Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'doctor's office' is most commonly expressed by referring to the clinic or hospital itself, rather than a possessive phrase. The most natural equivalent depends on the type of medical facility.
I have an appointment at the doctor's office.
Use 病院 for a more general statement.
The most common type of doctor's office in Japan, typically a small, privately run clinic.
Loanword from English, widely used for small medical clinics. Often implies a modern, private practice.
A new doctor's office opened in front of the station.
General term for a clinic or doctor's office. Slightly more formal than クリニック.
Often used in names of private clinics, e.g., 山田医院 (Yamada Clinic). Can sound slightly old-fashioned.
When referring to the consultation room or department inside a larger hospital.
When the type of facility is unclear or not important.
Hospital. Often used broadly for any medical facility, including clinics, in casual speech.
Technically means 'hospital', but in everyday conversation it can cover clinics as well.
I'm going to the doctor's office/hospital.
All three can translate 'doctor's office' for a small clinic. クリニック is modern and common in names; 診療所 is the official legal term; 医院 is traditional and often part of a clinic's name. In casual speech, 病院 is often used for any medical visit.
Japanese speakers frequently say 病院に行く (go to the hospital) even when visiting a small clinic. This is natural and not confusing in context.
この診療所は午後から休診です。
This doctor's office is closed in the afternoon.
山田医院は内科です。
Yamada Doctor's Office is an internal medicine clinic.
外来の受付はあちらです。
The reception for the doctor's office (outpatient clinic) is over there.