Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'drugstore' differs from the English one. A 薬局 (yakkyoku) is a pharmacy that dispenses prescription medicine, while a ドラッグストア (doraggu sutoa) is a chain store selling over-the-counter drugs, cosmetics, and daily necessities. For a general store with a pharmacy counter, 薬局 is the closest, but context matters.
A store where you get prescription medicine filled, often with a pharmacist.
A pharmacy that dispenses prescription drugs. Often attached to a clinic or hospital. Can also sell over-the-counter medicine.
There is a pharmacy next to the hospital.
Please take your prescription to the pharmacy.
Specifically a dispensing pharmacy, emphasizing the preparation of prescription medicine.
That dispensing pharmacy is open until late at night.
A store like Walgreens or CVS, selling over-the-counter medicine, cosmetics, snacks, and household items.
Loanword from English, but refers to a chain store with a wide range of products, not just drugs. Often has a pharmacy counter too.
I bought sunscreen at the drugstore.
A small, traditional pharmacy or drugstore, often family-run. May not have a prescription counter.
A larger store that includes a pharmacy counter, like a supermarket or department store with a drug section.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'a store that has a pharmacy'. Use when the store type is not primarily a drugstore.
That supermarket is a store that has a pharmacy.
薬局 (yakkyoku) is a pharmacy where you can get prescription medicine. ドラッグストア (doraggu sutoa) is a chain store that sells over-the-counter drugs, cosmetics, and daily necessities, and may also have a pharmacy counter. If you need a prescription filled, go to a 薬局. If you want to buy shampoo and aspirin, go to a ドラッグストア.
Get medicine at the pharmacy.
Buy snacks at the drugstore.
The drugstore in front of the station has cheap cosmetics.
近所の薬店で風邪薬を買いました。
I bought cold medicine at the neighborhood drugstore.