How to Say "Hospital" in Chinese (Mandarin)

Category: Transport & Getting Around

How to Pronounce "Hospital" in Mandarin

The Chinese word for 'Hospital' is 医院, pronounced Yīyuàn in pinyin notation. To say it in English approximation: 'ee-ywen'.

Breaking Down the Characters

Character	Pinyin	Notes
医	Yīyuàn	Character component
院		Character component

Example Usage in Context

English	Chinese	Pinyin
I want to say 'Hospital'	医院	Yīyuàn
How do you say Hospital?	"Hospital"怎么说？	"Hospital" zěnme shuō?
Please say Hospital slowly	请慢慢说医院	Qǐng màn màn shuō Yīyuàn

Understanding Mandarin Tones

Mandarin Chinese uses four tones plus a neutral tone. Getting the tone right is essential - the same syllable with a different tone can mean a completely different word. The pinyin Yīyuàn includes tone markers to guide correct pronunciation.

Tips for Learning Chinese Pronunciation

• Listen to native speakers on apps like HelloChinese or Duolingo
• Practice the four tones separately before combining them in words
• Record yourself and compare to native pronunciation
• The pinyin system is the standard romanisation - learn it once and use it everywhere

Take Your Mandarin Further