If you're learning Japanese, expanding your vocabulary is essential—especially when it comes to practical words like "medicine." Whether you’re traveling in Japan, visiting a pharmacy, or just want to improve your language skills, knowing how to talk about medicine can be incredibly useful.

Imagine you're in Japan, feeling under the weather, and need something for a headache or a cold. How do you ask for medicine? Where can you buy it? What if you need a prescription?

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to say "medicine" in Japanese, different types of medicine, how to ask for it, and cultural insights that can help you navigate Japan’s healthcare system with confidence.

The Basic Word for "Medicine" in Japanese

The most common way to say "medicine" in Japanese is:

薬 (くすり / Kusuri)

This is the general term for medicine and can refer to both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicine.

Example Sentences:

✅ 風邪をひいたので、薬を飲みました。
(Kaze o hiita node, kusuri o nomimashita.)
— "I caught a cold, so I took some medicine."

✅ この薬は1日3回飲んでください。
(Kono kusuri wa ichinichi sankai nonde kudasai.)
— "Please take this medicine three times a day."

Since 薬 (kusuri) is a broad term, there are more specific words depending on the type of medicine you need.

Different Types of Medicine in Japanese

If you’re at a pharmacy (薬局 / Yakkyoku) or drugstore (ドラッグストア / Doraggu Sutoa) in Japan, you might come across different words for medicine depending on what you need.

Prescription Medicine in Japanese is 処方薬 (しょほうやく / Shohōyaku). This refers to medicine that requires a doctor's prescription.

• Over-the-Counter Medicine is called 市販薬 (しはんやく / Shihanyaku). These are medicines you can buy at drugstores or convenience stores without a prescription.

• Pain Relievers (Painkillers) are known as 鎮痛剤 (ちんつうざい / Chintsūzai). These include medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which help relieve headaches, muscle pain, and other discomforts.

• Cough Medicine is 咳止め薬 (せきどめぐすり / Sekidomegusuri). This is used to suppress coughing and is often sold in liquid or tablet form.

• Antibiotics are referred to as 抗生物質 (こうせいぶっしつ / Kōseibusshitsu). These require a doctor’s prescription and are used to treat bacterial infections.

• Herbal Medicine is called 漢方薬 (かんぽうやく / Kampōyaku). This refers to traditional Japanese and Chinese herbal remedies, often used alongside modern medicine for various health conditions.

How to Ask for Medicine in Japan

If you ever need to buy medicine while in Japan, knowing how to ask for it will make your experience much easier. Here are some essential phrases to use at a pharmacy:

💊 Where is the pharmacy?
薬局はどこですか？
(Yakkyoku wa doko desu ka?)

💊 Do you have this medicine?
この薬はありますか？
(Kono kusuri wa arimasu ka?)

💊 Please give me medicine for a cold.
風邪に効く薬をください。
(Kaze ni kiku kusuri o kudasai.)

💊 Do I need a prescription for this?
これは処方薬が必要ですか？
(Kore wa shohōyaku ga hitsuyō desu ka?)

💊 Please give me medicine for a headache.
頭痛に効く薬をください。
(Zutsū ni kiku kusuri o kudasai.)

💊 How often should I take this medicine?
この薬はどのくらいの頻度で飲めばいいですか？
(Kono kusuri wa dono kurai no hindo de nomeba ii desu ka?)

Pharmacists in Japan are generally very helpful, and many drugstores in cities like Tokyo and Osaka have English-speaking staff or translation services available.

Where to Buy Medicine in Japan

There are several places where you can buy medicine in Japan, depending on what you need:

1️⃣ 薬局 (やっきょく / Yakkyoku) – Pharmacies

• Best for: Prescription medicine and professional advice.

• Example: Tomod’s, Sugi Pharmacy, and Welcia.

2️⃣ ドラッグストア (Doraggu Sutoa) – Drugstores

• Best for: Over-the-counter medicine, health products, cosmetics, and daily necessities.

• Example: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Tsuruha Drug.

3️⃣ コンビニ (Konbini) – Convenience Stores

• Best for: Basic over-the-counter medicines like painkillers, cold medicine, and stomach relief.

• Example: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson.

4️⃣ 病院 (びょういん / Byōin) – Hospitals & Clinics

• Best for: Prescription medicine after seeing a doctor.

If you need something mild like a pain reliever or cold medicine, you can find it at a drugstore or convenience store. However, for stronger medications like antibiotics, you'll need a prescription from a doctor and must visit a pharmacy (Yakkyoku).

Japanese Medicine vs. Western Medicine: Cultural Insights

Japan has a unique approach to medicine, blending modern pharmaceuticals with traditional remedies. Many people in Japan use 漢方薬 (Kampōyaku), which are herbal medicines rooted in Chinese medicine. These remedies are often used alongside Western-style medicine, especially for chronic conditions or minor illnesses.

Another key difference is that many Western medicines are sold in lower doses in Japan. Painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are often weaker than what you might find in the U.S. or Europe. This is why some expats and travelers bring their own medicine from home.

If you’re traveling to Japan and rely on strong prescription medication, it’s a good idea to check Japan’s import regulations in advance, as some medications that are legal elsewhere may be restricted or banned in Japan.

Conclusion

Understanding how to say "medicine" in Japanese and knowing related terms and phrases can be incredibly helpful, whether you’re traveling, living in Japan, or learning the language.

The most common word to remember is 薬 (くすり / Kusuri), but knowing more specific terms like 処方薬 (shohōyaku) for prescription medicine or 市販薬 (shihanyaku) for over-the-counter drugs will make your life easier.