獣医
jūi[d͡ʑɨːi]
The English word "veterinarian" is translated into Japanese as 獣医 (jūi). Wiktionary also lists 獣医師 (jūishi).
Meaning: doctor who treats animals (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 獣医 | jūi | [d͡ʑɨːi] (narrow) |
| 獣医師 | jūishi | [d͡ʑɨːiɕi] (narrow) |
The term refers to a doctor who treats animals.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 獣医 (jūi) is composed of 獣 (jū), meaning beast or animal and 医 (i), meaning medicine or doctor.
Which one should you use?
獣医 (jūi) is the common term used in daily conversation, whereas 獣医師 (jūishi) is a more formal, professional title often used in official contexts or to refer to the medical profession itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the term sound more polite or affectionate, you can add the honorific suffix さん to the end of the word to form 獣医さん.
How do you pronounce it?
jūi
Did you know?
- In Japanese, if you want to address a veterinarian directly, you should use the honorific 先生 (sensei) rather than さん (san). This places them in the same prestigious social category as doctors, lawyers, and teachers.
- The term 獣医師 (jūishi) is not just a description of a job, but a legally protected title in Japan. One must be officially licensed to use this specific term in formal or professional settings.
- While 獣 (jū) means 'beast', a 獣医 (jūi) would rarely use that word when talking about a pet, as it sounds cold and clinical.
Examples in context
- トムは獣医だよ。Tom is a veterinarian.This sentence is useful for identifying someone's occupation using 獣医.Tatoeba #10014742 by small_snow, translation #2272887 by CK
- 獣医になりたいんです。I want to be a veterinarian.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to become a 獣医.Tatoeba #9453693 by small_snow, translation #6264563 by CK
- 僕のお兄ちゃん、獣医なんだ。My brother is a veterinarian.This sentence is useful for stating a family member's profession using 獣医.Tatoeba #10014744 by small_snow, translation #6262220 by CK
- 獣医に診てもらいました。I had my pet checked by a veterinarian.
- 引越し先で新しい獣医さんを探しています。I'm looking for a new veterinarian in my new place of residence.
- 動物病院で素晴らしい獣医に出会いました。I met an amazing veterinarian at the animal hospital.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about their pets.
- 健太 Kenta猫が熱を出したから、獣医さんに連れて行くよ。Neko ga netsu o dashita kara, juui-san ni tsurete iku yo.The cat has a fever, so I'm taking him to the veterinarian.
- 陽葵 Himari近くにいい獣医さんはいる？Chikaku ni ii juui-san wa iru?Is there a good veterinarian nearby?
- 健太 Kentaうん、駅の近くに評判のいい獣医さんがいるよ。Un, eki no chikaku ni hyouban no ii juui-san ga iru yo.Yeah, there is a highly-rated veterinarian near the station.
- 陽葵 Himariそれはよかった。早く治るといいね。Sore wa yokatta. Hayaku naoru to ii ne.That's good to hear. I hope he gets better soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “veterinarian” translations and entries 獣医, 獣医師, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
