Institution, Clinic
Interesting Fact
In Japan, if you see a name ending in 院, it's usually a place dedicated to a specific purpose. Hospitals (病院), graduate schools (大学院), beauty clinics (美容院), and research institutes all share this kanji. Rather than simply meaning "building," 院 carries the feeling of an organized place where experts study, heal, teach, or provide professional services.
Memory Trick
Look at the left side of 院—it looks like a tall stone gate standing at the entrance. On the right, imagine a huge building with a roof and rooms inside. Every important place—hospital, school, or research center—starts with a grand entrance. Gate + Big Building = Institution (院).
Readings
Onyomi: イン (in)
Kunyomi:
Example Words
Example Sentence
祖父は 病院に 入院しています。
そふは びょういんに にゅういんしています。
sofu wa byouin ni nyuuin shiteimasu
My grandfather is hospitalized.