Translation guide
The English word "drug" covers a wide range of substances, from illegal narcotics to life-saving medicines. Japanese distinguishes these carefully, and the right word depends heavily on context.
Referring to narcotics, illegal drugs, or substances of abuse.
General term for drugs, especially in legal, medical, or news contexts. Often implies illegal or harmful substances.
Drug abuse is a serious problem.
Specifically narcotics or illegal drugs. Strongly associated with crime and addiction.
He was arrested for drug trafficking.
Loanword from English, often used in casual or media contexts. Can sound slightly sensational.
He got into drugs.
Stimulant drugs, especially methamphetamine. Very specific term used in legal and news reports.
He was indicted for violating the Stimulant Drug Control Law.
Referring to legal, medicinal substances used for treatment.
The most common word for medicine. Covers both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Please take this medicine three times a day.
Formal term for pharmaceutical products. Used in medical, legal, or commercial contexts.
Technical term for medicinal chemicals or agents. Often used in pharmacy or chemistry.
Referring to any chemical substance with physiological effects, including caffeine, alcohol, etc.
Broad term for any drug or chemical substance, not necessarily illegal. Used in scientific or formal contexts.
Caffeine is a psychoactive drug.
Can be used broadly, but often carries a nuance of recreational or illegal use. Use with caution.
May be misunderstood as referring to illegal drugs if context is not clear.
The act of giving a drug to a person, often surreptitiously or for medical reasons.
While ドラッグ is understood, it often carries a nuance of illegal or recreational drugs. For medicine, use 薬 (くすり) or 医薬品 (いやくひん) to sound natural and avoid misunderstanding.
薬 (くすり) is the everyday word for medicine. 薬物 (やくぶつ) is broader and more formal, often used for drugs in a legal, scientific, or abuse context. Using 薬物 for your headache medicine would sound odd.
He was arrested for drug possession.
This drug can cause drowsiness.
Drug abuse ruins lives.
This drug requires a prescription.
新しい抗がん剤は有望な薬剤です。
The new anticancer drug is a promising agent.
Alcohol is also a type of drug.
The doctor administered the drug to the patient.