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.
駅前に新しいクリニックができた。
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.
この診療所は午後から休診です。
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.
山田医院は内科です。
Yamada Doctor's Office is an internal medicine clinic.
When referring to the consultation room or department inside a larger hospital.
Examination room or consulting room in a hospital or clinic.
診察室で先生の診断を待った。
I waited in the doctor's office for the doctor's diagnosis.
Outpatient department; often used to refer to the area where doctors see patients.
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.
病院に行ってきます。
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.