24 Essential Japanese Phrases for the Pharmacy Visit

Heading to the pharmacy in Japan can feel a bit intimidating if you don’t know the language well.

But don’t worry! With a handful of essential phrases, you’ll find yourself navigating the visit smoothly and confidently. It’s all about knowing the right things to say and understand.

Whether you need medicine for a cold, allergy advice, or instructions on how to take your pills, these phrases have got your back.

Learning these can save you time, reduce stress, and make the whole experience much friendlier. Plus, it’s a great way to show respect and appreciation for the local culture.

We’ve even included some handy tips on pronunciation and simple tricks to help you remember.

Ready to feel at ease during your next pharmacy visit in Japan? Let’s dive in and get you prepared!

Getting Comfortable with Pharmacy Visits in Japan

Visiting a pharmacy in Japan is a common part of life, but it can feel tricky if you’re not used to the language.

Pharmacists are helpful and polite, and they appreciate when you try to speak Japanese. Having a few key phrases handy can make the process smoother and less stressful for everyone.

It’s always good to learn some basics before you go.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

These phrases will cover everything from asking about symptoms to confirming dosage instructions.

With practice, you’ll find it easier to ask questions and understand answers during your pharmacy visits.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 「これをください」 (Kore o kudasai) – “This, please”

This is the simplest way to ask for an item in a pharmacy.

Just point to the medicine you want and say “Kore o kudasai” (koh-reh oh koo-dah-sigh). “Kore” means “this,” “o” marks the object, and “kudasai” means “please.”

It’s direct and polite enough for everyday use.

Perfect for when you see exactly what you need.

If you want to be extra polite, you can add「お願いします」(onegaishimasu) after it.

Once you try this phrase, you’ll feel more confident pointing and asking for what you want.

2. 「薬はありますか？」 (Kusuri wa arimasu ka?) – “Do you have medicine?”

This phrase helps you check if a certain medicine is in stock.

It’s easy to remember because “kusuri” means “medicine,” “wa” is a topic marker, and “arimasu ka?” means “is there?” or “do you have?” Practice by asking about common medicines daily.

Asking this shows you’re polite and interested.

A common mistake is to forget the question marker “ka,” which turns the sentence into a question.

Example: “Kusuri wa arimasu ka?” when you want to check for allergy medicine.

Using this phrase ensures you get clear answers and can plan your next steps accordingly.

3. 「どうすればいいですか？」 (Dō sureba ii desu ka?) – “What should I do?”

This phrase is great when you’re unsure about what medicine or treatment to choose.

“Dō” means “how,” “sureba” is “to do,” “ii” means “good,” and “desu ka” makes it a polite question. It’s a useful phrase to ask for guidance.

It invites helpful advice from the pharmacist.

Use it whenever you’re uncertain about next steps.

For example, “Kaze ni natsuite, dō sureba ii desu ka?” means “What should I do about a cold?”

It’s a polite way to ask for recommendations and shows you care about following instructions properly.

4. 「副作用はありますか？」 (Fukusayō wa arimasu ka?) – “Are there any side effects?”

Knowing about side effects is important when taking new medicine.

This phrase helps you ask clearly if there might be any adverse reactions. “Fukusayō” means “side effects,” and the rest is the same question structure you’ve learned.

It helps you take safer decisions.

Don’t skip asking this, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Example: “Kono kusuri no fukusayō wa arimasu ka?” means “Does this medicine have side effects?”

Pharmacists will appreciate your caution and are happy to explain.

5. 「飲み方を教えてください」 (Nomikata o oshiete kudasai) – “Please tell me how to take this”

Getting dosage instructions right is crucial for effective treatment.

This phrase literally means “Please teach me the way to drink (take) it.” “Nomikata” is “way of taking,” “o oshiete” means “please teach,” and “kudasai” adds politeness.

Use this to ensure you understand the instructions perfectly.

It’s a respectful way to ask for detailed explanations.

Example: “Kono kusuri no nomikata o oshiete kudasai.”

Asking this prevents mistakes and helps you stay healthy.

6. 「何かおすすめはありますか？」 (Nanika osusume wa arimasu ka?) – “Do you have any recommendations?”

This phrase is great when you want expert advice but aren’t sure what to pick.

“Nanika” means “something,” “osusume” is “recommendation,” and the rest is the question format you know. It’s a friendly way to ask the pharmacist what they suggest.

It opens up helpful dialogue.

Don’t be shy to use this phrase if you want the pharmacist’s opinion.

Example: “風邪薬で何かおすすめはありますか？” means “Do you have any recommendations for cold medicine?”

It’s a simple phrase that can lead to better medicine choices.

7. 「この薬はどのくらい飲みますか？」 (Kono kusuri wa dono kurai nomimasu ka?) – “How long should I take this medicine?”

Knowing the duration for taking medicine is key to recovery.

This phrase breaks down as “kono kusuri” (this medicine), “wa” topic marker, “dono kurai” (how long), “nomimasu ka” (do you take?).

It helps clarify the treatment period.

Never guess how long to take medicine—always ask.

Example: “Kono kusuri wa dono kurai nomimasu ka?”

Clear answers will keep you on track and healthy.

8. 「薬をアレルギーがあります」 (Kusuri o arerugī ga arimasu) – “I have an allergy to medicine”

It’s important to tell the pharmacist about any allergies you have.

Say “Kusuri o arerugī ga arimasu” (koo-soo-ree oh ah-reh-roo-gee gah ah-ree-mah-su). “Kusuri” means medicine, “arerugī” allergy, and “arimasu” means “I have.”

This alerts the pharmacist to avoid certain medications.

Be sure to mention this early in the conversation.

Example: “私はペニシリンのアレルギーがあります” (Watashi wa penishirin no arerugī ga arimasu) means “I have a penicillin allergy.”

Sharing this info keeps you safe and builds trust.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 「すみません、相談してもいいですか？」 (Sumimasen, sōdan shite mo ii desu ka?) – “Excuse me, may I consult with you?”

This polite phrase is perfect when you want to start a consultation.

“Sumimasen” means “excuse me,” “sōdan shite mo” is “even if I consult,” and “ii desu ka” means “is it okay?” Use it to show respect before asking questions.

It sets a courteous tone for your interaction.

Avoid jumping straight into questions without this polite opener.

Example: “すみません、相談してもいいですか？風邪の薬について” (Sumimasen, sōdan shite mo ii desu ka? Kaze no kusuri ni tsuite) means “Excuse me, may I consult with you about cold medicine?”

This phrase helps build good rapport and access thorough advice.

10. 「服用方法を詳しく教えていただけますか？」 (Fukuyō hōhō o kuwashiku oshiete itadakemasu ka?) – “Could you kindly explain the usage method in detail?”

Use this formal phrase when you want detailed instructions explained.

“Fukuyō hōhō” means “usage method,” “kuwashiku” means “in detail,” “oshiete” is “please teach,” and “itadakemasu ka” adds polite request.

It shows respect and seriousness about following directions.

Don’t hesitate to ask for full explanations if you’re unsure.

Example: “この薬の服用方法を詳しく教えていただけますか？” (Kono kusuri no fukuyō hōhō o kuwashiku oshiete itadakemasu ka?)

This phrase invites clear, careful guidance.

11. 「副作用について教えていただけますか？」 (Fukusayō ni tsuite oshiete itadakemasu ka?) – “Could you please tell me about the side effects?”

This is a polite way to ask about side effects.

Use it when you want detailed or sensitive information.

“Ni tsuite” means “about,” so you’re politely requesting information.

Avoid skipping this question if you want to be fully informed.

Example: “新しい薬の副作用について教えていただけますか？” (Atarashii kusuri no fukusayō ni tsuite oshiete itadakemasu ka?)

Pharmacists will appreciate your careful approach.

12. 「薬の保管方法を教えてください」 (Kusuri no hokan hōhō o oshiete kudasai) – “Please tell me how to store the medicine”

Proper storage keeps medicine effective and safe.

Use this phrase to ask for storage instructions.

“Hokan” means “storage,” so this is a practical question.

Don’t assume all medicines store the same way.

Example: “この薬の保管方法を教えてください” (Kono kusuri no hokan hōhō o oshiete kudasai)

Getting clear instructions helps avoid accidents or spoilage.

13. 「何か注意することはありますか？」 (Nanika chūi suru koto wa arimasu ka?) – “Is there anything I should be careful about?”

This phrase is useful for asking about precautions.

“Chūi suru koto” means “things to be careful about,” so it covers warnings and advice.

It shows you’re responsible and want to avoid problems.

Don’t forget to ask this when starting new medicine.

Example: “この薬を飲むときに何か注意することはありますか？” (Kono kusuri o nomu toki ni nanika chūi suru koto wa arimasu ka?)

You’ll be better prepared with any special instructions.

14. 「他の薬との飲み合わせは大丈夫ですか？」 (Hoka no kusuri to no nomiawase wa daijōbu desu ka?) – “Is it okay to take this with other medicine?”

Drug interactions can be dangerous, so this phrase is essential.

“Nomiawase” means “combination of intake,” so you’re asking about compatibility.

Always check before mixing medicines.

Example: “この薬は他の薬との飲み合わせは大丈夫ですか？” (Kono kusuri wa hoka no kusuri to no nomiawase wa daijōbu desu ka?)

Pharmacists can provide safe advice to prevent issues.

15. 「保険証を使えますか？」 (Hokenshō o tsukaemasu ka?) – “Can I use my health insurance card?”

This phrase helps you confirm if your insurance applies.

“Hokenshō” means “insurance card,” and “tsukaemasu ka” means “can I use?”

It’s practical to know before paying.

Example: “この薬に保険証を使えますか？” (Kono kusuri ni hokenshō o tsukaemasu ka?)

Knowing this saves you money and hassle.

16. 「領収書をください」 (Ryōshūsho o kudasai) – “Please give me a receipt”

Always ask for a receipt after your purchase.

“Ryōshūsho” means “receipt,” and “kudasai” is “please.”

It’s handy for records or insurance claims.

Example: “領収書をください” (Ryōshūsho o kudasai)

Keep receipts safe for future reference.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. 「これ、効く？」 (Kore, kiku?) – “Does this work?”

This casual phrase is common among friends or young people.

“Kore” means “this,” and “kiku?” means “does it work?” It’s short and informal.

Good for relaxed settings but avoid with strangers.

Example: “この薬、効く？”

Use only when the atmosphere is friendly and informal.

18. 「ちょっと薬ちょうだい」 (Chotto kusuri chōdai) – “Give me some medicine, please”

“Chotto” means “a little,” and “chōdai” is a casual “give me.”

This phrase is very informal, like asking a close friend.

Not suitable for formal pharmacy visits but useful with friends.

Example: “風邪薬、ちょっとちょうだい” means “Give me some cold medicine, please.”

Use wisely depending on your relationship.

19. 「これ、どうやって飲むの？」 (Kore, dō yatte nomu no?) – “How do I take this?”

A laid-back way to ask about dosage.

“Dō yatte” means “how,” and “nomu no?” is a casual question form.

Use among friends or in casual situations.

Example: “この薬、どうやって飲むの？”

Perfect for quick, informal clarifications.

20. 「薬、効いてる？」 (Kusuri, kiiteru?) – “Is the medicine working?”

A casual way to check if medicine is doing its job.

“Kiiteru” is the informal progressive form of “work” or “be effective.”

Use in friendly, informal conversations.

Example: “この薬、効いてる？”

Shows you’re casually checking progress.

21. 「薬、もうない？」 (Kusuri, mō nai?) – “Is there no more medicine left?”

This phrase is a quick, casual way to check your supply.

“Mō nai” means “no more” or “gone.”

Use only with close acquaintances or informal settings.

Example: “薬、もうない？”

Good for everyday, relaxed chats.

22. 「薬、どこにある？」 (Kusuri, doko ni aru?) – “Where is the medicine?”

A simple, informal way to ask where something is.

“Doko ni aru?” means “where is it?”

Use in comfortable, casual situations.

Example: “風邪薬、どこにある？”

Quick and to the point for native-like flow.

23. 「薬、まだある？」 (Kusuri, mada aru?) – “Do you still have medicine?”

A casual phrase to check if medicine is still available.

“Mada aru” means “still have.”

Great for informal checks.

Example: “この薬、まだある？”

Use when you want a quick answer.

24. 「薬もらえる？」 (Kusuri moraeru?) – “Can I get some medicine?”

This is a very casual way to ask for medicine.

“Moraeru?” means “can receive,” so it’s like “Can I get?”

Not polite enough for formal settings but fine among friends.

Example: “風邪薬、もらえる？”

Use this phrase only when the context is relaxed and informal.

Concluding Thought

Mastering these phrases takes the stress out of pharmacy visits in Japan and opens doors to better health communication.

Remember, combining politeness with clear questions makes you a welcome guest and helps you get exactly what you need.

With these essentials, you’re ready to tackle any pharmacy trip with confidence and ease. Ganbatte (good luck) on your language journey!