Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for 'hospital' is 病院 (びょういん). However, there are related terms for clinics, specific types of hospitals, and expressions for going to or being in the hospital. This guide covers the key vocabulary and natural usage.
Referring to a general hospital where patients are admitted and treated.
The standard word for 'hospital'. It refers to a medical facility with inpatient beds. Used in most contexts.
He works at a hospital.
A large hospital, often a general hospital with many departments. Used when emphasizing size or scale.
Referring to a smaller medical facility, like a clinic or private practice, which in English might also be called a 'hospital' in some contexts (e.g., 'eye hospital').
Referring to a hospital that specializes in a particular field (e.g., children's hospital, mental hospital).
Attach the specialty area before 病院. Common examples: 小児病院 (children's hospital), 精神病院 (mental hospital), 大学病院 (university hospital).
Expressing the action of going to the hospital for treatment or being admitted as a patient.
The most common way to say 'go to the hospital'. Used for both outpatient visits and emergencies.
Referring to the physical building or a specific room within a hospital.
病院 (byōin) is a hospital with inpatient facilities, typically larger. 医院 (iin) is a smaller clinic or private practice, often run by a single doctor. クリニック (kurinikku) is a loanword for clinic, often used for modern or specialized practices. In everyday conversation, 病院 is the safest choice for 'hospital'.
I get nervous going to a big hospital.
I need to go to the hospital.
You should go to the hospital.
There are two large hospitals in this area.
A general hospital with multiple specialties. More formal or technical term.
She is a nurse at a general hospital.
Loanword from English, commonly used for private clinics, especially those with a modern or specialized image. Often smaller than a 病院.
I'm looking for a dermatology clinic.
A doctor's office or private clinic. Often used for smaller practices, like a local doctor. Can be part of a name (e.g., 山田医院).
I caught a cold, so I went to a nearby clinic.
A clinic or medical office, often used in official contexts. Can refer to a small facility without inpatient beds.
This clinic closes at 5 p.m.
My child is hospitalized in a children's hospital.
He is receiving treatment at a university hospital.
I'm going to the hospital tomorrow.
To be hospitalized, to be admitted to a hospital. This is the standard verb for inpatient care.
He was in the hospital for a week.
To go to the hospital regularly for treatment (as an outpatient). Implies ongoing visits.
She goes to the hospital once a week for treatment.
A hospital room, a ward room where patients stay.
You can see the outside scenery from the hospital room.
A hospital ward or wing. Used for a section of a hospital, e.g., 小児病棟 (pediatric ward).
He is in the surgical ward.
The local clinic is very kind.
美容院 (biyōin) means 'beauty salon' or 'hairdresser'. The pronunciation is similar but the first character is different. Be careful not to mix them up.
Go to the hospital → Go to the beauty salon
She was in the hospital for two weeks.
There is a hospital near the station.