Japanese word

薬

Pronunciation

Romajikusuri

Meaning

  • nounmedicine

Example

薬を飲みます。kusuri o no mi ma su

I take medicine.

Illustration for 薬 (medicine)

More examples

この薬は食後に飲みます。ko no kusuri wa shoku go ni no mi ma su

I take this medicine after meals.

Core concept

Describes something used by the body to prevent or treat illness and restore health.

Common phrases

  • 薬を飲むkusuri o no mu

    take medicine

  • 薬を買うkusuri o ka u

    buy medicine

  • 薬が効くkusuri ga ki ku

    medicine works

Similar words

医薬品iyakuhin: A product used for medical treatment, especially in formal or written language.

Definition in Japanese

病気の治療や予防、体の不調の改善に用いる物。byō ki no chi ryō ya yo bō karada no fu chō no kai zen ni mochi i ru mono

Word origin

薬 (kusuri, "medicine") is a native Japanese word linked to 薬師 (kusushi, "healer or pharmacist"), and its written form uses the Chinese character 薬, meaning medicine.

Usage tips

  • Japanese commonly uses 飲む (nomu, "to drink or take") with 薬 (kusuri), even when the medicine is a solid pill.

Other meanings

  • pillnoun
  • drugnoun

Word lists with this word