Translation guide
A place for medical treatment, usually smaller than a hospital. In Japanese, the most common word is クリニック, but 診療所 and 医院 are also used. The choice depends on context and formality.
A place where you go to see a doctor for non-emergency treatment, check-ups, or minor procedures.
The most common and neutral term for a clinic in modern Japanese. Often used for private practices and specialized clinics.
近所のクリニックに行った。
I went to a local clinic.
皮膚科のクリニックを探しています。
I'm looking for a dermatology clinic.
A more formal or official term for a clinic. Often used in legal or administrative contexts.
この地域には診療所が少ない。
There are few clinics in this area.
Traditionally used for a doctor's private practice. Still common in names of older clinics.
山田医院は駅の近くです。
Yamada Clinic is near the station.
A clinic within a hospital or a facility focusing on a specific medical field.
Refers to the outpatient department of a hospital. Often used in phrases like 外来診療 (outpatient care).
外来は午前中だけです。
The outpatient clinic is only open in the morning.
外来で診てもらえますか？
Can I be seen at the outpatient clinic?
A clinic offering free or reduced-cost medical services, often run by charities or the government.
Literally 'free clinic'. Used for facilities that do not charge patients.
無料診療所で健康診断を受けた。
I had a health check-up at a free clinic.
A low-cost clinic. Less common but understood.
低額診療所を利用する人も多い。
Many people use low-cost clinics.
A clinic for animals.
The standard term for a veterinary clinic or animal hospital. Note that 病院 (hospital) is used even for small clinics.
犬を動物病院に連れて行った。
I took my dog to the vet clinic.
Means 'veterinarian', but can be used in phrases like 獣医さん (vet) or 獣医のクリニック (vet clinic).
A clinic for dental care.
The most common term for a dental clinic. 歯科 means dentistry.
歯科医院で歯をチェックしてもらった。
I had my teeth checked at the dental clinic.
Colloquial term for a dentist or dental clinic. Very common in everyday speech.
クリニック (clinic) is generally smaller than 病院 (hospital). In Japan, a 病院 usually has 20 or more beds for inpatients, while a クリニック has fewer or none. However, many small facilities use 病院 in their name, so the distinction is not always strict.
大きな病院に行くのは大変だから、まずクリニックに行った。
Going to a big hospital is a hassle, so I went to a clinic first.
The English word 'clinic' can also mean a seminar or workshop (e.g., 'golf clinic'). In Japanese, this is usually 講習会 (こうしゅうかい) or クリニック (as loanword for sports clinics). Do not use 診療所 for this meaning.
A specialized outpatient clinic, e.g., for diabetes or asthma.
糖尿病の専門外来を予約した。
I made an appointment at the diabetes clinic.
I'm looking for a vet clinic.
I'm going to the dentist (dental clinic) tomorrow.