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.
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.
This doctor's office is closed in the afternoon.
Often used in names of private clinics, e.g., 山田医院 (Yamada Clinic). Can sound slightly old-fashioned.
Yamada Doctor's Office is an internal medicine clinic.
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.
外来の受付はあちらです。
The reception for the doctor's office (outpatient clinic) is over there.