Must-Know Turkish Phrases for Visiting the Doctor in Turkey

Visiting a doctor in a foreign country can be stressful, especially if there's a language barrier. Whether you're an expat, traveler, or Turkish learner, these essential medical phrases will help you communicate your symptoms, understand diagnoses, and get proper treatment in Turkey.

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TURKISH PHRASES USED AT THE DOCTOR

1. Booking an Appointment & Arrival

Making an Appointment

• Randevu almak istiyorum. I would like to make an appointment.
• En yakın ne zaman müsait? What’s the earliest availability?
• Acil bir durum var. It’s an emergency.

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At the Clinic / Hospital

• Doktorla görüşebilir miyim? Can I see the doctor?
• Sigortam var. I have insurance.
• Önce muayene ücretini ödemem gerekiyor mu? Do I need to pay the examination fee first?

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2. Explaining Your Symptoms

General Phrases

• Kendimi iyi hissetmiyorum. I don’t feel well.
• Şikayetim var. I have a complaint.
• ... ağrım var. I have pain in my ...

Common Symptoms

• Ateşim var. I have a fever.
• Başım ağrıyor. My head hurts.
• Mide bulantım var. I feel nauseous.
• Başım dönüyor. I’m dizzy.
• İshalim var. I have diarrhea.
• Öksürüyorum. I’m coughing.
• Nefes almakta zorlanıyorum. I’m having trouble breathing.
• Alerjim var. I have an allergy.

Pain Level & Duration

• Çok şiddetli ağrıyor. It hurts very badly.
• 3 gündür devam ediyor. It’s been going on for 3 days.

3. Understanding the Doctor’s Questions

Doctors might ask:

• Ne zamandan beri? Since when?
• Ağrı nerede? Where is the pain?
• Alerjiniz var mı? Do you have any allergies?
• Hangi ilaçları kullanıyorsunuz? What medications are you taking?

How to Respond:

• ... gündür/bu hafta devam ediyor. For… days/this week.
• ... alerjim var. I’m allergic to...
• Şu ilaçları kullanıyorum... I’m taking these medications...

4. Medical Terms & Treatments

Common Diagnoses

• Grip Flu
• Soğuk algınlığı Cold
• Enfeksiyon Infection
• Yüksek tansiyon High blood pressure

Treatments & Prescriptions

• İlaç yazabilir misiniz? Can you prescribe medicine?
• Reçeteye ihtiyacım var. I need a prescription.
• Aşı olmam gerekiyor mu? Do I need a vaccine?
• Ameliyat gerekli mi? Is surgery necessary?

5. At the Pharmacy

• Reçetem var. I have a prescription.
• Ağrı kesici istiyorum. I need painkillers.
• Bu ilacın yan etkileri neler? What are the side effects of this medicine?
• Günde kaç kez almalıyım? How many times a day should I take it?

6. Emergency Phrases

• Acil servis nerede? Where is the emergency room?
• Acilen doktora ihtiyacım var! I need a doctor urgently!
• Bayılmak üzereyim. I’m about to faint.
• Alerjik reaksiyon geçiriyorum. I’m having an allergic reaction.

7. Helpful Tips

• Carry a translated medical history if you have chronic conditions.
• Learn basic body parts (baş=head, karın=stomach, boğaz=throat).
• Use translation apps if needed, but keep phrases simple.

Knowing these Turkish medical phrases can make your doctor visit smoother and less stressful. Practice key sentences before your appointment, and don’t hesitate to ask: "Daha yavaş konuşabilir misiniz? Can you speak slower?

Have you visited a doctor in Turkey? Share your experience in the comments!

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