Translation guide
The English word "analgesic" refers to a substance that relieves pain. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this is with the word 鎮痛剤 (chintsūzai), which specifically means a pain-relieving medicine. For everyday conversation, 痛み止め (itamidome) is more casual and widely understood. This guide covers how to talk about analgesics in medical, everyday, and commercial contexts.
Do you have any analgesics?
Referring to a medicine that reduces or eliminates pain, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
The standard medical and formal term for an analgesic. Used in pharmacies, hospitals, and on medication labels.
This analgesic requires a prescription.
The most common everyday word for painkiller. Literally 'pain stopper'. Used in casual conversation and over-the-counter contexts.
Synonym for 鎮痛剤, slightly more technical. Often used in medical literature.
Specifically referring to non-prescription analgesics available at drugstores.
Referring to a particular class or brand of pain reliever, such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen.
A pain-relieving product applied to the skin, such as a patch or ointment.
鎮痛剤 (chintsūzai) is the formal, medical term. Use it when speaking with a doctor or pharmacist, or when reading medication instructions. 痛み止め (itamidome) is the everyday word, suitable for casual conversation and when asking for pain relief at a drugstore. Using 痛み止め in a formal medical setting is not rude, but 鎮痛剤 sounds more professional.
The direct loanword アナルジェシック (anarujeshikku) is not used in Japanese. It will not be understood. Always use the native terms above.
Please take the analgesic.
頭が痛いので、痛み止めを飲みました。
I had a headache, so I took a painkiller.
Do you have any painkillers?
Be aware of the side effects of analgesics.
An over-the-counter painkiller is enough.
Uses the English abbreviation 'OTC'. Common in pharmacy settings but less natural in casual speech.
Where is the OTC analgesic section?
This antipyretic analgesic also works for fever.
A popular brand name for loxoprofen, an NSAID. Often used generically to mean painkiller in casual contexts, similar to 'Advil' in English.
Using brand names as generic terms is common but may not be understood by all speakers. Use 痛み止め for clarity.
I felt better after taking Loxonin.
Acetaminophen/paracetamol. Used in medical contexts or when specifying the active ingredient.
Acetaminophen can put a strain on the liver.
Apply the topical analgesic to the affected area.
Medicated patch or compress. Very common in Japan for muscle pain. Often contains analgesics like methyl salicylate.
My shoulder hurt, so I put on a pain relief patch.
Analgesic cream. Less common than patches but understood.
Apply the analgesic cream and massage.