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.
Referring to a person who dispenses medicines or the shop where medicines are sold, common in UK and Commonwealth English.
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.
彼女は有名な化学者です。
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.
The standard term for a licensed pharmacist who dispenses prescription drugs. Used in medical and everyday contexts.
Please give the prescription to the chemist.
He works as a chemist at a hospital.
Refers to the pharmacy or drugstore itself, not the person. Use this when talking about the place where you buy medicines.
I went to the chemist to buy cold medicine.
This chemist is open 24 hours.
A colloquial term for a pharmacy or drugstore, similar to 'chemist's shop'. Less formal than 薬局.
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.
薬局で処方薬を受け取らないといけません。
I need to pick up my prescription from the chemist.