VIENID Start practicing

Home › Lessons › Nursing Care

Caregiving Vocabulary (Body Parts, Symptoms, Equipment, and Care Actions)

Nursing Care · 介護 - Kaigo · Written by Tokutei Pass based on the official study texts; not copied verbatim.

Body Parts 1: Vocabulary for the Head, Face, Neck, and Trunk

In caregiving settings, care workers must accurately learn terms for body parts to observe and report users' physical conditions properly. For the head and face, Atama (head), Kao (face), Hitai (forehead, also called Odeko), Kuchibiru (lips), and Ago (chin/jaw) are frequently used.

Around the eyes, Megashira refers to the inner corner of the eye near the nose, while Mejiri refers to the outer corner near the ears. When wiping the face during face washing or bed bathing, gently wipe from the inner corner (Megashira) toward the outer corner (Mejiri).

Around the neck, distinguish between Kubi (the neck supporting the head) and Nodo (the throat through which food and air pass). The hollow beneath the base of the arm is called Waki or the medical term Ekika (armpit/axilla), an important site for placing a thermometer to measure body temperature.

On the trunk (Taikan), the upper front is Mune (chest) and the lower front is Hara or Onaka (abdomen); the upper back is Senaka (back), the lower back is Koshi (waist/lower back), and the area touching a chair when seated is Denbu (buttocks, or Oshiri).

Key points


  • Hitai means forehead (Odeko), Megashira is the inner corner of the eye near the nose, and Mejiri is the outer corner near the ear.

  • Ekika means the armpit (Waki no shita) and is commonly used in temperature measurement and bed bathing.

  • Denbu means the buttocks (Oshiri), an area prone to redness when sitting or lying in the same position for a long time.
WordMeaning
Forehead (Hitai / Odeko), Chin/Jaw (Ago), Lips (Kuchibiru)
Inner corner of the eye near the nose (Megashira)
Outer corner of the eye near the ear (Mejiri)
Neck (Kubi / Keibu), Throat (Nodo)
Armpit / Axilla (Waki / Ekika)
Chest (Mune), Abdomen (Hara), Back (Senaka), Lower back (Koshi)
Buttocks (Denbu / Shiri / Oshiri)
Facial complexion (Kaoiro)

Body Parts 2: Upper Limbs, Lower Limbs, Internal Organs, and Affected vs. Unaffected Side

Parts of the upper limb (arm and hand) include Kata (shoulder), Ude (arm), Hiji (the elbow joint in the middle of the arm), and Tekubi (the wrist between the hand and arm). The inner surface of the hand is Tenohira (palm), the outer surface is Tenokou (back of the hand), and the tips of the fingers are Yubisaki (fingertips).

In the lower limb (leg and foot), Futomomo is the thigh from hip to knee, Hiza is the knee joint, and Ashikubi is the ankle below it. The back end of the foot is Kakato (heel), the underside touching the floor is Sokutei or Ashi no ura (sole of the foot), and the tips of the toes are Tsumasaki (tiptoes).

When one side of the body is paralyzed due to cerebral infarction or similar conditions, the paralyzed or painful side is called Kansoku (affected side), and the healthy, movable side is called Kensoku (unaffected/healthy side). Distinguishing Kansoku and Kensoku is essential during dressing, transfers, and walking assistance.

Key internal organs include Shinzou (heart) and Kekkan (blood vessels) that pump and carry blood, Hai (lungs) for breathing, I (stomach) and Chou (intestines) for digesting and absorbing food, Boukou (bladder) for storing urine, and Kansetsu (joints) connecting bones.

Key points


  • The inner hand is Tenohira (palm) and the outer hand is Tenokou (back of the hand); the underside of the foot is Sokutei (sole) and the back is Kakato (heel).

  • The side with paralysis or impairment is called Kansoku (affected side), while the healthy side without paralysis is called Kensoku (unaffected side).

  • Remember the readings and functions of internal organs: Shinzou (heart), Hai (lungs), I (stomach), Chou (intestines), Boukou (bladder), Kekkan (blood vessels), and Kansetsu (joints).
WordMeaning
Shoulder (Kata), Arm (Ude), Elbow (Hiji), Wrist (Tekubi)
Palm (Tenohira), Back of the hand (Tenokou), Fingertips (Yubisaki)
Thigh (Futomomo), Knee (Hiza), Ankle (Ashikubi)
Heel (Kakato), Sole of the foot (Sokutei / Ashi no ura), Toes/Tiptoes (Tsumasaki)
Affected / Paralyzed side (Kansoku)
Unaffected / Healthy side (Kensoku)
Heart (Shinzou), Lungs (Hai), Blood vessels (Kekkan), Joints (Kansetsu)
Stomach (I), Intestines (Chou), Urinary bladder (Boukou)

Basic Body Positions (Taii) and Vocabulary for Posture and Mobility Actions

There are three basic lying positions (Taii) in bed: lying on one's back facing upward is Gyougai (Aomuke - supine position); lying facing sideways is Sokugai (Yokomuki - lateral position); and lying with the stomach facing downward is Fukugai (Utsubuse - prone position).

For sitting and standing postures: sitting on the edge of the bed with both feet lowered to the floor is Tanzai (edge-of-bed sitting); sitting in a chair or wheelchair is Izai; sitting with the head of the bed slightly raised is Hanzai (Fowler's position); and standing upright is Ritsui (standing position).

Turning over in bed while lying down is called Negaeri (rolling over), and regularly changing a user's lying posture to prevent pressure ulcers is called Taii henkan (postural change/repositioning). Lying in bed is Gashou (bed rest), and getting up and away from the bed is Rishou (getting out of bed).

Moving from lying down to a sitting posture is Okiagaru (sitting up), and leaning the upper body forward (Maekagami) from sitting to stand up is Tachiagaru (standing up). Transferring from a bed to a wheelchair or portable toilet is Ijou (transfer), whereas moving from one place to another is Idou (movement/mobility).

Basic Body Positions (Taii) and Vocabulary for Posture and Mobility Actions

Key points


  • Lying face up is Gyougai (Aomuke / supine), lying on the side is Sokugai (Yokomuki / lateral), and lying face down on the stomach is Fukugai (Utsubuse / prone).

  • Sitting on the edge of the bed with feet on the floor is Tanzai, and getting out of bed is Rishou.

  • Moving between a bed and a wheelchair or toilet is called Ijou (transfer), which is distinguished from Idou (moving between locations).
WordMeaning
Supine position / Lying on the back (Gyougai / Aomuke)
Lateral position (Sokugai / Yokomuki), Prone position (Fukugai / Utsubuse)
Sitting on bed edge (Tanzai), Chair sitting (Izai), Semi-sitting (Hanzai), Standing position (Ritsui)
Repositioning / Postural change (Taii henkan), Turning over in bed (Negaeri)
Lying in bed (Gashou), Getting out of bed (Rishou)
Sitting up (Okiagaru), Standing up (Tachiagaru), Leaning forward (Maekagami)
Transferring between surfaces (Ijou), Moving / Locomotion (Idou)
Guiding (Yuudou), Supporting (Sasaeru), Holding onto (Tsukamaru), Gripping (Nigiru)

Vital Signs and Systemic, Digestive, and Respiratory Symptoms

Vital signs indicating a person's living state consist of four measurements: Taion (body temperature), Myakuhaku (pulse), Kokyuu (respiration), and Ketsuatsu (blood pressure). Care workers measure these and carefully observe changes in the user's usual Taichou (physical condition) and Kaoiro (complexion).

Common systemic symptoms include Hatsunetsu (fever higher than usual), Hakkan (sweating/perspiration), Dassui (dehydration from insufficient body fluids), Memai (dizziness), and Fumin (insomnia/sleeplessness at night).

Digestive symptoms include Hakike (nausea—the feeling of being about to vomit stomach contents) and Outo (vomiting—actually throwing up). Passing watery or loose stools is Geri (diarrhea), while having no bowel movement for days with abdominal bloating is Benpi (constipation).

Regarding breathing and swallowing, the action of swallowing food or drink is Enge (deglutition/swallowing), and when food, liquid, or saliva enters the trachea instead of the esophagus, it is called Goen (aspiration). Choking or coughing while drinking (Museru), coughing fits (Seki / Sekikomu), and phlegm (Tan) are key warning signs of aspiration.

Key points


  • The four vital signs are body temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure; observe them alongside fever (Hatsunetsu), sweating (Hakkan), and dehydration (Dassui).

  • Hakike is nausea, Outo is actual vomiting, and Geri (diarrhea) and Benpi (constipation) represent bowel movement abnormalities.

  • Enge means swallowing and Goen means aspiration into the windpipe; pay close attention to choking (Museru), coughing fits (Sekikomu), and phlegm (Tan).
WordMeaning
Vital signs (Body temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Blood pressure)
Measurement (Sokutei), Physical condition (Taichou), Dizziness (Memai), Insomnia (Fumin)
Fever (Hatsunetsu), Sweating (Hakkan), Dehydration (Dassui)
Vomiting (Outo), Nausea (Hakike)
Diarrhea (Geri), Constipation (Benpi)
Swallowing / Deglutition (Enge)
Aspiration into the trachea (Goen)
Choking on food/drink (Museru), Cough / Coughing fit (Seki / Sekikomu), Phlegm / Sputum (Tan)

Skin, Sensory, and Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Common Diseases in Older Adults

Skin symptoms include Hosseki (skin redness/erythema), Hosshin (skin rash), and Souyoukan (itching sensation, or Kayumi). A condition in which the lips or fingertips turn bluish-purple due to lack of oxygen in the blood is called Cyanosis.

Swelling caused by excess fluid accumulating in the limbs or face is called Fushu (edema, or Mukumu). When a bedridden person has the same body part pressed for a long time, poor blood flow causes redness or skin breakdown known as Jokusou (pressure ulcer / bedsore, or Tokozure).

Musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms include Shibireru (numbness or tingling in the limbs), Katamahi (hemiplegia—difficulty moving either the right or left half of the body), Koushuku (joint contracture where a joint stiffens and loses range of motion), and Kossetsu (bone fracture).

Common illnesses in older adults include Kaisen (scabies—an itchy skin infection caused by mites), Hakunaishou (cataracts causing cloudy vision), and Netchuushou (heatstroke), as well as Noukousoku (cerebral infarction), Noushukketsu (cerebral hemorrhage), Goensei haien (aspiration pneumonia), Kouketsuatsushou (hypertension), Tounyoubyou (diabetes), Kotsusoshoushou (osteoporosis), and Ninchishou (dementia).

Key points


  • Hosseki is skin redness, Souyoukan is itching (Kayumi), Fushu is edema/swelling (Mukumi), and Jokusou is a pressure ulcer/bedsore (Tokozure).

  • Katamahi (hemiplegia) and Koushuku (joint contracture) are high-frequency terms in caregiving practice.

  • Master the readings and meanings of Kaisen (scabies), Hakunaishou (cataracts), Netchuushou (heatstroke), and Goensei haien (aspiration pneumonia).
WordMeaning
Skin redness (Hosseki), Rash (Hosshin), Itching sensation (Souyoukan / Kayumi)
Edema / Swelling (Fushu / Mukumu), Cyanosis
Pressure ulcer / Bedsore (Jokusou / Tokozure)
Hemiplegia (Katamahi), Joint contracture (Koushuku), Bone fracture (Kossetsu), Numbness (Shibireru)
Scabies (Kaisen), Cataracts (Hakunaishou), Heatstroke (Netchuushou)
Pneumonia (Haien), Aspiration pneumonia (Goensei haien), Common cold (Kaze), Food poisoning (Shokuchuudoku)
Cerebral infarction (Noukousoku), Cerebral hemorrhage (Noushukketsu), Heart disease (Shinshikkan)
Hypertension (Kouketsuatsushou), Diabetes (Tounyoubyou), Osteoporosis (Kotsusoshoushou), Dementia (Ninchishou)

Vocabulary for Mobility and Transfer Assistive Devices and Facility Equipment

On a wheelchair (Kurumaisu), the outer ring attached to the main wheel for self-propelling is the Handrim, the footrest plates are the Foot support, and the fundamental safety rule is to always apply the brakes (Brake wo kakeru) when stopping or getting on and off.

Walking aids include a single-point cane (Tsue), a multi-point cane (Tatendzue) with three or four legs for greater stability, and a white cane (Hakujou) used by persons with visual impairments to check surroundings and walk safely.

A walker (Hokouki) has side frames gripped with both hands to support body weight while walking. In contrast, a Silver car (senior pushcart/rollator) is pushed by older adults who can walk independently to carry shopping items or sit and rest during walks.

Equipment that prevents caregiver back pain and ensures safe transfers includes a transfer lift (Idouyou lift) that raises the body in a sling, low-friction Sliding sheets and Sliding boards, and a Stretcher for lying transport. Hallways are equipped with handrails (Tesuri), and the room for exercise and rehabilitation is the Kinou kunrenshitsu (functional training room).

Vocabulary for Mobility and Transfer Assistive Devices and Facility Equipment

Key points


  • Always apply the wheelchair brakes (Brake wo kakeru) when stopping or transferring, and remember that the footrests are called Foot support.

  • Distinguish between Hokouki (a weight-supporting walker), Silver car (a senior pushcart for carrying items), and Hakujou (a white cane for visually impaired users).

  • Idouyou lift and Sliding sheet reduce transfer strain, and Kinou kunrenshitsu is the facility room where users do exercise and rehabilitation.
WordMeaning
Wheelchair (Kurumaisu), Apply brakes (Brake wo kakeru), Handrim, Foot support
Cane (Tsue), Multi-point cane (Tatendzue), White cane for visual impairment (Hakujou)
Walker (Hokouki - frame device supporting body weight while walking)
Senior pushcart / Rollator (Silver car / Koureishayou teoshiguruma)
Transfer lift (Idouyou lift), Stretcher
Sliding board, Sliding sheet
Handrail (Tesuri), Floor (Yuka), Step/Level difference (Dansa), Knee buckling (Hizaore), Back pressure release (Senuki)
Functional training room / Exercise room (Kinou kunrenshitsu)

Vocabulary for Excretion Care Supplies, Equipment, and Assistance Actions

In basic excretion (Haisetsu) vocabulary, urination is Hainyou and defecation is Haiben. The urge to urinate or defecate is Nyoui and Beni, while involuntary leakage of urine or stool is called Shikkin (incontinence).

A movable toilet placed right beside the bed for users who have difficulty walking to the restroom is a Portable toilet. Meanwhile, devices used while lying in bed include a Nyouki (urinal bottle for collecting urine) and a Sashikomi benki (bedpan slid under the buttocks).

In diaper care, an absorbent urine pad (Nyoutori pad) is layered inside an outer disposable paper diaper (Kami omutsu). Care workers wear disposable gloves (Tsukaisute tebukuro) to prevent infection, wash the genital area (Inbu) and anus (Koumon) with lukewarm water from a Shower bottle, wipe dry (Fukitoru), and place used diapers into a waste container (Obutsuire).

Excretion is a situation that evokes strong feelings of modesty and embarrassment (Shuuchishin). After the user sits stably on the toilet seat (Benza), protect privacy and ask them to press the call button (Yobidashi button / Nurse call) when finished. Terms such as pulling pants down (Zubon wo sageru), pulling pants up (Zubon wo ageru), flushing (Nagasu), hand disinfection (Shoudoku / Shoudokueki), and enema (Kanchou) are also used.

Vocabulary for Excretion Care Supplies, Equipment, and Assistance Actions

Key points


  • Nyoui and Beni mean the urge to urinate or defecate, Shikkin means incontinence, and Shuuchishin means a sense of embarrassment or modesty.

  • Distinguish between a Portable toilet (bedside commode chair), Nyouki (urinal bottle), and Sashikomi benki (bedpan placed under the buttocks in bed).

  • Wear disposable gloves (Tsukaisute tebukuro) for infection control, and instruct users to press the call button (Yobidashi button / Nurse call) when finished.
WordMeaning
Excretion (Haisetsu), Urination (Hainyou), Defecation (Haiben), Urine (Nyou), Stool (Ben)
Urge to urinate (Nyoui), Urge to defecate (Beni), Incontinence (Shikkin), Sense of embarrassment (Shuuchishin)
Bedside portable toilet (Portable toilet), Toilet seat (Benza)
Urinal bottle (Nyouki), Bedpan slid under the buttocks (Sashikomi benki)
Paper diaper (Kami omutsu), Urine pad (Nyoutori pad), Soiled waste container (Obutsuire)
Genital area (Inbu), Anus (Koumon), Perineal shower bottle (Shower bottle), Enema (Kanchou)
Disposable gloves (Tsukaisute tebukuro), Disinfection (Shoudoku), Disinfectant solution (Shoudokueki)
Call button (Yobidashi button / Nurse call), Pull pants up / Pull pants down

Vocabulary for Meal Assistance, Food Textures, Cooking, and Tableware

On a meal menu chart (Kondatehyou), meals are categorized into Shushoku (staple food such as rice, bread, or udon), Fukushoku (side dishes consisting of main dish Shusai and side dish Fukusai made of meat, fish, or vegetables), Shirumono (soups such as miso soup), and Dessert (fruit, pudding, etc.).

Food textures adapted to chewing ability (Soshaku) and swallowing ability (Enge) include Kayu / Okayu (softly cooked rice porridge), Hitokuchidai (food cut into bite-sized pieces), Kizamishoku (finely chopped food), Pasteshoku (pureed/paste food), and Softshoku (softly cooked food).

For users prone to choking on thin liquids like tea or miso soup, thickener is added (Toromi wo tsukeru / Toromishoku) to prevent aspiration (Goen). To prevent dehydration and heatstroke, frequent fluid intake (Suibun hokyuu) is provided between meals using barley tea (Mugicha) or cooled boiled water (Sayu).

Cooking and meal care terms include Atatameru (warming up), Samasu (cooling down), Kizamu (chopping), Nimono / Nitsuke (simmered/braised dishes), Yakizakana (grilled fish), Itameru (stir-frying), Agemono (deep-fried dishes), and Tsukemono (pickles). Serving meals is Haizen, clearing dishes after eating is Shokki wo sageru (Atokatadzuke), and tableware includes Apron (meal bib), Suinomi (spouted feeding cup), Chawan (rice bowl), Shiruwan (soup bowl), and Suberidome mat (non-slip mat).

Key points


  • Meals are divided into Shushoku (staple food), Fukushoku (side dishes), and Shirumono (soup); the act of chewing is called Soshaku.

  • Texture modifications include Kayu (rice porridge), Hitokuchidai (bite-sized pieces), Kizamishoku (chopped food), Pasteshoku (pureed food), and adding thickener (Toromi wo tsukeru).

  • Serving meals is Haizen, clearing dishes after a meal is Shokki wo sageru, and frequent hydration is Suibun hokyuu.
WordMeaning
Menu chart (Kondatehyou), Staple food (Shushoku), Side dishes (Fukushoku: Shusai / Fukusai), Soup (Shirumono)
Mastication / Chewing (Soshaku), Rice porridge (Kayu / Okayu), Bite-sized pieces (Hitokuchidai)
Chopped food (Kizamishoku), Pureed food (Pasteshoku), Soft food (Softshoku), Add thickener (Toromi wo tsukeru)
Fluid intake / Hydration (Suibun hokyuu), Barley tea (Mugicha), Cooled boiled water (Sayu)
Warm up (Atatameru), Cool down (Samasu), Chop finely (Kizamu), Spill (Kobosu)
Simmered dish (Nimono), Braised fish/dish (Nitsuke), Grilled fish (Yakizakana), Stir-fry (Itameru), Fried food (Agemono), Pickles (Tsukemono)
Serving meals (Haizen), Clearing dishes (Shokki wo sageru), Cleaning up after meals (Atokatadzuke)
Meal apron (Apron), Spouted cup (Suinomi), Rice bowl (Chawan), Soup bowl (Shiruwan), Chopsticks (Hashi), Non-slip mat (Suberidome mat)

Vocabulary for Bathing, Personal Hygiene, Oral Care, and Dressing (Grooming)

In maintaining bodily cleanliness (Seiketsu hoji), besides taking a bath (Nyuuyoku), wiping the body with a warm towel when a user cannot bathe is called Seishiki (whole-body bed bath Zenshin seishiki); soaking and washing only the hands or feet in warm water is Bubunyoku (hand bath Shuyoku, foot bath Sokuyoku); and washing hair is Senpatsu.

Regarding bathing spaces and tools: the room for undressing and dressing is Datsuishitsu (changing room), the washing room is Yokushitsu (bathroom), the tub filled with warm water is Yokusou (bathtub), the bath chair is Shower chair, and the water basin is Senmenki. Pouring warm water over the limbs before entering the tub (Kakeyu / Oyu wo kakeru), checking if water is lukewarm (Nurui), and moisturizing the skin after bathing (Hoshitsu) are also essential.

In oral care (Koukuu care), teeth and oral mucosa are cleaned using a toothbrush (Haburashi) or Sponge brush, followed by rinsing the mouth with water (Kuchi wo yusugu / Ugai). Removable artificial teeth are called Gishi (or Ireba). Face washing, hair grooming (Seihatsu: combing with a Kushi and drying with a Dryer), nail clipping (Tsumekiri), and shaving (Higesori) are collectively called Mijitaku (personal grooming).

Changing clothes (Irui) is called Koui or Kigae, including Uwagi (outerwear/top), Shitagi / Hadagi (underwear/undershirt), Pajama / Nemaki (sleepwear), Zubon (trousers), Kutsushita (socks), and Uwabaki (indoor shoes). Sleeve is Sode, collar is Eri, and hem is Suso. For users with hemiplegia, follow Dakken chakkan (undress the unaffected side first, dress the affected side first) and check wearing comfort (Kigokochi).

Key points


  • Wiping the body with a warm towel when bathing is not possible is Seishiki; soaking only the hands or feet in warm water is Shuyoku and Sokuyoku (partial bath Bubunyoku).

  • The changing room is Datsuishitsu, the bathtub is Yokusou, dentures are Gishi (Ireba), and rinsing the mouth with water is Kuchi wo yusugu (Ugai).

  • Changing clothes is Koui; for hemiplegic users, practice Dakken chakkan (undress unaffected side first, dress affected side first) and confirm wearing comfort (Kigokochi).
WordMeaning
Bathing (Nyuuyoku), Maintaining cleanliness (Seiketsu hoji), Wiping the body / Bed bath (Seishiki / Zenshin seishiki)
Partial bath (Bubunyoku: Hand bath Shuyoku / Foot bath Sokuyoku), Hair washing (Senpatsu), Face washing (Senmen)
Changing room (Datsuishitsu), Bathroom (Yokushitsu), Bathtub (Yokusou), Shower chair, Washbasin (Senmenki)
Pouring warm water over the body (Oyu wo kakeru / Kakeyu), Lukewarm (Nurui), Temperature (Ondo), Moisturizing (Hoshitsu)
Oral care (Koukuu care), Dentures (Gishi / Ireba), Sponge brush, Rinsing the mouth (Kuchi wo yusugu / Ugai)
Personal grooming (Mijitaku), Hair grooming (Seihatsu: comb hair, comb Kushi, hair dryer), Nail clipper (Tsumekiri), Shaving (Higesori)
Dressing / Changing clothes (Koui / Kigae), Clothing (Irui), Top/Jacket (Uwagi), Underwear (Shitagi / Hadagi), Sleepwear (Nemaki), Indoor shoes (Uwabaki)
Sleeve (Sode), Collar (Eri), Hem (Suso), Wearing comfort (Kigokochi), Undress healthy side / Dress affected side (Dakken chakkan)

Vocabulary for Housework, Living Environment, Work Shifts, and Professionals

In housework (Kaji) and environment maintenance: sweeping dust with a vacuum cleaner (Soujiki) or broom (Houki) is Haku, wiping with a Mop or cleaning cloth (Zoukin) is Fuku, and opening windows to exchange air is Kanki (ventilation). In laundry (Sentaku), washed items (Sentakumono) are hung up (Hosu), dried in a dryer (Kansouki / Kawakasu), neatly folded (Tatamu), and put away (Katadzukeru).

Bedding and room furnishings include Futon (bedding), Makura (pillow), Moufu (blanket), Sheets, Curtain, Amido (window screen), bedside cabinet (Shoutoudai), and wet hand towel (Oshibori). For emergency equipment, remember Hijouguchi (emergency exit), Hijou bell (emergency alarm bell), and emergency phone number 119-ban.

Regarding work shifts (Shift): daytime shift is Nikkin, overnight shift is Yakin, early morning shift is Hayaban, and late shift is Osoban. Reporting for work is Shukkin, leaving after work is Taikin, break time is Kyuukei, scheduled day off is Koukyuu, paid leave is Yuukyuu kyuuka; arriving late is Chikoku, leaving early is Soutai, and absence from work is Kekkin.

Regarding duties and job titles: shift handover is Moushiokuri, care recording is Kiroku, Reporting-Contacting-Consulting is Houkoku-Renraku-Soudan, night rounds are Junshi, watching over users is Mimamori, short-term stay service is Short stay, and shuttle vehicle is Sougeisha. Collaborating professionals include Kaigo fukushishi (Certified Care Worker), Kangoshi (Nurse), Ishi (Doctor), PT (Physical Therapist), OT (Occupational Therapist), ST (Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist), Care Manager, Kanri eiyoushi (Registered Dietitian), and Chouriin (Cooking Staff).

Key points


  • Haku means sweeping with a broom; Hosu (hang), Kawakasu (dry), Tatamu (fold), and Katadzukeru (put away) describe laundry tasks; Kanki means ventilating a room.

  • Accurately distinguish shift terms: Nikkin (day shift), Yakin (night shift), Hayaban (early shift), Osoban (late shift), Shukkin (clock in), Taikin (clock out), Chikoku (lateness), Soutai (leaving early), and Kekkin (absence).

  • Master Moushiokuri (shift handover), Junshi (patrol rounds), Short stay, and the titles of multidisciplinary professionals.
WordMeaning
Vacuum cleaner (Soujiki), Broom (Houki), Sweep (Haku), Cleaning cloth (Zoukin), Ventilation (Kanki)
Laundry (Sentakumono), Detergent (Senzai), Hang to dry (Hosu), Dry (Kawakasu), Fold (Tatamu), Put away (Katadzukeru)
Futon bedding, Pillow (Makura), Blanket (Moufu), Bed sheets (Sheets), Bedside cabinet (Shoutoudai), Wet hand towel (Oshibori)
Day shift (Nikkin), Night shift (Yakin), Early shift (Hayaban), Late shift (Osoban), Work shift (Shift)
Report to work (Shukkin), Finish work (Taikin), Break (Kyuukei), Paid leave (Yuukyuu kyuuka), Scheduled day off (Koukyuu)
Arriving late (Chikoku), Leaving early (Soutai), Absence from work (Kekkin)
Shift handover (Moushiokuri), Record (Kiroku), Patrol rounds (Junshi), Watching over (Mimamori), Short stay, Shuttle vehicle (Sougeisha)
Certified Care Worker (Kaigo fukushishi), Nurse (Kangoshi), PT, OT, ST, Care Manager (Kaigo shien senmonin), Registered Dietitian (Kanri eiyoushi), Cook (Chouriin)

Frequently Tested Points & Memory Tips

In Caregiving Japanese (Vocabulary), every exam tests the readings and contrasting meanings of body parts, symptoms, assistive devices, and daily necessities.

Be sure to memorize tricky Kanji readings aloud: 'Okan (chills)', 'Jokusou (pressure ulcer/bedsores)', 'Enge (swallowing)', 'Shuuchishin (sense of shame/modesty)', 'Mahi (paralysis)', and 'Koushuku (joint contracture)'.

Grouping opposite pairs together ('Kensoku = unaffected/healthy side' vs. 'Kansoku = affected/paralyzed side'; 'Benpi = constipation' vs. 'Geri = diarrhea'; 'Kishou = waking up' vs. 'Shuushin = going to bed') ensures steady scores.

Key points


  • High-frequency symptom words: 'Okan = chills, Hosshin = skin rash, Fushu = edema/swelling, Hinketsu = anemia, Memai = dizziness, Hakike = nausea'.

  • Body side & posture pairs: 'Kensoku (healthy side) <-> Kansoku (affected side)'; 'Gyogai (supine/on back) <-> Sokugai (lateral/on side) <-> Tanzai (edge-of-bed sitting)'.

  • Meal & excretion terms: 'Soshaku = chewing, Enge = swallowing, Goen = aspiration into trachea'; 'Nyoushikkin (urinary incontinence), Benshikkin (fecal incontinence), Omutsu (diaper), Portable toilet'.

  • Bathing & hygiene terms: 'Seishiki = bed bath/wiping body, Senpatsu = hair washing, Shuyoku/Sokuyoku = hand/foot bath, Inbu senjou = perineal wash, Seiyou = grooming'.

  • Room & assistive device terms: 'Tesuri (handrail), Suroopu (ramp/slope), Naasu kooru (nurse call), Hokouki (walker), Kurumaisu (wheelchair)'.
WordMeaning
Okan (chills), Fushu (edema), Hosshin (rash)
Kensoku (healthy side) and Kansoku (affected side)
Soshaku (chewing), Enge (swallowing), Goen (aspiration)
Seishiki (bed bath), Seiyou (grooming), Inbu senjou (perineal wash)

Official references

💬

Zalo