診察

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 診察 (しんさつ) is a noun that also forms a する verb for a medical examination or consultation.
• Basic usage: It is used when completing a questionnaire before an examination or when a doctor examines a patient and asks about symptoms.
  • 診察の前に受付で問診票を書きました。 — I completed a medical questionnaire at reception before the examination.
  • 医師は患者を診察しながら症状について尋ねました。 — The doctor asked about symptoms while examining the patient.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Examination and questionnaire
  • 診察 is the doctor's examination of a patient, while 問診票 is the form used to record symptoms and background beforehand.