TravelAdvanced
Seeing a doctor in English (advanced)
Advanced English for seeing a doctor. Key line: “Hi, I'd really like to see a doctor, if that's possible.”
Full script
Lin
Hi, I'd really like to see a doctor, if that's possible.
Them
Of course—what seems to be the problem today?
Lin
I've had this throbbing headache since yesterday, and coffee isn't fixing it.
Them
Oof, that's rough. Any fever, nausea, or trouble sleeping last night?
Lin
No fever, but I did google it, which probably made everything sound dramatic.
Them
The internet does love a plot twist. Are you taking any medicine?
Lin
Just ibuprofen, and I'd rather hear it from a doctor than a search bar.
Them
Fair enough—let's get you checked in before the internet says it's terminal.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Seeing a doctor
✓ see a doctorSeeing a doctor
A very natural way to say it
what's wrong
✓ What seems to be the problem?What seems to be the problem?
Common at reception; softer
since yesterday
✓ since yesterdaysince yesterday
Good for symptom duration
hear from a doctor
✓ I'd rather hear it from a doctor.I'd rather hear it from a doctor.
Softer than saying no directly
Quick answers
Seeing a doctor: what to say in English
Say “see a doctor” — seeing a doctor. A very natural way to say it.
what's wrong: what to say in English
Say “What seems to be the problem?” — what seems to be the problem. Common at reception; softer.
since yesterday: what to say in English
Say “since yesterday” — since yesterday. Good for symptom duration.
hear from a doctor: what to say in English
Say “I'd rather hear it from a doctor.” — i'd rather hear it from a doctor. Softer than saying no directly.