター is katakana; no separate romaji gloss needed)
• ベビーカーで入れますか？ (bebii kaa de hairemasu ka) — "Can I enter with a stroller?" (note: ベビーカー is katakana; no separate romaji gloss needed)
• 子ども連れでも大丈夫ですか？ (kodomo tsuure demo daijoubu desu ka) — "Is it alright if I bring a child?"

At restaurants and shops

• 子ども用の椅子はありますか？ (kodomo you no isu wa arimasu ka) — "Do you have a high chair for children?"
• 禁煙席をお願いします。 (kin-en seki wo onegai shimasu) — "A non-smoking seat, please."
• お湯をもらえますか？ (oyu wo moraemasu ka) — "Could I have some hot water?" (for warming a bottle)

8. Numbers, Dates, and Time

These basics are useful when making appointments, giving your baby's age, or confirming schedule details at hospitals and city hall.

Counting and amounts

• 1 = ichi, 2 = ni, 3 = san, 4 = shi / yon, 5 = go
• 6 = roku, 7 = shichi / nana, 8 = hachi, 9 = ku / kyuu, 10 = juu
• 20 = nijuu, 30 = sanjuu, 40 = yonjuu, 50 = gojuu
• 100 = hyaku, 1000 = sen

Days, months, and years

• Year: [number] + nen — e.g., 2026 = nisen nijuuroku nen
• Month: [number] + gatsu — e.g., January = ichigatsu, May = gogatsu
• Day: [number] + nichi (or irregular: 1st = tsuitachi, 2nd = futsuka, 3rd = mikka, 4th = yokka, 14th = juuyokka, 20th = hatsuka)
• Today: kyou / Tomorrow: ashita / Yesterday: kinou
• This week: konshuu / Next week: raishuu

Telling age in months

• Baby's age in months: [number] + kagetsu — e.g., 3 months = san kagetsu
• Baby's age in years: [number] + sai — e.g., 1 year old = issai, 2 years old = nisai
• 〇〇か月です。 (○○ kagetsu desu) — "My baby is ○○ months old."
• 生後〇〇日です。 (seigo ○○ nichi desu) — "My baby is ○○ days old."

9. FAQ

Is it acceptable to speak Japanese poorly or use a phrase guide at a hospital in Japan?

Yes. Medical and administrative staff at hospitals and city halls in Japan regularly assist foreign patients and residents. Showing written Japanese on your phone screen, pointing to relevant items in a phrase book, or asking "Could you write it down?" (kaite moraemasu ka — 書いてもらえますか？) are all practical and accepted approaches. Many larger hospitals in urban areas also have access to medical interpretation services — asking at reception whether an interpreter is available (tsuuyaku wa imasu ka — 通訳はいますか？) is always worth trying.

What should I always carry when going to a hospital or clinic in Japan?

It is generally recommended to carry your Maternity Health Record Booklet (boshi kenkou techou — 母子健康手帳) whenever you go to a medical facility, as it contains your complete pregnancy and birth records. After your baby is born, the booklet is also used to record your child's health checkups and vaccinations. Your health insurance card (hoken shou — 保険証) is also required for most medical visits. For more on the booklet, see our guide on the Maternity Health Record Booklet and Prenatal Checkups in Japan.

How do I say I have an allergy in Japanese?

The phrase is アレルギーがあります (arerugii ga arimasu) — "I have an allergy." To specify the allergen, say [allergen] にアレルギーがあります ([allergen] ni arerugii ga arimasu). For a baby, prefix with 赤ちゃんが (akachan ga) — e.g., 赤ちゃんが卵にアレルギーがあります (akachan ga tamago ni arerugii ga arimasu) means "My baby is allergic to eggs." Showing a written allergy card is highly recommended in medical settings.

What is the emergency number for a child's health concern at night in Japan?

The nighttime child health telephone consultation line in Japan is #8000 (dial the # symbol followed by 8000). This service is operated by prefectures and is available in the evenings and at night to provide advice on whether a child should be taken to hospital immediately. Some prefectures offer support in foreign languages. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 119. For full guidance, see our guide on Emergency Contacts and Calling an Ambulance in Japan.

How do I make a prenatal checkup appointment in Japanese?

The phrase is 妊婦健診の予約をしたいです (ninpu kenshin no yoyaku wo shitai desu) — "I would like to make a prenatal checkup appointment." When calling, you will also need to provide your name (namae — 名前), your current week of pregnancy (○○ shuu desu), and your preferred date or dates (○○ ni onegai shitai desu — "I would like ○○ [date], please"). For guidance on the prenatal checkup schedule and what to expect, see our guide on the Maternity Health Record Booklet and Prenatal Checkups.

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