诊所

• Pinyin: zhěn suǒ
• Hanzi breakdown: 诊 = 讠(speech/language radical) + 参 (examine — suggesting verbal inquiry during diagnosis); 所 = 户 + 斤 (place — a designated location)

Meaning

A clinic; a small medical facility providing outpatient diagnosis and treatment, distinct from a hospital.

Covers general practitioners, dental clinics, specialist outpatient clinics, and community health centres. Contrasts with 医院 (hospital) which handles inpatient care and major procedures.

Examples

1. 他每周去社区诊所复查一次血压。 He goes to the community clinic once a week to have his blood pressure checked.
2. 这家私人诊所以专业的口腔护理著称。 This private clinic is known for its professional dental care.
3. 乡村诊所的医疗条件有限，但医生们尽职尽责。 The medical conditions at the rural clinic are limited, but the doctors are dedicated and responsible.

Usage Guide

Context: healthcare, daily life, community

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 附近有一家24小时的诊所，方便居民随时就医。(There is a 24-hour clinic nearby, convenient for residents to seek medical care at any time.)
• 他在本地开了一家专科皮肤诊所。(He opened a specialist dermatology clinic locally.)

Don't Say

• 去诊所开刀做手术 — major surgery is performed at hospitals (医院), not clinics; use 去医院动手术 or 在医院接受手术

Origin & History

诊 (diagnose/examine) + 所 (place/location)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal