Translation guide
The English word "pill" refers to a small solid dose of medicine or a drug, often in tablet or capsule form. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 錠剤 (じょうざい) for medicinal tablets, but other terms like 薬 (くすり) or ピル (ぴる) are used depending on context. This guide covers how to express the concept naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a solid dose of medicine, such as a tablet or capsule, taken orally.
The standard term for a medicinal tablet or pill. Often used in medical contexts or on packaging.
Please take this pill twice a day.
General word for medicine. In context, it can mean a pill, but it's broader. Often used in casual speech.
I had a headache, so I took a pill.
A shorter form of 錠剤, often used in compounds or on labels. Less common in everyday speech.
Take one pill as a guideline.
Referring specifically to oral contraceptives.
Referring to a pill containing an illegal substance or used recreationally.
Can be used for any pill, including illicit ones, but context is key. Often specified with the drug name.
The police found illegal pills in his pocket.
Loanword for drugs in general, can imply pills. Often used in news or casual talk about illegal substances.
Referring to a difficult or unpleasant situation that one must endure, as in 'a bitter pill to swallow'.
Literally 'bitter medicine', used figuratively for an unpleasant but necessary experience. Common in set phrases.
The truth was a bitter pill for him to swallow.
A more literal way to say 'something hard to accept'. Not a direct translation of 'pill', but conveys the meaning.
The word 丸薬 (がんやく) exists but is archaic and refers to traditional round pills. It is not used in modern contexts for tablets or capsules. Stick to 錠剤 or 薬.
錠剤 (じょうざい) specifically means a tablet (compressed powder), while カプセル (かぷせる) means a capsule. In English, 'pill' can cover both, but in Japanese, they are distinct. If you need to be precise, use the appropriate term.
This medicine is a tablet, not a capsule.
Formal medical term for oral contraceptive. Rarely used in daily conversation.
A doctor's consultation is required to prescribe oral contraceptives.
彼はクラブでドラッグを買った。
He bought pills at the club.
His dismissal was a bitter pill to swallow.