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病院
byōin
hospital
病院に行きます。
I will go to the hospital.
Medicine
formal
A medical facility where patients receive treatment, diagnosis, and care from doctors and nurses.
病院で検査を受けました。
I had an examination at the hospital.
この病院は設備が整っています。
This hospital is well-equipped.
病院 is used for general medical facilities, including clinics and large hospitals. For veterinary hospitals, 獣医病院 (jūi byōin) is used.
Pro Tip
Hospital vs. Clinic
In Japanese, 病院 refers to a larger hospital with multiple departments and inpatient facilities, while クリニック or 診療所 refers to smaller clinics or outpatient facilities. This distinction is similar to English.
Gold Rule
Using 病院 in sentences
Always use 病院 with a location particle (に, で) to indicate where the action takes place. Example: 病院に行きます (I go to the hospital), 病院で働いています (I work at the hospital).
Word Origin
病院 is a compound of 病 (sickness, illness) and 院 (institution, facility). The term originated from Chinese (病院) and was adopted into Japanese.
Usage Notes
病院 is a formal term and is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese. It typically refers to a larger medical facility, while smaller clinics may be called クリニック or 診療所.
Word Breakdown
病
sickness, illness
root院
institution, facility
root和英辞典