Translation guide
A painkiller is a medicine that reduces or eliminates pain. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 鎮痛剤 (chintsūzai), but in everyday conversation, people often refer to specific types like 痛み止め (itamidome) or brand names. This guide covers how to talk about painkillers naturally in Japanese, from pharmacy visits to casual chats.
Referring to pain-relieving medication in general, such as when asking for it at a pharmacy or discussing its effects.
The standard medical term for analgesic or painkiller. Used in pharmacies, hospitals, and on medication labels. It is understood by everyone but sounds slightly formal.
Can I get a prescription for a painkiller?
A very common, everyday word for painkiller. Literally 'pain stopper'. Used in casual conversation and also understood at pharmacies. Slightly less formal than 鎮痛剤.
Synonym of 鎮痛剤, also a medical term. Interchangeable in most contexts, but is slightly more common.
Means 'pain relief' or 'analgesia'. Often used in compound words like 鎮痛効果 (analgesic effect). Not used alone to mean a pill.
Talking about common non-prescription painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. Japanese people often use brand names or specific drug names.
Term for 'antipyretic analgesic' – a painkiller that also reduces fever. Common on OTC drug packaging. A bit technical but widely understood.
I'm looking for a painkiller that also reduces fever.
A popular brand name for a painkiller containing aspirin or ibuprofen. Often used generically to mean any OTC painkiller, similar to 'Bufferin' in English.
Brand name for loxoprofen, a very common NSAID painkiller in Japan. Often used as a generic term for strong OTC painkillers.
Loxonin really works, doesn't it?
Short for ibuprofen. Sometimes used in brand names like 'イブクイック'. Recognizable but less common as a standalone word.
Phrases to use when you need to buy or request pain relief medication in a drugstore or clinic.
The simplest and most natural way to ask for a painkiller. Works in any pharmacy.
Excuse me, please give me a painkiller.
A slightly more formal way to ask if they have painkillers. Good if you want to sound polite.
Do you have painkillers?
If you specifically need a headache medicine, this is very clear. Many painkillers are marketed this way.
Please give me a headache medicine.
Talking about how well a painkiller works, its onset, or duration.
The verb 効く means 'to be effective'. Use it to say a painkiller works or doesn't work.
This painkiller works quickly.
I took it, but it doesn't work at all.
Means 'the pain eases'. A slightly softer way to describe relief.
The medicine eased the pain.
In casual Japanese, people often use brand names like バファリン or ロキソニン instead of generic terms. If you have a preferred brand, just say the name. Pharmacists will understand.
The English loanword ペインキラー is not commonly used in Japanese. It might be understood in some contexts (e.g., gaming or music), but for medicine, stick to the Japanese terms.
This painkiller works well.
Please give me a painkiller.
Even after taking a painkiller, it still hurts.
Please be aware of the side effects of painkillers.
この薬には鎮痛作用があります。
This medicine has a painkilling effect.
I had a headache, so I took a Bufferin.
Go buy some ibuprofen.