レントゲン
rentogen[ɾẽ̞nto̞ɡẽ̞ɴ]
In Japanese, the word for xray is レントゲン (rentogen).
レントゲン is used to refer to an x-ray. When you want to say 'to take an x-ray', you use the verb 撮る with it, resulting in the phrase レントゲンを撮る.
Which one should you use?
While レントゲン is common in conversation, X線 is the more technical and scientific term for 'X-ray'. Additionally, レントゲン写真 is a formal way to refer specifically to an x-ray photograph.
How do you pronounce it?
rentogen
Did you know?
- Although Japan is now heavily influenced by English, its medical terminology often preserves German roots, which is why レントゲン is used instead of a word derived from 'X-ray'.
- The Japanese word レントゲン comes from the name of the German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen, who discovered the x-ray.
- In Japanese, the verb 撮る used for レントゲン is the exact same word used to 'capture' a movie or a digital photo, treating the medical procedure as a form of photography.
Examples in context
- 歯のレントゲンDental x-ray
- 胸部のエックス線Chest x-ray
- レントゲンを撮りました。rentogen o torimashita.I had an x-ray taken.
- レントゲンの結果を待ちます。rentogen no kekka o machimasu.I will wait for the x-ray results.
- レントゲンで骨折を確認しました。rentogen de kossetsu o kakunin shimashita.The x-ray confirmed a fracture.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are talking at a clinic.
- 陽太 Yotaレントゲンは撮りましたか？rentogen wa torimashita ka?Did you have an x-ray taken?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、さっき撮りました。hai, sakki torimashita.Yes, I just had one.
- 陽太 Yota結果はすぐ出ますか？kekka wa sugu demasu ka?Will the results be out soon?
- 美咲 Misaki先生が今確認しています。sensei ga ima kakunin shite imasu.The doctor is checking them now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry レントゲン, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries レントゲン, CC BY-SA 4.0.
