Japanese word

保健所

Pronunciation

Romajihokenjo

Meaning

  • nounpublic health center

Example

近くの保健所に電話します。chika ku no ho ken jo ni den wa shi ma su

I will call the nearby public health center.

Illustration for 保健所 (public health center)

More examples

食品の衛生について保健所に相談します。shoku hin no ei sei ni tsu i te ho ken jo ni sō dan shi ma su

I consult a public health center about food safety.

Core concept

A local public institution protects community health through prevention, advice, and official health measures.

Common phrases

  • 保健所に相談するho ken jo ni sō dan su ru

    consult a public health center

  • 保健所の検査ho ken jo no ken sa

    an inspection by a public health center

Similar words

保健センターhokensentā: A community facility offering health checkups, guidance, and support to local residents.

Definition in Japanese

地域住民の健康相談や感染症対策、食品衛生などを担う自治体の公的な機関。chi iki jū min no ken kō sō dan ya kan sen shō tai saku shoku hin ei sei na do o nina u ji chi tai no kō teki na ki kan

Word origin

保健所 (hokenjo) combines 保 (ho, "protect") and 健 (ken, "healthy") in 保健 (hoken, "health"), with 所 (jo, "place").

Usage tips

  • In English, 保健所 (hokenjo) is usually rendered as public health center, while health department can refer more broadly to the government unit overseeing public health services.

Word lists with this word