Common Medical Terms in Czech

If you’re planning a trip to the Czech Republic or simply interested in expanding your Czech vocabulary, understanding common medical terms can be incredibly helpful. Whether you’re visiting a doctor, picking up medication from a pharmacy, or simply want to be prepared for any medical emergencies, a basic knowledge of medical terminology in Czech can make your experience smoother and less stressful.

Basic Anatomy

Understanding basic anatomical terms is essential for describing symptoms or understanding a doctor’s diagnosis. Here are some common terms you might encounter:

  • Hlava – Head
  • Krk – Neck
  • Rameno – Shoulder
  • Paže – Arm
  • Ruka – Hand
  • Prst – Finger
  • Hrudník – Chest
  • Břicho – Abdomen
  • Záda – Back
  • Noha – Leg
  • Koleno – Knee
  • Chodidlo – Foot
  • Prst na noze – Toe

Internal Organs

Knowing the names of internal organs can also be beneficial, especially when discussing more serious health concerns:

  • Srdce – Heart
  • Plíce – Lungs
  • Játra – Liver
  • Ledvina – Kidney
  • Žaludek – Stomach
  • Střeva – Intestines
  • Mozek – Brain

Common Symptoms

When visiting a doctor, describing your symptoms accurately is crucial. Here are some common symptoms and their Czech translations:

  • Bolest – Pain
  • Bolest hlavy – Headache
  • Bolest břicha – Stomachache
  • Horečka – Fever
  • Kašel – Cough
  • Rýma – Runny nose
  • Zvracení – Vomiting
  • Průjem – Diarrhea
  • Závratě – Dizziness
  • Únava – Fatigue
  • Světlo – Lightheadedness

Medical Conditions

Knowing the names of common medical conditions can be very useful. Here are some you might need to know:

  • Chřipka – Flu
  • Nachlazení – Cold
  • Alergie – Allergy
  • Astma – Asthma
  • Cukrovka – Diabetes
  • Vysoký krevní tlak – High blood pressure
  • Nízký krevní tlak – Low blood pressure
  • Infekce – Infection
  • Zánět – Inflammation
  • Rakovina – Cancer
  • Mrtvice – Stroke
  • Srdeční infarkt – Heart attack

Medical Professionals

When you visit a healthcare facility, you’ll come across various medical professionals. Here are some key terms:

  • Doktor – Doctor
  • Lékař – Physician
  • Zubař – Dentist
  • Sestřička – Nurse
  • Specialista – Specialist
  • Chirurg – Surgeon
  • Ortopéd – Orthopedist
  • Kardiolog – Cardiologist
  • Dermatolog – Dermatologist
  • Gynekolog – Gynecologist
  • Urolog – Urologist
  • Radiolog – Radiologist

Medical Procedures and Tests

If you need to undergo a medical procedure or test, knowing the terminology can be reassuring. Here are some common terms:

  • Vyšetření – Examination
  • Rentgen – X-ray
  • Krevní test – Blood test
  • Močový test – Urine test
  • Ultrazvuk – Ultrasound
  • Biopsie – Biopsy
  • Operace – Surgery
  • Transfúze – Transfusion
  • Injekce – Injection
  • Očkování – Vaccination
  • Rehabilitace – Rehabilitation
  • Fyzioterapie – Physiotherapy

Medications and Treatments

When it comes to medications and treatments, clarity is key. Here are some terms that will help you communicate effectively:

  • Lék – Medicine
  • Antibiotika – Antibiotics
  • Analgetika – Painkillers
  • Masti – Ointments
  • Kapky – Drops
  • Sprej – Spray
  • Tablety – Tablets
  • Kapsle – Capsules
  • Sirup – Syrup
  • Vitamin – Vitamin
  • Bylinný lék – Herbal remedy

Emergency Situations

In case of an emergency, knowing the right terminology can be life-saving. Here are some essential terms:

  • Pohotovost – Emergency
  • Ambulance – Ambulance
  • Záchranná služba – Rescue service
  • Nemocnice – Hospital
  • Urgentní příjem – Emergency room
  • Lékárna – Pharmacy
  • První pomoc – First aid
  • Defibrilátor – Defibrillator
  • Krvácení – Bleeding
  • Zlomenina – Fracture
  • Popálenina – Burn
  • Otrava – Poisoning

Useful Phrases

Finally, here are some useful phrases that could come in handy during a medical appointment or emergency:

  • Mám bolesti. – I am in pain.
  • Necítím se dobře. – I don’t feel well.
  • Jsem alergický na… – I am allergic to…
  • Mám cukrovku. – I have diabetes.
  • Potřebuji lékaře. – I need a doctor.
  • Máte něco na bolest? – Do you have something for pain?
  • Kde je nejbližší lékárna? – Where is the nearest pharmacy?
  • Prosím, zavolejte ambulanci. – Please call an ambulance.
  • Jaké léky užíváte? – What medications are you taking?
  • Můžete mi předepsat recept? – Can you prescribe me a prescription?

Understanding these common medical terms and phrases in Czech can significantly improve your ability to navigate medical situations while in the Czech Republic. This basic knowledge will not only help you communicate more effectively with healthcare professionals but also provide you with a sense of confidence and security when dealing with health-related matters. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll be well-prepared for any medical situation that comes your way.