挂号

• Pinyin: guà hào
• Hanzi breakdown: 挂 = 扌 (hand) + 卦 (trigram) — to attach or register; 号 = 口 (mouth) + 丂 — to call out a name or number; a designation

Meaning

To register at a hospital or clinic; to send registered mail. The first step in seeking medical care, or a postal service providing tracking for important letters.

挂号 is the essential first step when visiting a Chinese hospital — registering at the front desk to be assigned to a doctor. In postal contexts, 挂号信 (registered letter) provides tracking and proof of delivery. Online appointment platforms use 网上挂号, which has become increasingly common at major hospitals.

Examples

1. 她一大早就赶到医院挂号，但还是等了将近两个小时才轮到她就诊。 She got to the hospital early to register, but still waited nearly two hours before it was her turn to see a doctor.
2. 现在许多大型医院已开通网上挂号，患者无需提前长时间排队等候。 Many large hospitals now offer online registration, so patients don’t have to stand in long lines ahead of time.
3. 重要合同文件请以挂号信方式寄出，以便追踪查询并核实送达情况。 Please send important contract documents by registered mail so they can be tracked and delivery can be confirmed.

Usage Guide

Context: medical, postal, daily life

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你需要先挂号，才能前往专科门诊就诊。(You need to register first before you can see a specialist.)
• 这封合同用挂号信寄出，确保对方能签字确认收到。(This contract was sent by registered mail to ensure the recipient signs to confirm receipt.)

Don't Say

• 把'挂号'用于描述注册网站账号或应用程序账户 — 挂号 specifically means hospital registration or registered postal mail; use 注册 for signing up for an online account or service

Origin & History

挂 (to register; to attach a record) + 号 (number; name; designation). In hospitals, obtaining a numbered registration ticket to enter the appointment system.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal