Japanese Phrases for the Pharmacy

Explain your symptoms, get the right medicine — no gestures needed.

Japanese pharmacies stock everything from prescription drugs to face masks, but if you need specific medicine, you'll need to describe what's wrong. The pharmacist behind the counter can recommend medicine, but only if they understand your symptoms. Many foreign visitors end up buying the wrong thing because they can't explain the problem. These phrases get you the right stuff without playing charades.

Describing Symptoms

  • 頭が痛いです。何かありますか？

    Atama ga itai desu. Nanika arimasu ka?

    I have a headache. Do you have anything for it?

  • 鼻水が止まりません。

    Hanamizu ga tomarimasen.

    My nose won't stop running.

  • のどが痛くて、咳も出ます。

    Nodo ga itakute, seki mo demasu.

    My throat hurts and I have a cough too.

  • お腹を壊しました。

    Onaka wo kowashimashita.

    I have an upset stomach.

  • 肌荒れがひどいです。

    Hadaare ga hidoi desu.

    My skin is really irritated.

Buying Medicine

  • 一番よく効く薬はどれですか？

    Ichiban yoku kiku kusuri wa dore desu ka?

    Which one works best?

  • 眠くならない薬がいいです。

    Nemuku naranai kusuri ga ii desu.

    I'd prefer something non-drowsy.

  • 妊娠中でも飲めますか？

    Ninshinchuu demo nomemasu ka?

    Can I take this while pregnant?

  • 子供用はありますか？

    Kodomo you wa arimasu ka?

    Do you have a children's version?

  • 1日何回飲めばいいですか？

    Ichinichi nankai nomeba ii desu ka?

    How many times a day should I take it?

Allergies & Restrictions

  • この薬にアレルギーがあるかもしれません。

    Kono kusuri ni arerugii ga aru kamoshiremasen.

    I might be allergic to this medicine.

  • アルコールと一緒に飲んでも大丈夫ですか？

    Arukooru to issho ni nonde mo daijoubu desu ka?

    Is it okay to take this with alcohol?

  • 今飲んでいる薬との飲み合わせは大丈夫ですか？

    Ima nonde iru kusuri to no nomiawase wa daijoubu desu ka?

    Will this interact with the medicine I'm already taking?

  • 処方箋なしで買える薬はありますか？

    Shohosen nashi de kaeru kusuri wa arimasu ka?

    Do you have anything I can buy without a prescription?

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Related Guides

Japanese Phrases for the Hospital

Japanese Phrases for the Dentist

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