French word

hôpital

Pronunciation

IPA/opital/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhospital

Example

Je vais à l'hôpital.

I am going to the hospital.

Illustration for hôpital (hospital)

More examples

Il travaille à l'hôpital.

He is working at the hospital.

Core concept

A coordinated care center that brings emergency help, specialized treatment, and patient monitoring under one roof.

Common phrases

  • aller à l'hôpital

    go to the hospital

  • être à l'hôpital

    be at the hospital

  • appeler l'hôpital

    call the hospital

Similar words

clinique: A privately run clinic focused mainly on outpatient care.
urgence: A medical setting providing immediate assessment and treatment for urgent conditions.
cabinet médical: A doctor's office or small private practice for medical consultations.
pharmacie: A store that dispenses and sells medicines prescribed by a doctor.

Definition in French

Désigne un lieu organisé pour diagnostiquer, soigner et surveiller des malades, avec des services tels que les urgences ou la maternité.

Word origin

French hôpital comes through Old French hospital from Latin hospitale, which referred to a place connected with hospitality, lodging, and care.

Usage tips

  • The initial h is silent, so standard phrases include à l'hôpital and de l'hôpital rather than forms with a pronounced h.

Related words

Word lists with this word