Translation guide
How to talk about medical prescriptions in Japanese, from getting one at the doctor's to filling it at the pharmacy.
The written order from a doctor for a specific medicine and dosage.
The standard term for a physical prescription slip. Used when you receive it from the doctor and take it to the pharmacy.
医者に処方箋を書いてもらった。
I got a prescription from the doctor.
この処方箋はどこの薬局でも使えますか？
Can I use this prescription at any pharmacy?
Refers to the act of prescribing or the prescription itself in a more abstract sense. Often used in medical contexts.
医師の処方に従って薬を飲んでください。
Please take the medicine according to the doctor's prescription.
The medicine that has been prescribed.
Prescription drug, as opposed to over-the-counter medicine.
これは処方薬なので、薬局で処方箋が必要です。
This is a prescription drug, so you need a prescription at the pharmacy.
Literally 'the medicine that was prescribed'. A natural way to refer to your prescribed medication.
処方された薬を飲み忘れないでください。
Don't forget to take your prescribed medicine.
The process of taking a prescription to a pharmacy and receiving the medicine.
To hand in a prescription at the pharmacy. The most common way to say you're getting a prescription filled.
薬局に処方箋を出して、薬をもらいました。
I handed in my prescription at the pharmacy and got my medicine.
To have a prescription filled (literally 'to have the prescription dispensed'). More formal, used in pharmacy settings.
この処方箋を調剤してもらえますか？
Can you fill this prescription?
The specifications for corrective lenses.
Same word as for medical prescriptions. Context makes it clear.
眼鏡の処方箋をもらいに眼科へ行った。
I went to the eye doctor to get a prescription for glasses.
Refers to the strength/power of lenses. Often used in casual conversation.
最近、目が悪くなって、度が合わなくなった。
My eyesight has gotten worse recently, and my prescription doesn't match anymore.
A suggested course of action, not necessarily medical.
Can be used metaphorically, like 'a prescription for success'. Less common than in English.
景気回復の処方箋を考える。
Think of a prescription for economic recovery.
Means 'countermeasure' or 'solution'. Often a more natural translation for figurative 'prescription'.
When you hand in your prescription, you'll often be asked if you have a お薬手帳 (medicine notebook). It's a small booklet to record your medication history. You can just say はい or いいえ.
お薬手帳はお持ちですか？
Do you have a medicine notebook?
The English word 'prescription' can be confused with 'recipe' by Japanese learners. 'Recipe' in Japanese is レシピ or 調理法. 処方箋 is only for medical/optical contexts.
問題の対策を練る。
Devise a prescription for the problem.