At the Doctor's

Easy phrases to help you when you're feeling under the weather.

Stethoscope [Illustrative] (photo credit: Courtesy of alaasafei)
Stethoscope [Illustrative]
(photo credit: Courtesy of alaasafei)
In Israel, making a doctor's appointment isn't the hardest thing to do but it can be a little more challenging than usual if you aren't feeling well AND you have to speak a second language. Here are some gems that will help you feel better asap:
Yesh li rak she’ela… יֵשׁ לִי רַק שְׁאֵלָה...
I just have a question… Ever been at the doctor and only remembered at the very last minute something you had planned to ask that morning, when you made the appointment? Whip this line out and make sure you find out what you need to know.
Mi akharon? Ani akharekha מִי אַחֲרוֹן? אֲנִי אַחֲרֶיךָ
Who is the last in the line? I'm after you.
Israeli doctor's offices are usually run by a separate reception service, which means that the waiting room can sometimes become a little cutthroat. Often, there will be a list of patients in order but just in case, get in early and stake your claim for being "next." Ani tsarikh/tsrikha ishur refu’i אֲנִי צָרִיךְ/צְרִיכָה אִשׁוּר רְפוּאִי I need a doctor’s note Most Israeli workplaces and learning institutions require some sort of doctor’s note for any absence to qualify your “sick day” or leave of absence.
Ko’ev li ba… כּוֹאֵב לִי בַּ...

It hurts in… (or “My ______ hurts”)
Well, you have to tell the doctor what hurts, right? Off you go...

Ani tsarikh/tsrikha ishur refu’i אֲנִי צָרִיךְ/צְרִיכָה אִשׁוּר רְפוּאִי

I need a doctor’s note
Most Israeli workplaces and learning institutions require some sort of doctor’s note for any absence to qualify your “sick day” or leave of absence.
Even if you are not sure you will need one, get one anyway, just in case.
Ani tsarikh/tsrikha likbo’a tor larofe, bevakasha אֲנִי צָרִיךְ/צְרִיכָה לִקְבֹּעַ תוֹר לָרוֹפֵא, בְּבַקָשָׁה


I need a doctors’ appointment please
The stepping stone line when you get on the phone with an often overwhelmed, overworked and underpaid medical receptionist.
Be sure to say “please” and “thank you” – it can only help.