Translation guide
A historical or fantasy term for a person who prepares and sells medicines, or the shop itself. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various terms depending on the era, context, and whether referring to the person or the place.
To refer to a person who makes and dispenses medicines, especially in a pre-modern or fantasy setting.
To refer to the physical store or establishment where medicines are prepared and sold.
薬屋 (kusuri-ya) is a more traditional, sometimes quaint term for a medicine shop or seller, often used in historical or fantasy contexts. 薬局 (yakkyoku) is the modern, standard word for a pharmacy where you get prescriptions filled. In a fantasy setting, 薬屋 is usually more appropriate for an apothecary.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches the English 'apothecary' in all its historical and fantasy connotations. Choose the term based on whether you mean the person or the shop, and the time period.
Modern term for a licensed pharmacist. Use this for contemporary contexts, but it can also be used in historical settings if the character is formally trained.
彼は薬剤師として病院で働いている。
He works at a hospital as a pharmacist.
Literally 'medicine seller'. A common, slightly old-fashioned term for a person who runs a pharmacy or sells medicine. Suitable for historical or fantasy settings.
村の薬屋は親切な老人だった。
The village apothecary was a kind old man.
Historical term for a merchant dealing in crude drugs and herbal medicines. Very specific to Edo-period Japan.
彼の先祖は薬種商だった。
His ancestor was an apothecary (dealer in medicinal herbs).
Modern term for a pharmacy or drugstore. Can be used in contemporary or slightly historical contexts.
町の薬局で風邪薬を買った。
I bought cold medicine at the local pharmacy.
Can also refer to the shop itself, especially in a traditional or fantasy setting. Often implies a small, independent store.
その薬屋は怪しげな瓶でいっぱいだった。
The apothecary shop was full of suspicious-looking bottles.
Literary or old-fashioned term for a pharmacy. Rarely used in modern speech.
古い町並みに薬舗が残っている。
An old apothecary shop remains in the historic district.