Health and body vocabulary

 Why Learn Health and Body Vocabulary?

Whether you're visiting the doctor, reading about fitness, or simply describing how you feel, knowing the right words is essential. This vocabulary will help you:

  • Describe your body and its parts

  • Talk about health problems and symptoms

  • Understand doctor’s instructions

  • Discuss fitness and well-being

🔑 Key Vocabulary: Body Parts

Here are common English words for parts of the body, with examples and memory tips:

WordMeaningExample SentenceMemory Tip
HeadTop part of your body“He hit his head on the door.”“Headphones go on your head.”
ArmLimb between shoulder-hand“She broke her arm playing football.”Think of "arm wrestling."
LegLimb used for walking“My legs hurt after the hike.”“Leg” rhymes with “peg.”
HandEnd of your arm“Wash your hands before eating.”Use your hands to hold things.
Foot (Feet)Bottom part of the leg“My feet are cold.”Feet go in shoes.
BackRear part of your body“He has back pain.”"Backpack" sits on your back.
StomachArea where you digest food“My stomach hurts after dinner.”Think of “tummy” for kids.

📌 Tip: Practice with your own body. Point to each part and say the word out loud.

🤒 Health and Illness Vocabulary

Learn how to describe common health problems and how you feel.

WordMeaningExample SentenceCommon Phrase
Sick / IllNot healthy“I feel sick today.”“Call in sick (to work)”
ColdMild illness with sneezing, etc.“I caught a cold.”“Have a cold”
FeverHigh body temperature“He has a fever and is sweating.”“Run a fever”
CoughAir forced from lungs“She has a bad cough.”“Cough syrup”
HeadachePain in the head“I have a headache.”“Take a painkiller”
Sore throatPain in the throat“He can’t speak because of a sore throat.”“Drink warm tea for sore throat”
InjuryPhysical damage“She had a knee injury from running.”“Sports injury”

🎯 Practice Task:

Match the symptom to the advice:

  1. I have a sore throat. → _______________

  2. I have a headache. → _______________

  3. I have a fever. → _______________

Answers:

  1. Drink warm tea

  2. Take a painkiller

  3. Rest and drink water

🏥 At the Doctor's Office: Useful Phrases

✅ Common Questions:

  • “What seems to be the problem?”

  • “Where does it hurt?”

  • “How long have you had this?”

🗣️ How to Answer:

  • “I’ve had a headache for two days.”

  • “My back hurts when I stand.”

  • “I think I have a cold.”

Tip: Use simple full sentences. It helps the doctor understand clearly.

💪 Health & Wellness Vocabulary

WordMeaningExample Sentence
ExercisePhysical activity“I try to exercise three times a week.”
HealthyGood for your body“Eating vegetables is healthy.”
DietThe food you usually eat“She’s on a low-sugar diet.”
RestTime to relax and recover“You need to get more rest.”
StressMental tension or pressure“Work gives me a lot of stress.”
MedicineTreatment for illness“Take this medicine twice a day.”

🧩 Memory Tricks for Long-Term Learning
  1. Visual Flashcards: Use apps like Anki or Quizlet to make flashcards with pictures.

  2. Use Your Voice: Say new words out loud and use them in sentences.

  3. Label Your Body: Use sticky notes to label parts of your body at home in English.

  4. Watch Health Videos: Watch simple YouTube videos about the human body or health tips.

  5. Practice Daily: Review 5–10 words each day, not all at once.

📝 Mini Quiz – Test Yourself!

1. What do you take for a headache?
A. Soap
B. Cough syrup
C. Painkiller

2. Which part of your body helps you walk?
A. Arm
B. Leg
C. Hand

3. You sneeze and have a sore throat. You probably have...
A. A cold
B. A fever
C. A headache

Answers:

  1. C

  2. B

  3. A

📚 Extra Practice Ideas

  • Write a diary entry: “Today, my ______ hurts. I went to the doctor. He said I have ______.”

  • Speak to a partner: Practice role-playing a doctor-patient conversation.

  • Play online games: Use vocabulary games for the body and health (e.g., on EnglishClub or ESL Games+).

✅ Final Tip

Don’t just memorize words—connect them to real-life situations. The more you use a word, the better you’ll remember it.

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