Japan is known for its efficient healthcare system and well-stocked pharmacies, but navigating a drugstore in Japan without knowing the language can be challenging. If you need to buy medicine, knowing a few key Japanese phrases can make your experience much smoother. In this guide, we will cover the most commonly used phrases, along with their kanji, hiragana, and romaji versions, to help you communicate effectively.
1. “Do you have medicine for ___?”
- Kanji: ___の薬はありますか？
- Hiragana: ___のくすりはありますか？
- Romaji: ___ no kusuri wa arimasu ka?
- Example: “Do you have medicine for a headache?” → 頭痛の薬はありますか？(ずつうのくすりはありますか？ / zutsū no kusuri wa arimasu ka?)
2. “I have a fever.”
- Kanji: 熱があります。
- Hiragana: ねつがあります。
- Romaji: Netsu ga arimasu.
3. “I have a cough.”
- Kanji: 咳が出ます。
- Hiragana: せきがでます。
- Romaji: Seki ga demasu.
4. “I have a sore throat.”
- Kanji: 喉が痛いです。
- Hiragana: のどがいたいです。
- Romaji: Nodo ga itai desu.
5. “Do I need a prescription?”
- Kanji: 処方箋が必要ですか？
- Hiragana: しょほうせんがひつようですか？
- Romaji: Shohōsen ga hitsuyō desu ka?
6. “How many times should I take this per day?”
- Kanji: これは1日に何回飲めばいいですか？
- Hiragana: これはいちにちになんかいのめばいいですか？
- Romaji: Kore wa ichinichi ni nankai nomeba ii desu ka?
7. “Are there any side effects?”
- Kanji: 副作用はありますか？
- Hiragana: ふくさようはありますか？
- Romaji: Fukusayō wa arimasu ka?
8. “I am allergic to ___.”
- Kanji: 私は___にアレルギーがあります。
- Hiragana: わたしは___にアレルギーがあります。
- Romaji: Watashi wa ___ ni arerugī ga arimasu.
- Example: “I am allergic to aspirin.” → 私はアスピリンにアレルギーがあります。(わたしはアスピリンにアレルギーがあります。 / Watashi wa asupirin ni arerugī ga arimasu.)
9. “Do you have medicine for motion sickness?”
- Kanji: 酔い止めの薬はありますか？
- Hiragana: よいどめのくすりはありますか？
- Romaji: Yoidome no kusuri wa arimasu ka?
10. “How much does this cost?”
- Hiragana: これはいくらですか？
- Romaji: Kore wa ikura desu ka?
Additional Tips for Buying Medicine in Japan
- Look for pharmacies with a green cross sign, as they typically have over-the-counter medicines available.
- Most pharmacists in Japan do not speak English fluently, so having these phrases ready will help you communicate.
- If you have any pre-existing conditions, consider carrying a translated note explaining your medical history.
By learning these essential phrases, you can confidently purchase medicine in Japan without stress. Whether you’re dealing with a cold, fever, or allergies, these expressions will help you get the right treatment quickly.
For a list of recommended medicines to buy in Japan, check out this guide: Medicines You Need to Buy in Japan.