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.
I got a prescription from the doctor.
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.
Please take the medicine according to the doctor's prescription.
The medicine that has been prescribed.
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.
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.
The specifications for corrective lenses.
A suggested course of action, not necessarily medical.
Can be used metaphorically, like 'a prescription for success'. Less common than in English.
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.
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.
Don't forget to take your prescribed medicine.
Can you fill this prescription?
My eyesight has gotten worse recently, and my prescription doesn't match anymore.
問題の対策を練る。
Devise a prescription for the problem.