Meaning and Usage
"施設" (しせつ) refers to a physical establishment or facility designed for a specific purpose, such as medical, educational, welfare, or sports use. It is a formal noun often used in official or written contexts.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter "施設" when talking about hospitals, schools, welfare centers, sports complexes, and other public or private buildings equipped for particular functions.
Collocations and Patterns
- 施設を利用する: to use a facility; common when discussing access or usage.
- 医療施設: medical facility; used in healthcare contexts.
- 福祉施設: welfare facility; related to social services.
- 学校施設: school facilities; referring to buildings and equipment at schools.
Register and Nuance
"施設" is a neutral to formal term and is appropriate in both spoken polite and written language. It is not casual and is rarely used in informal conversation without context.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "施設" with "設備" (せつび), which means equipment or installation. Remember, "施設" refers to the whole facility or establishment, while "設備" refers to the equipment or devices inside it.