クリニック

§ クニック (Clinic) - Quick Definition

Japanese Word

クリニック

Pronunciation

kurinikku

Type

Noun

CEFR Level

A2

Definition

clinic

§ How to use it in a sentence — grammar, prepositions

「クリニック」 (kurinikku) is a straightforward loanword from English, meaning 'clinic.' In Japanese, it's used very much like its English counterpart. You'll hear it often when talking about smaller medical facilities, doctor's offices, or specialized outpatient centers, as opposed to a large 'hospital' (病院 - byouin).

When you want to say you are going to a clinic, you'll commonly use the particle 「へ」 (e) or 「に」 (ni) to indicate direction or destination. Both are perfectly fine here. For example:

_Watashi wa kyou, ha no kurinikku e ikimasu._

_I am going to the dental clinic today._

Or, with 「に」:

_Kare wa ganka kurinikku ni ikimashita._

_He went to the ophthalmology clinic._

If you want to say you are *at* the clinic, you'll use the particle 「で」 (de) or 「に」 (ni). 「で」 is used when you are performing an action *at* that location, while 「に」 simply states existence *at* that location.

_Kanojo wa ima, hifuka kurinikku de matteimasu._

_She is currently waiting at the dermatology clinic._

And for simple existence:

_Watashi no ie no chikaku ni atarashii kurinikku ga dekimashita._

_A new clinic opened near my house._

You can also use 「クリニック」 as part of a longer phrase to describe the clinic itself, often with the possessive particle 「の」 (no) or simply by placing it before another noun, effectively making it an adjective-like modifier.

_Kore wa kinjo no shounika kurinikku desu._

_This is the neighborhood pediatric clinic._

Here, 「小児科」 (shounika - pediatrics) directly modifies 「クリニック」. No particle is needed when a noun directly modifies another noun to specify its type or purpose.

• **Key takeaway**: Treat 「クリニック」 like a regular noun. Use 「へ」/「に」 for 'to the clinic', 「で」/「に」 for 'at the clinic', and it can modify other nouns directly or with 「の」.

Mastering 「クリニック」 will help you navigate healthcare conversations in Japan with ease. Just remember the basic particles and you're good to go!

Let's talk about how to say 'clinic' in Japanese. The most common word you'll hear and use is クリニック (kurinikku). This is a super practical word, so pay attention!

§ What 'クリニック' Means

Japanese Word

クリニック (kurinikku)

Definition

clinic

Word Type

Noun

CEFR Level

A2

As you can see, クリニック is a loanword from English. This makes it pretty easy to remember, right? It refers to a smaller medical facility, usually specializing in one area or offering general practitioner services. Think of it as your local doctor's office.

§ Examples of Using 'クリニック'

Hint

Today, I'm going to the dentist's clinic.

Hint

Is there a good dermatology clinic nearby?

Hint

A new pediatric clinic opened in front of the station.

§ Similar Words and When to Use 'クリニック'

While クリニック is straightforward, you'll also encounter other words for medical facilities in Japanese. Let's break them down so you know when to use which.

• 病院 (byōin): This means 'hospital'.
• 医院 (iin): This is another word for 'clinic' or 'doctor's office'.
• 診療所 (shinryōjo): This also means 'clinic' or 'medical office'.

So, when do you use クリニック versus 病院, 医院, or 診療所?

§ クリニック (kurinikku) vs. 病院 (byōin)

This is the most important distinction. Think of it this way:

クリニック

Smaller facility. Often specialized (dentistry, dermatology, ophthalmology) or a general practitioner. You usually go for appointments, minor illnesses, or check-ups. Doesn't typically have inpatient facilities or emergency rooms.

病院

Larger facility. Has multiple departments, inpatient beds, operating rooms, and often an emergency room. You go here for serious conditions, surgeries, or when referred by a clinic.

§ クリニック (kurinikku) vs. 医院 (iin) and 診療所 (shinryōjo)

These three are often quite similar in meaning and can sometimes be used interchangeably for smaller medical facilities. However, there are subtle differences:

クリニック

Has a more modern, often 'western' feel. It implies a specialized facility or a general practice that is often newer or renovated. Because it's a loanword, it sounds a bit more contemporary.

医院

A more traditional Japanese term for a doctor's office or clinic. It often evokes an image of a smaller, perhaps older, general practitioner's office. Many family doctors' offices use this term.

診療所

Similar to 医院, it also refers to a smaller medical facility. It can sometimes suggest a very small, even single-doctor, practice. It's a bit more formal or official sounding than 医院.

In summary, remember クリニック for smaller, specialized, or general doctor's offices, and 病院 for larger hospitals with more extensive services. The other terms, 医院 and 診療所, also refer to clinics, but クリニック is very common and modern sounding.