In HSK levels 1 through 3, being "sick" is simple: "I am uncomfortable" (Wo bu shufu) covers everything from a mild headache to a broken leg.
But for HSK 5 candidates, vague descriptions won't cut it. The exam frequently tests scenes involving hospital registration, pharmacy instructions, and detailed descriptions of symptoms. Furthermore, if you are living in China, mastering these terms isn't just about grades—it is about your well-being.
This comprehensive guide moves beyond basic words like "Doctor" and dives into the technical vocabulary you need to navigate a Chinese hospital (yīyuàn) and ace your exam.
Phase 1: Navigating the System (Registration & Departments)
In the HSK listening section, you often hear dialogues regarding "Guahao." If you don't know what this means, you miss the context entirely. In Chinese hospitals, you must register for a specific department before you see a doctor.
Key Actions
- 挂号 (Guàhào): To register/Take a number.
- Example: 你挂号了吗？(Did you register?)
- Context: This is almost always step 1 in any listening narrative about hospitals.
- 排队 (Páiduì): To queue up.
- 诊断 (Zhěnduàn): To diagnose / Diagnosis.
- 开药 (Kāiyào): To prescribe medicine.
- Note: Patients "eat" medicine (Chi yao), but Doctors "open/write" medicine (Kai yao).
Choosing the Right Department (科 - Kē)
HSK 5 tests your ability to distinguish categories. You won't just look for "a doctor"; you look for a department.
- 内科 (Nèikē) - Internal Medicine: For flu, stomach issues, fever (Inside the body).
- 外科 (Wàikē) - Surgery/External Medicine: For trauma, broken bones, wounds (Outside/Structural).
- 儿科 (Érkē) - Pediatrics: For children.
- 急诊 (Jízhěn) - Emergency Room.
Phase 2: Describing Symptoms with Precision
At HSK 5, "My stomach hurts" implies simple language skills. You are expected to describe the nature of the sensation.
The "Pain" Vocabulary
- 痛 (Tòng) vs. 疼 (Téng): Both mean pain and are interchangeable in spoken Chinese, but Tòng sounds slightly more clinical in compounds.
- 痒 (Yǎng): Itchy.
- 晕 (Yūn): Dizzy / Nauseous.
- Phrase: 头晕 (Tóuyūn) - Dizzy.
- 吐 (Tù): To vomit.
Advanced Symptoms (HSK 5 List)
| Hanzi | Pinyin | Meaning | Context Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 过敏 | Guòmǐn | Allergy / To be allergic | 我对花生过敏。(I am allergic TO peanuts.) |
| 发炎 | Fāyán | Inflammation / Infected | 我的嗓子发炎了。(My throat is inflamed.) |
| 失眠 | Shīmián | Insomnia | 我最近经常失眠。(I have insomnia lately.) |
| 流感 | Liúgǎn | Flu (Influenza) | 这是流行性流感。(This is the seasonal flu.) |
| 心脏病 | Xīnzàngbìng | Heart disease | Needs surgery (手术). |
Cultural Note: Describing Body Parts Review our basic list of Chinese characters about body parts to ensure you aren't pointing at your Wei (Stomach) when your Gan (Liver) hurts!
Phase 3: Treatment and Procedures
Once diagnosed, the doctor suggests a course of action. HSK 5 listening passages often involve discussing the treatment plan.
Procedures
- 打针 (Dǎzhēn): To give/get an injection.
- 输液 (Shūyè): IV Drip (Very common in China for fast cold recovery).
- 做手术 (Zuò shǒushù): To perform/undergo surgery.
- 量体温 (Liáng tǐwēn): To measure body temperature.
Describing the State of Illness
- 严重 (Yánzhòng): Serious / Severe / Critical.
- Ex: 他的病很严重 (His illness is critical).
- 恢复 (Huīfù): To recover / To resume health.
- Ex: 希望你早日恢复健康 (Hope you recover health soon).
For practical steps on interacting with hospital staff, check our dedicated guide on practical Chinese for hospital visits.
Phase 4: Understanding Medicine Instructions
A critical skill tested in HSK Reading comprehension is reading instruction labels (prescriptions).
Dosage Vocabulary
- 片 (Piàn): Tablet/Slice (Measure word for pills).
- 粒 (Lì): Grain/Capsule.
- 一次 (Yí cì): One time.
- 饭后 (Fànhòu): After meals.
- 饭前 (Fànqián): Before meals.
Typical Prescription Instruction:
一日三次，一次两片，饭后服用。 (Yī rì sān cì, yī cì liǎng piàn, fàn hòu fúyòng.) Three times a day, two tablets per time, take after eating.
(Confused about numbers? Review our Chinese Numbers Guide).
Cultural Insight: "Shang Huo" and TCM
You cannot pass HSK 5 without understanding basic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM - 中医) terms, as cultural passages heavily feature them.
- 上火 (Shànghuǒ): "Excessive internal heat." This catches foreigners off guard. If you have acne, a sore throat, or a toothache, a Chinese friend will say you have Shanghuo.
- Solution: Drink hot water or herbal tea.
- 着凉 (Zháoliáng): "Catch a chill." Often blamed for colds.
- 阴阳 (Yīnyáng): The balance of energies.
- 针对 (Zhēnduì): To be directed against / To target.
Grammar Spotlight: Medical Sentence Patterns
Using precise grammar demonstrates proficiency.
1. Describing Severity with "De"
As we learned in our Use of Adjective Particles, using 得 (de) describes degree.
- Structure: Verb/Adj + 得 + Complement.
- Example: 疼得要命。(Téng de yàomìng.) - Hurts as if asking for my life (It hurts like hell).
- Example: 疼得睡不着。(Téng de shuì bu zháo.) - Hurts so much I can't sleep.
2. The Passive Treatment with "Bei" or "Rang"
- Structure: Receiver + 被 + Agent + Verb.
- Example: 我被传染了。(Wǒ bèi chuánrǎn le.) - I was infected (by someone).
HSK 5 Practice: Translations
Test your new vocabulary against these typical exam scenarios.
-
Scenario: Registration
- English: I need to register for the Internal Medicine department.
- Chinese: 我要挂内科的号。(Wǒ yào guà nèikē de hào.)
-
Scenario: Allergy
- English: I cannot eat seafood, I am allergic to it.
- Chinese: 我不能吃海鲜，我对它过敏。(Wǒ duì tā guòmǐn.)
- Reference: Learn about ordering safely in our Eating Out in China Guide.
-
Scenario: Recovery
- English: The doctor said I need to rest to improve immunity.
- Chinese: 医生说我需要休息，提高免疫力 (Miànyìlì).
Conclusion: From Survival to Fluency
Mastering medical Chinese allows you to do two things: navigate a health crisis with independence, and pass the HSK 5 listening/reading sections without panic.
When studying, try to group these words into a narrative: Registration -> Symptoms -> Department -> Treatment -> Prescription.
Linking words to a storyline (a process called "Script Theory") is a scientifically proven way to boost retention.
Keep yourself healthy and keep studying! Curious about what everyday health habits Chinese people actually follow? Read our cultural feature on Health Hacks Chinese People Swear By.