Hello, I’m Kodak.
If you feel sick while traveling or living in Japan, one of the most useful Japanese words to know is 薬 (kusuri).
Kusuri
medicine; medication; a medicinal drug
A simple way to ask whether a store has medicine is:
Kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have medicine?
English drug has several meanings, so the best translation depends on the context. Japanese uses more specific words when it needs to distinguish prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine, or illegal drugs.
薬はありますか？
Kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have medicine?
風邪薬はありますか？
Kazegusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have cold medicine?
この薬はどうやって使いますか？
Kono kusuri wa dō yatte tsukaimasu ka?
How do I use this medicine?
薬剤師さんはいますか？
Yakuzaishi-san wa imasu ka?
Is a pharmacist available?
① what 薬 (kusuri) means
② how to pronounce and write the word
③ the difference between medicine, medication, and drugs in Japanese
④ the difference between 薬局, 調剤薬局, and ドラッグストア
⑤ how to ask for medicine in Japan
⑥ how to say “take,” “apply,” and “use” medicine
⑦ useful phrases for symptoms, allergies, dosage, and side effects
⑧ natural conversations at a Japanese drugstore or pharmacy
- 1 What Does 薬 (Kusuri) Mean in Japanese?
- 2 Pronunciation of 薬 (Kusuri)
- 3 Kusuri: Medicine vs Drug in Japanese
- 4 Common Types of Medicine in Japanese
- 5 How to Say “Take Medicine” in Japanese
- 6 Different Verbs for Different Medicines
- 7 Drugstore, Pharmacy, and Yakkyoku in Japan
- 8 Prescription Medicine vs OTC Medicine in Japan
- 9 How to Ask for Medicine at a Drugstore in Japan
- 10 Useful Questions Before Buying Medicine
- 11 Dosage Instructions in Japanese
- 12 Tell the Staff About Allergies and Other Medicine
- 13 How to Talk About Side Effects
- 14 Conversation at a Drugstore in Japan
- 15 Conversation at a Dispensing Pharmacy
- 16 What Is お薬手帳?
- 17 Useful Drugstore Phrases for Travelers
- 18 Bringing Your Own Medicine into Japan
- 19 Common Beginner Mistakes
- 20 Natural Example Sentences with 薬
- 21 FAQ About Kusuri and Drugstores in Japan
- 21.1 What does kusuri mean in Japanese?
- 21.2 How do you say “medicine” in Japanese?
- 21.3 Does kusuri mean an illegal drug?
- 21.4 How do you say “take medicine” in Japanese?
- 21.5 How do you ask for medicine in Japanese?
- 21.6 What is the difference between a drugstore and a pharmacy in Japan?
- 21.7 Can I buy medicine without a prescription in Japan?
- 21.8 How do I ask for a pharmacist?
- 21.9 What does yakkyoku mean?
- 21.10 What is a prescription in Japanese?
- 21.11 What does shihanyaku mean?
- 21.12 How do I ask whether medicine causes drowsiness?
- 22 Summary: Kusuri Meaning and Buying Medicine in Japan
- 23 References
What Does 薬 (Kusuri) Mean in Japanese?
Hiragana: くすり
Romaji: kusuri
Part of speech: noun
Main meaning: medicine; medication; medicinal drug
The most common meaning of 薬 is a substance used to treat or prevent an illness or injury. It may be swallowed, applied to the skin, used as eye drops, or administered in another way.
薬を飲みます。
Kusuri o nomimasu.
I take medicine.
医者に薬をもらいました。
Isha ni kusuri o moraimashita.
I received medicine from the doctor.
この薬はよく効きます。
Kono kusuri wa yoku kikimasu.
This medicine works well.
薬 can also refer more broadly to chemicals with a particular effect, and it may appear figuratively in expressions meaning that an experience is beneficial or educational.
今回の失敗は、いい薬になりました。
Konkai no shippai wa, ii kusuri ni narimashita.
This failure taught me a valuable lesson.
Japanese adds another word when the type matters, such as 飲み薬 for oral medicine, 塗り薬 for medicine applied to the skin, and 目薬 for eye drops.
Pronunciation of 薬 (Kusuri)
Reading: くすり
Romaji: kusuri
Mora: く・す・り (3 morae)
Pronounce the word in three even Japanese beats: ku-su-ri. Avoid placing a very strong English-style stress on only one syllable.
Do not deliberately remove the first mora.
Kusuri: Medicine vs Drug in Japanese
The English word drug can refer to legitimate medicine, a chemical substance, or an illegal drug. Japanese often chooses a more specific word.
| Japanese | Reading | Typical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 薬 | kusuri | everyday medicine or medication |
| 医薬品 | iyakuhin | pharmaceutical product; legal/technical term |
| 薬剤 | yakuzai | medicinal or chemical agent |
| 薬物 | yakubutsu | drug or chemical substance; context may be medical or illegal |
| 麻薬 | mayaku | narcotic drug |
| 違法薬物 | ihō yakubutsu | illegal drugs |
When Japanese speakers specifically mean illegal drugs, they usually rely on the context or use a more explicit expression such as 違法薬物.
Common Types of Medicine in Japanese
cold medicine
せき止め (sekidome)
cough suppressant
解熱剤 (genetsuzai)
fever reducer
鎮痛剤 (chintsūzai)
painkiller; analgesic
胃薬 (igusuri)
stomach medicine
整腸薬 (seichōyaku)
intestinal medicine; medicine to regulate digestion
下痢止め (geridome)
anti-diarrheal medicine
便秘薬 (benpiyaku)
constipation medicine; laxative
酔い止め (yoidome)
motion-sickness medicine
アレルギーの薬
allergy medicine
目薬 (megusuri)
eye drops
塗り薬 (nurigusuri)
topical medicine; ointment or cream
湿布 (shippu)
medicated patch or compress
かぜ + くすり → かぜぐすり
め + くすり → めぐすり
This sound change is called rendaku. It occurs in many Japanese compounds, although not in every compound.
How to Say “Take Medicine” in Japanese
Japanese commonly uses the verb 飲む (nomu), literally “to drink,” for oral medicine.
Kusuri o nomu.
to take medicine by mouth
食後に薬を飲んでください。
Shokugo ni kusuri o nonde kudasai.
Please take the medicine after meals.
もう薬を飲みましたか？
Mō kusuri o nomimashita ka?
Have you taken your medicine yet?
薬を飲み忘れました。
Kusuri o nomi-wasuremashita.
I forgot to take my medicine.
Different Verbs for Different Medicines
| Type | Japanese expression | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Oral medicine | 薬を飲む | take medicine |
| Ointment or cream | 薬を塗る | apply medicine |
| Eye drops | 目薬をさす | put in eye drops |
| Medicated patch | 湿布を貼る | apply a medicated patch |
| Suppository | 座薬を入れる | insert a suppository |
| Medicine generally | 薬を使う | use medicine |
Please apply this medicine to the affected area.
一日三回、目薬をさしてください。
Please use the eye drops three times a day.
痛いところに湿布を貼ってください。
Please apply the patch to the painful area.
Drugstore, Pharmacy, and Yakkyoku in Japan
Several Japanese words may be translated as pharmacy or drugstore, but the stores do not always have the same role.
| Japanese | Reading | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| ドラッグストア | doraggu sutoa | large retail store selling OTC medicine, cosmetics, toiletries, food, and household goods |
| 薬局 | yakkyoku | pharmacy; may dispense prescriptions and/or sell medicine |
| 調剤薬局 | chōzai yakkyoku | dispensing pharmacy that prepares prescription medicine |
| 薬店 | yakuten | medicine shop; a less common everyday label than ドラッグストア |
Ask the pharmacist or registered seller when you are unsure which product is suitable.
A drugstore may have a dispensing pharmacy inside, but not every retail counter can fill a prescription.
Prescription Medicine vs OTC Medicine in Japan
prescription medicine
処方箋 (shohōsen)
prescription document
市販薬 (shihanyaku)
medicine sold directly to consumers; over-the-counter medicine
OTC医薬品
OTC pharmaceutical products
In Japan, medicines are broadly divided into prescription medicines obtained through medical care and OTC medicines that can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies or drugstores.
Some OTC medicines require consultation or information from a pharmacist or other qualified seller. The exact sales rules depend on the medicine’s legal category.
A store may therefore keep them behind a counter or sell them only while the qualified staff member is available.
Who Can Help You at a Japanese Drugstore?
pharmacist
登録販売者 (tōroku hanbaisha)
registered OTC medicine seller
店員 (ten’in)
store employee
A pharmacist can handle prescription dispensing and the OTC categories reserved for pharmacists. A registered seller can sell many common second- and third-class OTC medicines and provide information within that role.
When you need specialist help, ask:
薬剤師さんはいますか？
Yakuzaishi-san wa imasu ka?
Is a pharmacist available?
薬について相談できますか？
Kusuri ni tsuite sōdan dekimasu ka?
Can I ask for advice about medicine?
How to Ask for Medicine at a Drugstore in Japan
The easiest method is to name your symptom and ask whether there is medicine for it.
Do you have medicine for [symptom]?
頭痛の薬はありますか？
Zutsū no kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have medicine for a headache?
のどの痛みに効く薬はありますか？
Nodo no itami ni kiku kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have medicine that works for a sore throat?
花粉症の薬を探しています。
Kafunshō no kusuri o sagashite imasu.
I am looking for hay-fever medicine.
乗り物酔いの薬はありますか？
Norimono-yoi no kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have motion-sickness medicine?
For example:
のどが痛いです。 — My throat hurts.
せきが出ます。 — I have a cough.
熱があります。 — I have a fever.
You can also show the name, packaging, or active ingredient of medicine you have used before.
Useful Questions Before Buying Medicine
Kore wa nan no kusuri desu ka?
What is this medicine for?
この薬はどうやって使いますか？
Kono kusuri wa dō yatte tsukaimasu ka?
How do I use this medicine?
一日に何回飲みますか？
Ichinichi ni nankai nomimasu ka?
How many times a day should I take it?
いつ飲みますか？
Itsu nomimasu ka?
When should I take it?
食前ですか、食後ですか？
Shokuzen desu ka, shokugo desu ka?
Before meals or after meals?
眠くなりますか？
Nemuku narimasu ka?
Will it make me drowsy?
ほかの薬と一緒に飲めますか？
Hoka no kusuri to issho ni nomemasu ka?
Can I take it with other medicine?
英語の説明書はありますか？
Eigo no setsumeisho wa arimasu ka?
Do you have instructions in English?
Dosage Instructions in Japanese
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 一日一回 | ichinichi ikkai | once a day |
| 一日二回 | ichinichi nikai | twice a day |
| 一日三回 | ichinichi sankai | three times a day |
| 一回一錠 | ikkai ichijō | one tablet per dose |
| 食前 | shokuzen | before a meal |
| 食後 | shokugo | after a meal |
| 食間 | shokkan | between meals |
| 就寝前 | shūshin-mae | before bedtime |
| 必要なとき | hitsuyō na toki | when needed |
When the timing is unclear, confirm it with the pharmacist instead of guessing.
Tell the Staff About Allergies and Other Medicine
Kusuri no arerugī ga arimasu.
I have a drug allergy.
ペニシリンにアレルギーがあります。
Penishirin ni arerugī ga arimasu.
I am allergic to penicillin.
今、この薬を飲んでいます。
Ima, kono kusuri o nonde imasu.
I am currently taking this medicine.
持病があります。
Jibyō ga arimasu.
I have a chronic medical condition.
妊娠しています。
Ninshin shite imasu.
I am pregnant.
授乳中です。
Junyū-chū desu.
I am breastfeeding.
Bring or show a clear list of your medicines and active ingredients whenever possible.
How to Talk About Side Effects
side effect
副作用はありますか？
Fukusayō wa arimasu ka?
Are there any side effects?
この薬を飲むと眠くなります。
Kono kusuri o nomu to nemuku narimasu.
This medicine makes me drowsy.
薬を飲んだら、気分が悪くなりました。
Kusuri o nondara, kibun ga waruku narimashita.
I felt sick after taking the medicine.
発疹が出ました。
Hosshin ga demashita.
I developed a rash.
この薬を飲んだあと、発疹が出ました。
After taking this medicine, I developed a rash.
Seek appropriate medical help when a reaction is serious or concerning.
Conversation at a Drugstore in Japan
Sumimasen. Kazegusuri wa arimasu ka?
Excuse me. Do you have cold medicine?
Donna shōjō ga arimasu ka?
What symptoms do you have?
Nodo ga itakute, seki ga demasu. Netsu wa arimasen.
My throat hurts, and I have a cough. I do not have a fever.
Hoka ni nonde iru kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Are you taking any other medicine?
Hai. Kore o mainichi nonde imasu.
Yes. I take this every day.
Kakunin shimasu node, shōshō omachi kudasai.
I will check, so please wait a moment.
Conversation at a Dispensing Pharmacy
Shohōsen o onegai shimasu.
I would like to have this prescription filled.
Okusuri techō wa omochi desu ka?
Do you have your medication notebook?
Iie, motte imasen.
No, I do not.
Arerugī ya, hoka ni nonde iru kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any allergies or take any other medicine?
What Is お薬手帳?
お薬手帳 (okusuri techō) is a medication record notebook used in Japan. It records medicines dispensed to a patient and helps healthcare professionals check medication history and possible duplication or interactions.
Okusuri techō
medication notebook; medicine record book
Travelers who do not have one can still show a written or digital list of current medicines, doses, allergies, and active ingredients.
However, showing your current medication information is useful when asking about interactions.
Useful Drugstore Phrases for Travelers
Where is a drugstore?
近くに薬局はありますか？
Is there a pharmacy nearby?
薬剤師さんはいますか？
Is a pharmacist available?
頭痛の薬を探しています。
I am looking for headache medicine.
処方箋なしで買えますか？
Can I buy it without a prescription?
これは何の薬ですか？
What is this medicine for?
一日に何回使いますか？
How many times a day do I use it?
子どもも使えますか？
Can children use it?
眠くならない薬はありますか？
Do you have medicine that does not cause drowsiness?
この成分が入っていない薬はありますか？
Do you have medicine without this ingredient?
Bringing Your Own Medicine into Japan
Japan controls the import of medicines, including medicine carried by travelers for personal use. The required procedure depends on the type and quantity, and controlled substances may be subject to separate rules.
Before traveling, check the latest official requirements for your exact medicine rather than assuming that a product legal in your country can automatically be brought into Japan.
Check Japan’s official guidance before departure, especially for narcotics, psychotropics, stimulants, injections, or larger quantities.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using 薬を食べる
○ 薬を飲みます。
I take medicine.
For medicine taken by mouth, Japanese normally uses 飲む, even for tablets and capsules.
Mistake 2: Using 飲む for Every Type of Medicine
Use 塗る for topical medicine, さす for eye drops, and 貼る for medicated patches.
Mistake 3: Assuming Every Drugstore Fills Prescriptions
Some drugstores contain a dispensing pharmacy, but others only sell retail and OTC products. Look for 調剤, 処方箋受付, or ask whether the prescription can be filled.
Mistake 4: Choosing Medicine Only by Brand Name
A familiar brand may have different ingredients or formulations in another country. Show the active ingredient and ask a pharmacist or qualified seller when uncertain.
Mistake 5: Hiding Other Medicines or Allergies
Tell the staff what you already take and mention allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and important health conditions.
Mistake 6: Thinking ます Makes a Rough Word Safe
薬 itself is neutral. However, slang terms for illegal drugs remain slang even if polite grammar is added. Use precise terms in medical or travel situations.
Natural Example Sentences with 薬
毎朝、この薬を飲んでいます。
Maiasa, kono kusuri o nonde imasu.
I take this medicine every morning.
薬を飲んだら、頭痛がよくなりました。
Kusuri o nondara, zutsū ga yoku narimashita.
My headache improved after I took the medicine.
この薬は食後に飲んでください。
Kono kusuri wa shokugo ni nonde kudasai.
Please take this medicine after meals.
薬がなくなりそうです。
Kusuri ga nakunarisō desu.
I am about to run out of medicine.
同じ成分の薬はありますか？
Onaji seibun no kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have medicine with the same active ingredient?
この薬は子どもには使えません。
Kono kusuri wa kodomo ni wa tsukaemasen.
Children cannot use this medicine.
傷に薬を塗りました。
Kizu ni kusuri o nurimashita.
I applied medicine to the wound.
目が乾くので、目薬をさしました。
Me ga kawaku node, megusuri o sashimashita.
My eyes were dry, so I used eye drops.
この薬には眠くなる副作用があります。
Kono kusuri ni wa nemuku naru fukusayō ga arimasu.
This medicine has a side effect that causes drowsiness.
処方箋を薬局に持っていきました。
Shohōsen o yakkyoku ni motte ikimashita.
I took the prescription to the pharmacy.
FAQ About Kusuri and Drugstores in Japan
What does kusuri mean in Japanese?
薬 (kusuri) usually means medicine or medication. Depending on context, it can also refer to a chemical substance or something figuratively beneficial.
How do you say “medicine” in Japanese?
The everyday word is 薬 (kusuri). The more formal or technical term is 医薬品 (iyakuhin).
Does kusuri mean an illegal drug?
Usually, 薬 means ordinary medicine. Japanese normally uses context or more explicit terms such as 違法薬物 for illegal drugs.
How do you say “take medicine” in Japanese?
Say 薬を飲む (kusuri o nomu) for medicine taken by mouth.
How do you ask for medicine in Japanese?
You can say 薬はありますか？ or name the symptom: 頭痛の薬はありますか？, meaning “Do you have headache medicine?”
What is the difference between a drugstore and a pharmacy in Japan?
A ドラッグストア is generally a retail store selling OTC medicine and many other products. A 薬局 may dispense prescriptions, while 調剤薬局 explicitly refers to a dispensing pharmacy.
Can I buy medicine without a prescription in Japan?
Many OTC medicines can be purchased without a prescription, but the sales process depends on the medicine’s category. Some products require information or consultation from a pharmacist or qualified seller.
How do I ask for a pharmacist?
Say 薬剤師さんはいますか？ (yakuzaishi-san wa imasu ka?).
What does yakkyoku mean?
薬局 (yakkyoku) means pharmacy. A pharmacy specializing in dispensing prescriptions is commonly called 調剤薬局.
What is a prescription in Japanese?
A prescription document is 処方箋 (shohōsen). Prescription medicine is 処方薬 (shohōyaku).
What does shihanyaku mean?
市販薬 (shihanyaku) means medicine sold directly to consumers, commonly translated as over-the-counter medicine.
How do I ask whether medicine causes drowsiness?
Say 眠くなりますか？ (nemuku narimasu ka?), meaning “Will it make me drowsy?”
Where Should You Go, and What Word Do You Need?
Answer two quick questions about buying or naming 薬 in Japan.
Large retail store for OTC products – no prescription needed
Pharmacy that dispenses prescription medicine
The default, everyday word
Legal/technical label, e.g. on labels or documents
Never use 薬 alone for illegal drugs
※ English drug covers medicine, chemical substances, and illegal drugs all at once – Japanese splits these into separate words so listeners never have to guess which one you mean.
Summary: Kusuri Meaning and Buying Medicine in Japan
medicine; medication; medicinal drug
● 薬を飲む
take medicine by mouth
● 薬を塗る
apply medicine
● 薬局 (yakkyoku)
pharmacy
● 調剤薬局 (chōzai yakkyoku)
dispensing pharmacy
● ドラッグストア
retail drugstore selling OTC medicine and many everyday products
● 処方薬 / 処方箋
prescription medicine / prescription document
● 市販薬
over-the-counter medicine
● 薬剤師
pharmacist
● The easiest request
[Symptom] + の薬はありますか？
Do you have medicine for [symptom]?
〇〇の薬はありますか？
Replace 〇〇 with your symptom, such as 頭痛, せき, or のどの痛み.
When you are unsure, explain your symptoms and ask the pharmacist or registered seller rather than choosing only by appearance.
References
- Kanjipedia: 薬 — meanings including medicine used for treatment or prevention and other extended senses.
- Kotobank: 薬 — dictionary meanings and common compounds.
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Changes to Japan’s medicine sales system effective May 1, 2026 — distinction between prescription and OTC medicines and current OTC categories.
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, job tag: Registered sellers — roles of pharmacists and registered sellers in OTC medicine sales.
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Medicine sales system — current regulatory information.
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Bringing medicines for personal use into Japan — official import guidance for travelers.
- Narcotics Control Department: Bringing narcotics, psychotropics, and stimulant raw materials into or out of Japan.
