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चिकित्सालय

A1 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

चिकित्सालय

chikitsaalay Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips चिकित्सालय in 30 Seconds

Explanation चिकित्सालय in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that चिकित्सालय (Chikitsālaya) means 'Hospital'. It is a place where you go when you are sick. You will see this word on big signs in India. It is a masculine word. You can use it in simple sentences like 'This is a hospital' (यह एक चिकित्सालय है). Don't worry about the long spelling yet; just focus on recognizing the first few letters 'Chikitsa' which always relates to doctors and medicine. It is a formal word, but knowing it helps you read signs on the street.

At A2, you should be able to use चिकित्सालय to give or follow directions. For example, 'The hospital is near the school' (चिकित्सालय विद्यालय के पास है). You should also know that the common word is 'Aspatāl', but 'Chikitsālaya' is what you'll see in books. Practice the masculine gender by saying 'Bada Chikitsālaya' (Big Hospital). You can also start using it with simple postpositions like 'mein' (in) or 'se' (from). 'I am going to the hospital' would be 'Mein chikitsālaya ja raha hoon'.

At B1, you can start using चिकित्सालय in more detailed descriptions. You might talk about the facilities available there, like 'This hospital has many doctors' (इस चिकित्सालय में कई डॉक्टर हैं). You should understand that this word is formal and use it when writing letters or formal emails. You also need to be careful with the oblique plural form 'Chikitsālayon' when talking about multiple hospitals with a postposition. For instance, 'There are many facilities in these hospitals' (इन चिकित्सालयों में कई सुविधाएँ हैं).

At B2, you should be comfortable using चिकित्सालय in discussions about society and health. You can compare 'Sarkaari Chikitsālaya' (Government Hospital) and 'Niji Chikitsālaya' (Private Hospital). You should be able to understand news reports that use this term. Your pronunciation should be crisp, and you should be able to use related words like 'Chikitsak' (Doctor) and 'Chikitsa' (Treatment) fluently. You are now expected to use this word naturally in any context that requires a professional or respectful tone.

At C1, you use चिकित्सालय with a deep understanding of its register. You can use it in academic essays about the healthcare system or medical ethics. You understand the nuance between 'Chikitsālaya', 'Arogya Kendra', and 'Rugnālaya'. You can use complex sentence structures, like 'The role of hospitals in rural development' (ग्रामीण विकास में चिकित्सालयों की भूमिका). You should also be familiar with compound terms like 'Netra-Chikitsālaya' (Eye Hospital) and use them accurately in technical discussions.

At C2, you have a mastery over the word चिकित्सालय. You can discuss its Sanskrit etymology and how the suffix '-alaya' is used in the evolution of Hindi vocabulary. You can use the word in poetic or metaphorical senses in literature. You are capable of translating complex medical documents from English to Hindi using this term correctly. You understand the subtle socio-political implications of choosing this Sanskritized term over the Persian 'Davākhānā' or English 'Aspatāl' in different historical and modern contexts.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

चिकित्सालय in 30 Seconds

Formal Hindi word for 'hospital'.
Derived from Sanskrit 'Chikitsa' (treatment) + 'Alaya' (place).
Used in official signs, news, and formal writing.
Masculine noun, synonymous with 'Aspatāl' but higher register.

The word चिकित्सालय (Chikitsālaya) is a formal and sophisticated Hindi noun that refers to a hospital or a medical clinic. To understand its essence, one must look at its Sanskrit roots: Chikitsa (चिकित्सा), meaning medical treatment or healing, and Alaya (आलय), meaning an abode, house, or place. Therefore, etymologically, it is the 'abode of healing.' While the common person in India might use the English loanword 'Hospital' (अस्पताल - Aspatāl) in daily conversation, Chikitsālaya is the standard term used in formal writing, government documentation, and official signage across the Hindi-speaking belt.

Register: Formal / Standard Hindi (Shuddh Hindi)
Gender: Masculine (Pulling)
Usage Context: Government signs, medical certificates, news broadcasts, and academic textbooks.

Using this word instead of 'Aspatāl' instantly elevates your speech, making it sound more educated and respectful of the linguistic traditions of Hindi. It is frequently seen in compound forms like Rajkiya Chikitsālaya (Government Hospital) or Pashu Chikitsālaya (Veterinary Hospital). In a cultural context, the term reflects the Indian tradition of categorizing buildings by their purpose using the -alaya suffix, similar to Vidyālaya (School) or Pustakālaya (Library).

कृपया निकटतम चिकित्सालय का मार्ग बताएँ। (Please tell me the way to the nearest hospital.)

In a broader sense, Chikitsālaya represents the institutionalized form of medicine. It covers everything from a small primary health center in a village to a multi-specialty research hospital in a metropolitan city like Delhi or Mumbai. When discussing public health policies or medical ethics in Hindi, this is the indispensable term. It carries a weight of authority and professionalism that 'Aspatāl' lacks, as the latter is often associated with the chaos of a general public ward in colloquial speech.

इस चिकित्सालय में सभी आधुनिक सुविधाएँ उपलब्ध हैं। (All modern facilities are available in this hospital.)

Synonym Comparison: Aspatāl (Colloquial/Urdu-English), Davākhānā (Pharmacy/Small Clinic), Shifākhānā (Archaic/Urdu).

Understanding the morphology of the word helps in expanding your vocabulary. For instance, if you know Chikitsa is treatment, you can easily learn Chikitsak (Doctor/Physician). This logical structure is a hallmark of Sanskrit-derived Hindi vocabulary. When you encounter a word ending in -alaya, you can immediately infer it is a building or a place dedicated to the preceding noun. This pattern is a powerful tool for learners to decode complex Hindi terms without constantly referring to a dictionary.

Using चिकित्सालय correctly requires an understanding of Hindi's case system. Since it is a masculine noun ending in a consonant (the 'a' is inherent but silent in modern Hindi pronunciation), it does not change its form in the direct singular. However, in the plural or when followed by a postposition (like mein, se, ko, ka), the word undergoes specific transformations. For example, 'in the hospital' becomes Chikitsālaya mein, while 'of the hospitals' (plural oblique) becomes Chikitsālayon ka.

Grammar Rule 1: In the oblique plural, append '-on' to the base: चिकित्सालयों (Chikitsālayon).

When constructing sentences, Chikitsālaya often acts as the subject or the destination. It is frequently paired with verbs like jaana (to go), bharti hona (to be admitted), or nirmit karna (to construct). In formal writing, instead of saying 'He is in the hospital,' you would write Wah chikitsālaya mein upachārādhīn hai (He is undergoing treatment in the hospital), which sounds much more professional.

नगर निगम ने एक नए चिकित्सालय का उद्घाटन किया। (The Municipal Corporation inaugurated a new hospital.)

For learners, a common pattern is [Place Name] + Chikitsālaya. For instance, 'Delhi Chikitsālaya' or 'Apex Chikitsālaya'. This helps in identifying the specific institution. Also, pay attention to the adjectives used with it. Words like adhunik (modern), vishaal (huge), sarkaari (government), and niji (private) are common qualifiers that provide more context about the type of medical facility being discussed.

In complex sentences, Chikitsālaya can be part of a compound subject. For example, 'The hospital and the school are near each other' would be Chikitsālaya aur vidyālaya ek-dusre ke nikat hain. Notice how both words share the -alaya suffix, creating a rhythmic and formal balance in the sentence. This is a great way to practice your 'Shuddh Hindi' (pure Hindi) skills.

मरीज़ को तुरंत चिकित्सालय ले जाना आवश्यक है। (It is necessary to take the patient to the hospital immediately.)

Sentence Structure: Subject + (Adjective) + चिकित्सालय + Postposition + Verb.

Finally, consider the use of the word in the context of emergency services. While an ambulance might be called rogi-vaahan in formal Hindi, people often say 'Ambulance rogi ko chikitsālaya le gayi' (The ambulance took the patient to the hospital). Even in high-stress situations, using the formal word in a written report or a formal request for help shows a high level of linguistic competence.

You might wonder, if everyone says 'Hospital', where does चिकित्सालय actually live? The answer is everywhere in the formal infrastructure of India. When you step off a train in a Hindi-speaking state like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, or Madhya Pradesh, the directional signs pointing towards the local medical facility will almost certainly read Chikitsālaya. It is the language of the state, the language of the signpost, and the language of the law.

Public Announcements: At railway stations or bus stands, announcements regarding medical aid often use this term.

In the media, news anchors on channels like DD News or in newspapers like Dainik Jagran and Navbharat Times use Chikitsālaya to maintain a professional tone. If there is a report about a new health scheme, the headline might be Sarkaari Chikitsālayon mein muft davaai (Free medicine in government hospitals). Listening to these broadcasts is an excellent way to hear the correct pronunciation and see how the word fits into larger socio-political narratives.

समाचार: मुख्यमंत्री ने आज ज़िला चिकित्सालय का दौरा किया। (News: The Chief Minister visited the district hospital today.)

Education is another sphere where this word is dominant. Medical students studying in Hindi medium, or students in secondary school, will encounter this word in their biology and social science textbooks. It is used to describe the healthcare infrastructure of the country. Furthermore, in Hindi literature and poetry, Chikitsālaya might be used metaphorically to represent a place of healing for the soul or the body, providing a more poetic resonance than the blunt 'Aspatāl'.

In the world of bureaucracy, every government department has a specific vocabulary. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Swasthya aur Parivar Kalyan Mantralaya) uses this word in all its circulars. If you are applying for a medical leave in a government job in India, your application should ideally mention the Chikitsālaya where you were treated. Using the formal term in these settings is not just a choice; it is often the expected norm.

यह प्रमाण पत्र चिकित्सालय द्वारा जारी किया गया है। (This certificate has been issued by the hospital.)

Common Compounds: Dant-Chikitsālaya (Dental Hospital), Netra-Chikitsālaya (Eye Hospital), Mahila-Chikitsālaya (Women's Hospital).

Lastly, in formal Hindi cinema (Bollywood) or television dramas that depict historical or very formal settings, characters will use this word. It helps establish the character's background as someone who is well-spoken or educated. For a learner, recognizing this word in a movie can be a 'eureka' moment, signifying that you are moving beyond basic conversational Hindi into the realm of the sophisticated language.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with चिकित्सालय is confusing it with other -alaya words. Because Hindi has several words ending in this suffix—Vidyālaya (school), Pustakālaya (library), Bhojanālaya (canteen)—it is easy to mix them up. A student might accidentally say they are going to the Chikitsālaya when they mean the school, which can lead to some very confused looks! Always remember that Chikitsa is the key root for medicine.

Mistake 1: Spelling: Writing 'Chikitsalay' without the 'i' (चिक्त्सालय) or using 'sh' instead of 'ch'.

Another mistake involves the gender of the word. In Hindi, every noun has a gender, and Chikitsālaya is masculine. Beginners often treat it as feminine because they might associate 'healing' or 'care' with feminine attributes in their native language. However, using a feminine verb or adjective with it (e.g., badi chikitsālaya instead of bada chikitsālaya) is grammatically incorrect. Always pair it with masculine modifiers.

Incorrect: यह एक अच्छी चिकित्सालय है।
Correct: यह एक अच्छा चिकित्सालय है।

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'k' in Chi-kit-sa is often swallowed by non-native speakers, making it sound like 'Chitsa'. It is important to pronounce each syllable clearly: Chi-kit-saa-la-ya. Also, the final 'a' in Hindi words is usually silent (schwa deletion), so it sounds more like 'Chikitsālay'. However, in very formal Sanskritized recitation, the final 'a' might be slightly audible.

Wait, there's more! Don't confuse Chikitsālaya with Aushadhālaya. While they are related, Aushadhālaya specifically refers to a pharmacy or a dispensary (a place for Aushadhi - medicine). If you go to an Aushadhālaya expecting a surgery, you will be disappointed! Similarly, Vishvavidyālaya is a university. Keeping these 'abodes' distinct is a key milestone in Hindi proficiency.

मैं चिकित्सालय में डॉक्टर से मिला, फिर औषधालय से दवा ली। (I met the doctor at the hospital, then took medicine from the pharmacy.)

Register Mismatch: Using this word with slang or very informal grammar (e.g., 'Chikitsālaya kidhar hai bro?') sounds jarring.

Lastly, be careful with the plural form in the oblique case. Many learners forget to change 'Chikitsālaya' to 'Chikitsālayon' when using postpositions. Saying 'Chikitsālaya mein' for plural 'in the hospitals' is a common error. It should be 'Chikitsālayon mein'. Mastering these subtle grammatical shifts will make your Hindi sound much more native and polished.

In Hindi, the concept of a 'hospital' can be expressed in several ways depending on the level of formality and the linguistic background of the speaker. The most common alternative is अस्पताल (Aspatāl). This is a direct loan from the English 'Hospital'. It is the go-to word for 90% of daily conversations. If you are asking a taxi driver to take you to the hospital, Aspatāl is your best bet.

अस्पताल (Aspatāl): Informal/Common. Used in daily life. Derived from English. Example: 'Mujhe aspatāl jaana hai.'

Another term you might encounter, especially in Urdu-influenced contexts or in older literature, is दवाखाना (Davākhānā). Derived from Persian, Dava (medicine) + Khana (house/room), it literally means 'medicine house'. However, in modern usage, Davākhānā usually refers to a small clinic or a pharmacy rather than a full-scale hospital. Another similar Urdu term is Shifākhānā (Place of Cure), though this is becoming increasingly rare in common Hindi.

गाँव में एक छोटा दवाखाना है। (There is a small clinic/pharmacy in the village.)

For specialized medical centers, Hindi uses terms like आरोग्य केंद्र (Ārogya Kendra). Arogya means 'health' or 'freedom from disease', and Kendra means 'center'. This term is very common in government health initiatives, such as the 'Ayushman Bharat Arogya Kendra'. It sounds very positive and holistic. Another term is रुग्णालय (Rugnālaya), which is more common in Marathi but occasionally used in formal Hindi; Rugna means 'sick person'.

Let's compare these terms in a table-like structure for better clarity. Chikitsālaya is like 'Medical Center' or 'Infirmary' in English—precise and formal. Aspatāl is just 'Hospital'. Davākhānā is like 'Dispensary'. Choosing the right word shows you understand the social nuances of the language. In a formal essay about healthcare, using Chikitsālaya will earn you higher marks than using the loanword Aspatāl.

Comparison Summary

Chikitsālaya: Formal, Sanskrit-based, institutional.
Aspatāl: Casual, English-based, most common.
Davākhānā: Small clinic/pharmacy, Persian-based.
Arogya Kendra: Health center, modern government usage.

In conclusion, while all these words lead to the same place—a place where you get better—the journey through these synonyms reveals the rich tapestry of Hindi's history, blending Sanskrit, Persian, and English influences. As a learner, mastering Chikitsālaya is a significant step toward achieving C1/C2 level fluency, as it demonstrates an ability to navigate different registers of the language with ease and precision.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The suffix '-alaya' comes from the same root as 'Himalaya' (Abode of Snow). So, a hospital is literally a 'Himalaya' for health!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃɪ.kɪt.ˈsɑː.lə.jə/

US /tʃɪ.kɪt.ˈsɑː.lə.jə/

Primary stress is on the third syllable 'sa' (sā).

Rhymes With

Vidyālaya (School) Pustakālaya (Library) Bhojanālaya (Canteen) Shauchālaya (Toilet) Vimānālaya (Hangar) Aushadhālaya (Pharmacy) Rugnālaya (Hospital) Shayanālaya (Dormitory)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'Chikits-lay' (dropping the final 'a' completely is common, but don't drop the 'ya').
Confusing 'ch' with 'sh' (Shikitsalaya).
Skipping the 't' in the middle (Chikisalaya).
Making the 'l' too heavy.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the third.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is long but follows a logical Sanskrit pattern.

Writing 4/5

Spelling the 'tsa' and 'ya' correctly can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

Requires clear articulation of the 'kit' and 'sa' syllables.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable once you know the 'Chikitsa' root.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

चिकित्सा (Treatment) आलय (Place) डॉक्टर (Doctor) बीमार (Sick) दवा (Medicine)

Learn Next

चिकित्सक (Doctor) औषधालय (Pharmacy) उपचार (Treatment) रोग (Disease) स्वास्थ्य (Health)

Advanced

शल्य-चिकित्सा (Surgery) निदान (Diagnosis) महामारी (Pandemic) टीकाकरण (Vaccination) संक्रमण (Infection)

Grammar to Know

Masculine nouns ending in consonants stay the same in direct plural.

एक चिकित्सालय, दो चिकित्सालय (One hospital, two hospitals).

The suffix '-alaya' forms a noun of place.

Vidyā (Knowledge) + Ālaya = Vidyālaya (School).

Oblique plural adds '-on'.

चिकित्सालयों में (In the hospitals).

Adjective agreement with masculine nouns.

बड़ा चिकित्सालय (Big hospital), not बड़ी।

Postpositions follow the noun.

चिकित्सालय के पीछे (Behind the hospital).

Examples by Level

यह एक चिकित्सालय है।

This is a hospital.

Direct singular usage.

चिकित्सालय कहाँ है?

Where is the hospital?

Interrogative sentence.

वह चिकित्सालय जाता है।

He goes to the hospital.

Present simple tense.

यह चिकित्सालय बड़ा है।

This hospital is big.

Masculine adjective 'bada'.

मेरा घर चिकित्सालय के पास है।

My house is near the hospital.

Postposition 'ke paas'.

चिकित्सालय में डॉक्टर हैं।

There are doctors in the hospital.

Locative case with 'mein'.

वह एक नया चिकित्सालय है।

That is a new hospital.

Masculine adjective 'naya'.

नमस्ते, क्या यह चिकित्सालय है?

Hello, is this a hospital?

Polite inquiry.

आपको चिकित्सालय जाना चाहिए।

You should go to the hospital.

Modal verb 'chahiye'.

चिकित्सालय यहाँ से दूर नहीं है।

The hospital is not far from here.

Negative sentence.

कल मैं चिकित्सालय गया था।

Yesterday I went to the hospital.

Past tense 'gaya tha'.

इस चिकित्सालय का नाम क्या है?

What is the name of this hospital?

Genitive case 'ka'.

चिकित्सालय के सामने एक पार्क है।

There is a park in front of the hospital.

Postposition 'ke saamne'.

वह चिकित्सालय में काम करती है।

She works in the hospital.

Feminine subject with masculine noun.

क्या चिकित्सालय खुला है?

Is the hospital open?

Simple question.

मेरे पिताजी चिकित्सालय में हैं।

My father is in the hospital.

Honorific plural verb 'hain'.

शहर के सभी चिकित्सालय आज बंद हैं।

All the hospitals in the city are closed today.

Plural direct form.

हमें एक अच्छे चिकित्सालय की ज़रूरत है।

We need a good hospital.

Genitive case with 'ki zaroorat'.

चिकित्सालय में साफ़-सफ़ाई का ध्यान रखना चाहिए।

Cleanliness should be maintained in the hospital.

Passive advice structure.

इस चिकित्सालय में चौबीस घंटे सेवा उपलब्ध है।

24-hour service is available in this hospital.

Formal vocabulary 'uplabdha'.

चिकित्सालय के कर्मचारी बहुत मददगार हैं।

The hospital staff are very helpful.

Compound subject.

क्या आप मुझे चिकित्सालय का रास्ता दिखा सकते हैं?

Can you show me the way to the hospital?

Request with 'sakte hain'.

सरकार नए चिकित्सालय बनवा रही है।

The government is getting new hospitals built.

Causative verb 'banwa'.

वह इस चिकित्सालय का सबसे पुराना डॉक्टर है।

He is the oldest doctor of this hospital.

Superlative sense.

चिकित्सालयों में बिस्तरों की भारी कमी है।

There is a severe shortage of beds in the hospitals.

Oblique plural 'chikitsālayon'.

आधुनिक चिकित्सालय तकनीक से लैस होते हैं।

Modern hospitals are equipped with technology.

Formal phrase 'se lais'.

मरीज़ को चिकित्सालय में भर्ती कर लिया गया है।

The patient has been admitted to the hospital.

Passive voice 'kar liya gaya hai'.

चिकित्सालय प्रशासन ने नई नियमावली जारी की है।

The hospital administration has issued new guidelines.

Formal compound noun.

ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में चिकित्सालयों की स्थिति सुधारनी होगी।

The condition of hospitals in rural areas must be improved.

Future necessity 'hogi'.

निजी चिकित्सालय बहुत महँगे हो सकते हैं।

Private hospitals can be very expensive.

Modal 'sakte hain'.

चिकित्सालय में शांति बनाए रखना अनिवार्य है।

Maintaining silence in the hospital is mandatory.

Formal adjective 'anivarya'.

डॉक्टर ने उसे चिकित्सालय से छुट्टी दे दी।

The doctor discharged him from the hospital.

Idiomatic 'chutti dena'.

चिकित्सालय की नैतिकता पर बहस छिड़ गई है।

A debate has broken out over hospital ethics.

Abstract noun 'naitikta'.

सार्वजनिक चिकित्सालयों को अधिक धन की आवश्यकता है।

Public hospitals need more funding.

Formal adjective 'saarvajanik'.

चिकित्सालय का बुनियादी ढाँचा अत्यंत जर्जर है।

The hospital's infrastructure is extremely dilapidated.

Advanced vocabulary 'buniyadi dhaancha'.

क्या चिकित्सालय लाभ कमाने का ज़रिया होना चाहिए?

Should a hospital be a means of making profit?

Philosophical question.

चिकित्सालयों में विशेषज्ञ डॉक्टरों की नियुक्ति की गई।

Specialist doctors were appointed in the hospitals.

Formal passive construction.

इस चिकित्सालय ने चिकित्सा जगत में नए मानक स्थापित किए हैं।

This hospital has set new standards in the medical world.

Advanced phrase 'maanak sthapit karna'.

चिकित्सालय के भीतर धूम्रपान वर्जित है।

Smoking is prohibited inside the hospital.

Formal word 'varjit'.

महामारी के दौरान चिकित्सालयों की भूमिका महत्वपूर्ण थी।

The role of hospitals during the pandemic was crucial.

Historical context.

चिकित्सालय केवल ईंट-पत्थर की इमारत नहीं, बल्कि सेवा का मंदिर है।

A hospital is not just a building of brick and stone, but a temple of service.

Metaphorical usage.

प्राचीन काल के चिकित्सालयों और आज के आधुनिक केंद्रों में बहुत अंतर है।

There is a vast difference between hospitals of ancient times and today's modern centers.

Comparative historical analysis.

चिकित्सालय की सफलता उसके प्रबंधन की कुशलता पर निर्भर करती है।

The success of a hospital depends on the efficiency of its management.

Complex dependency structure.

क्या आप चिकित्सालय के इस नए विंग का खाका देख सकते हैं?

Can you see the blueprint of this new wing of the hospital?

Technical vocabulary 'khaaka'.

चिकित्सालयों में मानवीय दृष्टिकोण का अभाव चिंताजनक है।

The lack of a humanitarian approach in hospitals is worrying.

Abstract academic tone.

चिकित्सालय के अभिलेखों के अनुसार, वह पूर्णतः स्वस्थ है।

According to the hospital records, he is completely healthy.

Formal term 'abhilekh'.

चिकित्सालयों का निजीकरण एक विवादास्पद मुद्दा बना हुआ है।

Privatization of hospitals remains a controversial issue.

Political terminology.

चिकित्सालय की चारदीवारी के भीतर जीवन और मृत्यु का खेल चलता रहता है।

Within the four walls of the hospital, the game of life and death continues.

Literary/Philosophical style.

Synonyms

अस्पताल रुग्णालय औषधालय आरोग्य केंद्र दवाखाना

Antonyms

बीमारी रोग

Common Collocations

सरकारी चिकित्सालय

निजी चिकित्सालय

ज़िला चिकित्सालय

पशु चिकित्सालय

दंत चिकित्सालय

नेत्र चिकित्सालय

चिकित्सालय प्रशासन

चिकित्सालय की सुविधाएँ

मानसिक चिकित्सालय

चिकित्सालय में भर्ती

Common Phrases

चिकित्सालय ले जाना

— To take someone to the hospital.

उसे तुरंत चिकित्सालय ले जाना होगा।

चिकित्सालय से छुट्टी

— Discharge from the hospital.

उसे कल चिकित्सालय से छुट्टी मिलेगी।

चिकित्सालय का मार्ग

— The way to the hospital.

क्या आप चिकित्सालय का मार्ग जानते हैं?

नज़दीकी चिकित्सालय

— The nearest hospital.

नज़दीकी चिकित्सालय यहाँ से दो किलोमीटर दूर है।

चिकित्सालय में उपचाराधीन

— Undergoing treatment in the hospital.

मंत्री जी चिकित्सालय में उपचाराधीन हैं।

चिकित्सालय की ओपीडी

— The Outpatient Department (OPD) of the hospital.

चिकित्सालय की ओपीडी सुबह आठ बजे खुलती है।

चिकित्सालय परिसर

— The hospital premises.

चिकित्सालय परिसर में शोर न करें।

चिकित्सालय के नियम

— Hospital rules.

हमें चिकित्सालय के नियमों का पालन करना चाहिए।

चिकित्सालय की एम्बुलेंस

— The hospital's ambulance.

चिकित्सालय की एम्बुलेंस समय पर आ गई।

चिकित्सालय का बिल

— The hospital bill.

चिकित्सालय का बिल बहुत ज़्यादा आया।

Often Confused With

चिकित्सालय vs Vidyālaya

Vidyālaya is a school (Place of Knowledge). Don't go there for a broken leg!

चिकित्सालय vs Aushadhālaya

This is a pharmacy. It's usually inside or near a Chikitsālaya.

चिकित्सालय vs Pustakālaya

This is a library. A place for books, not bandages.

Idioms & Expressions

"चिकित्सालय के चक्कर काटना"

— To visit the hospital repeatedly due to chronic illness or bureaucracy.

वह महीनों से चिकित्सालय के चक्कर काट रहा है।

Informal

"सफ़ेद दीवारें"

— Metaphor for the cold, sterile environment of a hospital.

चिकित्सालय की सफ़ेद दीवारें उसे डराती हैं।

Literary

"जीवन-दान मिलना"

— To get a new lease on life (often after hospital treatment).

इस चिकित्सालय में उसे जीवन-दान मिला।

Formal

"मौत के मुँह से वापस आना"

— To return from the jaws of death (after being in a hospital).

चिकित्सालय के डॉक्टरों ने उसे मौत के मुँह से बचा लिया।

Common

"खटिया पकड़ लेना"

— To be bedridden (often leading to a hospital visit).

बीमारी ने उसे खटिया पकड़ने पर मजबूर कर दिया।

Colloquial

"इलाज से परहेज़ भला"

— Prevention is better than cure (often said in hospital contexts).

चिकित्सालय जाने से अच्छा है कि आप स्वस्थ रहें।

Proverb

"खून-पसीना एक करना"

— To work very hard (often said of hospital staff).

नर्सों ने मरीज़ों के लिए खून-पसीना एक कर दिया।

Common

"साँसें गिनना"

— To be on one's deathbed in a hospital.

वह चिकित्सालय में अपनी आखिरी साँसें गिन रहा है।

Poetic

"दवा-दारू करना"

— To arrange for medical treatment.

उसकी दवा-दारू के लिए बहुत पैसा चाहिए।

Informal

"अस्पताल का मुँह देखना"

— To have to go to the hospital (usually implies bad luck).

भगवान न करे किसी को चिकित्सालय का मुँह देखना पड़े।

Common

Easily Confused

चिकित्सालय vs चिकित्सक

Sounds very similar.

Chikitsak is the person (doctor); Chikitsālaya is the place (hospital).

चिकित्सक चिकित्सालय में है।

चिकित्सालय vs चिकित्सा

The root word.

Chikitsa is the abstract noun 'treatment'; Chikitsālaya is the physical building.

उसकी चिकित्सा चल रही है।

चिकित्सालय vs औषधि

Related to medicine.

Aushadhi is the medicine itself; Chikitsālaya is where you get it.

चिकित्सालय से औषधि लाओ।

चिकित्सालय vs आरोग्य

Used in similar contexts.

Arogya means 'health'; Chikitsālaya is the place to get health.

आरोग्य के लिए चिकित्सालय ज़रूरी है।

चिकित्सालय vs अस्पताल

Same meaning.

Aspatāl is colloquial/English loan; Chikitsālaya is formal/Sanskrit.

शहर में कई अस्पताल हैं।

Sentence Patterns

यह एक [Adjective] चिकित्सालय है।

यह एक बड़ा चिकित्सालय है।

चिकित्सालय [Location] के पास है।

चिकित्सालय बैंक के पास है।

क्या इस चिकित्सालय में [Facility] है?

क्या इस चिकित्सालय में एम्बुलेंस है?

मरीज़ को [Time] चिकित्सालय ले जाया गया।

मरीज़ को तुरंत चिकित्सालय ले जाया गया।

[Subject] ने चिकित्सालय का उद्घाटन किया।

प्रधानमंत्री ने चिकित्सालय का उद्घाटन किया।

चिकित्सालयों की स्थिति [Adjective] है।

चिकित्सालयों की स्थिति दयनीय है।

Mixed

अगर आप बीमार हैं, तो चिकित्सालय जाएँ।

Mixed

चिकित्सालय में [Person] से मिलें।

चिकित्सालय में डॉक्टर से मिलें।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal contexts; Low in street slang.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Chikitsālaya' as feminine. → यह एक बड़ा चिकित्सालय है।
The word is masculine. Beginners often make it feminine by mistake.
Spelling it as 'Chikitsalay'. → चिकित्सालय
The final 'ya' is necessary in writing, even if the 'a' sound is faint in speech.
Confusing it with 'Vidyālaya'. → मैं चिकित्सालय जा रहा हूँ (I am going to the hospital).
Vidyālaya is school. Using the wrong 'alaya' can lead to funny situations.
Forgetting the oblique plural 'on'. → चिकित्सालयों में
When using postpositions for many hospitals, you must use 'Chikitsālayon'.
Pronouncing 'Ch' as 'Sh'. → Chi-kit-sa-la-ya
The first sound is 'Ch' as in 'Chair', not 'Sh' as in 'She'.

Tips

The 'tsa' Sound

The 'tsa' in Chikitsālaya is a single sound made by placing your tongue against your teeth. It's like the 'ts' in 'cats'.

Masculine Modifiers

Always use 'ka', 'ke', 'mera', 'bada' with this word. Never use 'ki', 'meri', or 'badi'.

Root Recognition

Whenever you see 'Chikitsa', think 'Medicine'. This will help you understand words like 'Chikitsak' (Doctor) and 'Chikitsakiya' (Medical).

Signage

In North India, look for the blue or green boards with white text. They almost always use 'Chikitsālaya'.

Devanagari Practice

Write the word 10 times. Pay attention to the 'matras' (vowel signs).

Formal Contexts

If you are at a government office, use 'Chikitsālaya'. It will make you sound very respectful and fluent.

News Clips

Search for 'Hindi Health News' on YouTube. You will hear this word used frequently in professional reporting.

The 'Alaya' Family

Group this word with Vidyālaya and Pustakālaya in your mind. They all belong to the 'Building' family.

Compound Words

Learn 'Sarkaari Chikitsālaya' first, as it's the most common phrase you'll encounter.

Don't Panic

It looks long, but it's just two simple words joined together. Master the parts, and the whole is easy.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CHICK' in a 'KIT' getting 'SA' (some) 'LAYA' (layers) of bandages in a hospital.

Visual Association

Imagine a large white building with the Sanskrit word for 'Om' or a Red Cross, with the word 'CHIKITSALAYA' written in blue neon lights.

Word Web

Doctor Medicine Patient Surgery Ambulance Nurse Health Clinic

Challenge

Try to say 'Main chikitsālaya ja raha hoon' five times fast without tripping over the 'tsa' sound.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'चिकित्सालय' (Cikitsālaya). It is a Tatpurusha compound.

Original meaning: Abode of healing or place for medical care.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit)

Cultural Context

When visiting a hospital in India, it is culturally polite to speak softly and use formal terms like 'Chikitsālaya' when addressing senior staff.

In English-speaking countries, we use 'Hospital' for everything, but in Hindi, using 'Chikitsālaya' shows you are speaking 'High Hindi' or 'Shuddh Hindi'.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is often called 'Bharatiya Ayurvigyan Sansthan', but its units are 'Chikitsālaya'. The movie 'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.' deals with hospital life, though they use 'Aspatāl' more. Premchand's stories often mention local dispensaries.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Emergency

एम्बुलेंस बुलाओ! (Call an ambulance!)
इमरजेंसी कहाँ है? (Where is the emergency?)
खून बह रहा है। (It is bleeding.)
जल्दी चलो! (Go fast!)

At the Reception

मुझे डॉक्टर से मिलना है। (I want to see a doctor.)
पर्ची कहाँ बनेगी? (Where to get the slip/token?)
फीस कितनी है? (How much is the fee?)
क्या डॉक्टर अंदर हैं? (Is the doctor inside?)

Describing Symptoms

मुझे बुखार है। (I have a fever.)
यहाँ दर्द हो रहा है। (It hurts here.)
साँस लेने में तकलीफ है। (Trouble breathing.)
चक्कर आ रहे हैं। (Feeling dizzy.)

Getting Directions

सीधे जाइए। (Go straight.)
बाएँ मुड़िए। (Turn left.)
अगला मोड़। (Next turn.)
वहाँ बोर्ड लगा है। (There is a board there.)

Pharmacy

दवा दे दीजिए। (Please give the medicine.)
ये पर्चा देखिए। (See this prescription.)
दिन में कितनी बार? (How many times a day?)
खाने के बाद? (After eating?)

Conversation Starters

"क्या आप जानते हैं कि यहाँ सबसे अच्छा चिकित्सालय कौन सा है?"

"चिकित्सालय जाने के लिए बस कहाँ से मिलेगी?"

"कल चिकित्सालय में बहुत भीड़ थी, क्या आपने देखा?"

"क्या इस चिकित्सालय में कार्डियोलॉजिस्ट उपलब्ध है?"

"चिकित्सालय के नए नियमों के बारे में आपकी क्या राय है?"

Journal Prompts

आज मैंने चिकित्सालय का दौरा किया और वहाँ जो देखा उसका वर्णन करें।

क्या आपको लगता है कि हर गाँव में एक चिकित्सालय होना चाहिए? क्यों?

अपने जीवन के उस समय के बारे में लिखें जब आपको चिकित्सालय जाना पड़ा।

एक आदर्श चिकित्सालय कैसा होना चाहिए? अपनी कल्पना से लिखें।

अगर आप एक चिकित्सालय के मैनेजर होते, तो आप क्या बदलाव करते?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a masculine noun. You should use masculine adjectives like 'bada' or 'naya' with it. For example, 'Yah ek bada chikitsālaya hai.'

In the direct case, it is 'Chikitsālaya'. In the oblique case (with postpositions), it is 'Chikitsālayon'. For example, 'Kayi chikitsālaya' (Many hospitals) vs 'Chikitsālayon mein' (In the hospitals).

Yes, 'Aspatāl' is perfectly fine for daily conversation. 'Chikitsālaya' is just more formal. If you are a beginner, 'Aspatāl' is easier to say, but 'Chikitsālaya' is better for reading signs.

'Chikitsālaya' is a full hospital for treatment and surgery. 'Aushadhālaya' is a pharmacy or a small dispensary where you only get medicines.

In modern spoken Hindi, the final 'a' is silent (schwa deletion). It sounds like 'Chikitsālay'. However, in formal Sanskritized speech or singing, it might be slightly heard.

It is spelled as चिकित्सालय. Note the 'i' matra on 'cha' and 'ka', the half 'ta' joined to 'sa', and the 'laya' at the end.

The suffix '-alaya' means 'abode' or 'place' in Sanskrit. It is used in many Hindi words like Vidyālaya (School) and Pustakālaya (Library).

It is a Veterinary Hospital. 'Pashu' means animal, so it's a place where animals are treated.

Not really. Bollywood characters usually say 'Hospital'. You'll hear 'Chikitsālaya' in historical dramas or very formal settings.

Break it into two parts: 'Chikitsa' (Treatment) + 'Alaya' (Place). It's the 'Treatment Place'.