Translation guide
A liquid with medicinal, magical, or poisonous properties, often in fantasy contexts. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ポーション, a loanword from English used in games and fantasy. For traditional or herbal medicine, use 薬 (くすり) or 煎じ薬 (せんじぐすり).
A magical or restorative drink in RPGs, fantasy stories, or games.
The standard loanword for 'potion' in video games, anime, and fantasy contexts. Widely understood.
ポーションを使ってHPを回復した。
I used a potion to restore my HP.
Literally 'magic medicine'. Used in fantasy literature or games, but less common than ポーション.
魔法薬を調合する。
Brew a magic potion.
A 'spirit medicine' or 'elixir', often with miraculous properties. More literary or mythological.
伝説の霊薬を求めて旅に出た。
He set out on a journey to find the legendary elixir.
A liquid herbal remedy or traditional medicine, often brewed.
A decoction or herbal tea made by boiling herbs. Common in traditional medicine.
風邪に効く煎じ薬を飲んだ。
I drank a herbal potion that works for colds.
General word for medicine. Can refer to any medicinal substance, including liquid remedies.
この薬は苦い。
This potion is bitter.
A liquid poison, often in a bottle.
A magical drink that causes love or infatuation.
Literally 'fall-in-love medicine'. The standard term for love potion in folklore and fiction.
惚れ薬を飲ませた。
She gave him a love potion.
A more poetic or literary term for love potion, meaning 'wondrous love medicine'.
恋の妙薬を求めて魔女を訪ねた。
He visited a witch in search of a love potion.
ポーション is almost exclusively used in fantasy/game contexts. For actual liquid medicine, use 水薬 (すいやく) or シロップ, or simply 薬 (くすり).
咳止めのシロップを飲んだ。
I took some cough syrup.
Traditional Chinese/Japanese herbal medicine, often in liquid form. Specific to Kampo.
漢方薬を処方してもらった。
I was prescribed a herbal potion.
The potion is tasteless and odorless.