Translation guide
The English word "medicine" covers several distinct concepts: the field of medical science, medication or drugs, and sometimes traditional or alternative practices. Japanese uses different words for each.
Referring to substances taken to treat or prevent illness, such as pills, syrups, or injections.
The most common and general word for medicine or drugs. Can refer to both prescription and over-the-counter medication.
Referring to the study and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease.
The standard term for medical science as an academic discipline or profession.
Referring to non-Western or traditional healing practices, such as herbal remedies.
When talking about the academic field or profession, use 医学 (いがく). 薬 (くすり) only means medication or drugs. Saying 「薬を勉強しています」 would mean 'studying drugs' (like pharmacology), not 'studying medicine' as a doctor.
薬 (くすり) is the go-to word for any kind of medicine you take. You can combine it with body parts or conditions: 頭痛薬 (ずつうやく) headache medicine, 胃薬 (いぐすり) stomach medicine.
この薬を1日3回飲んでください。
Please take this medicine three times a day.
風邪薬を買いに行きます。
I'm going to buy some cold medicine.
A more formal term for pharmaceutical products or medicinal drugs, often used in official or medical contexts.
この医薬品は処方箋が必要です。
This medicine requires a prescription.
A technical term for medicinal agents or chemicals, used mainly in pharmaceutical or scientific contexts.
新しい薬剤の開発が進んでいる。
Development of new medicines is progressing.
彼は医学を勉強しています。
He is studying medicine.
医学の進歩は目覚ましい。
Advances in medicine are remarkable.
Refers to medical care or healthcare practice, often emphasizing the practical application of medicine.
この地域は医療が充実している。
This area has good medical care.
Specifically refers to traditional Chinese/Japanese herbal medicine. Often used for holistic treatments.
漢方薬は副作用が少ないと言われている。
It is said that herbal medicine has fewer side effects.
Folk medicine or home remedies, often passed down through generations.
この民間薬は咳に効くらしい。
This folk medicine is said to work for coughs.