Translation guide
The English word "chemist" has two main meanings: a scientist who studies chemistry, and a pharmacist or drugstore (in British English). This guide covers both, with a focus on natural Japanese equivalents.
Referring to a person who works in the field of chemistry, such as a researcher or academic.
The standard, neutral term for a chemist as a scientist. Used in academic and professional contexts.
She is a famous chemist.
Chemists are working on developing new drugs.
Literally 'chemistry researcher'. Emphasizes the research aspect, often used in academic or R&D contexts.
He works as a chemistry researcher at a university.
A colloquial, somewhat informal term for a chemist, similar to 'chemistry guy' or 'chemistry person'. Used in casual conversation among scientists.
He's a chemist, so leave the experiments to him.
Referring to a person who dispenses medicines or the shop where medicines are sold, common in UK and Commonwealth English.
The standard term for a licensed pharmacist who dispenses prescription drugs. Used in medical and everyday contexts.
Please give the prescription to the chemist.
Refers to the pharmacy or drugstore itself, not the person. Use this when talking about the place where you buy medicines.
A colloquial term for a pharmacy or drugstore, similar to 'chemist's shop'. Less formal than 薬局.
In British English, 'chemist' often means a pharmacy or drugstore. Do not translate this as 化学者 (kagakusha), which only means a chemistry scientist. Use 薬局 or 薬屋 for the shop, and 薬剤師 for the pharmacist.
薬局 (yakkyoku) typically refers to a pharmacy that dispenses prescription drugs and is often attached to a clinic. ドラッグストア (doraggu sutoa) is a drugstore selling over-the-counter medicines, cosmetics, and groceries, similar to a convenience store. In casual speech, 薬屋 (kusuriya) can cover both.
My sister is a research chemist at a pharmaceutical company.
I need to pick up my prescription from the chemist.
He works as a chemist at a hospital.
風邪薬を買いに薬局へ行った。
I went to the chemist to buy cold medicine.
This chemist is open 24 hours.
近所の薬屋で胃薬を買った。
I bought stomach medicine at the local chemist.
Loanword from English, commonly used for a drugstore that sells medicines, cosmetics, and daily necessities. Often implies a chain store.
You can also buy daily necessities at the chemist.