Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for a medical office depends on the type of practice and context. The most common general term is 診療所, but 医院 and クリニック are also widely used. For larger facilities, 病院 is used, though it often translates to 'hospital'.
A place where a doctor sees patients, typically smaller than a hospital.
A general term for a clinic or medical office where diagnosis and treatment are provided. Often used in official contexts.
I went to the local medical office.
Commonly used for private medical practices, often with a single doctor. Frequently seen in names like 山田医院.
That medical office has a good reputation.
Loanword from English, often used for modern or specialized clinics. Conveys a slightly more casual or contemporary feel.
I'm looking for a dermatology clinic.
Referring to the office where a doctor practices, often in the context of an appointment or visit.
A larger medical institution with inpatient facilities, often translated as 'hospital' but sometimes referred to as a medical office in English.
Typically means 'hospital', but can be used when English speakers might say 'medical office' for a large clinic. Note: 病院 usually implies inpatient care.
I need to go to a large medical center.
診療所 is the formal term for a clinic, often used in legal or administrative contexts. 医院 is more common in everyday speech for a private practice. クリニック is a modern loanword that sounds slightly more fashionable or specialized.
The direct loanword オフィス is not used for medical offices. It refers to a business office. Using it for a doctor's office would be confusing.