Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
漢方薬 (かんぽうやく) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N1 Freq. Frequency Top 50,000 Meanings 1
noun
Chinese herbal medicine ; Kampo medicine ; traditional herbal medicine
Refers to herbal medicines used in 漢方, the traditional Chinese-derived medical system as practiced in Japan; often used in contexts such as prescriptions, pharmacies, and taking medicine.
の
ん
で
ください
。
Please take this herbal medicine before meals.
Written forms 漢かん 方ぽう 薬やく
Standard and common kanji spelling for Chinese-style herbal medicine or Kampo medicine.
韓かん 方ぽう 薬やく
irregular kanji usage
Attested irregular kanji spelling; 漢方薬 is the normal spelling for this word.
Kanji 方 direction, person, alternative 薬 medicine, chemical, enamel Similar words 漢かん 方ぽう The broader term for traditional Chinese-derived medicine or its treatment system; 漢方薬 specifically means the medicine or preparation.
生しょう 薬やく Refers to crude natural medicinal ingredients; 漢方薬 is a formulated herbal medicine often made from such ingredients.
西せい 洋よう 薬やく Western-style medicine; often contrasted with 漢方薬 in everyday medical and pharmacy contexts.
Etymology Compound of 漢方, Chinese-derived traditional medicine, and 薬, medicine or drug. 韓方薬 is listed as an irregular kanji spelling, but 漢方薬 is the standard form for this word.