Simplified Chinese - Pharmacy

我需要治___的药。

Wǒ xūyào zhì ___ de yào。

I need something for ___.

Meaning: I need something for ___.

When to use: Use this to directly tell a pharmacist what kind of symptom or problem you want medicine for (e.g., 咳嗽 cough, 头疼 headache). It's a clear, neutral phrase at the counter.

你们有治___的药吗？

Nǐmen yǒu zhì ___ de yào ma？

Do you have anything for ___?

Meaning: Do you have anything for ___?

When to use: Ask this when you want to know whether the pharmacy stocks medicine for a specific problem. You can add 请问 at the start for extra politeness.

我有点___

Wǒ yǒudiǎn ___。

I have a ___.

Meaning: I have a ___.

When to use: Say this to briefly describe a symptom at the pharmacy. For many common symptoms, this concise form is natural and friendly.

Tip: Beginners sometimes say 我有一点... (Wǒ yǒu yìdiǎn...) which is grammatical but a bit long; 我有点... (Wǒ yǒudiǎn...) sounds more natural in quick speech.

需要处方吗

Xūyào chǔfāng ma？

Do I need a prescription?

Meaning: Do I need a prescription?

When to use: Ask this when a pharmacist suggests a medicine or when you're unsure whether a prescription is required.

多久吃一次

Duōjiǔ chī yí cì？

How often should I take it?

Meaning: How often should I take it?

When to use: Use this to ask about dosage frequency when you receive a medicine — pharmacists will often respond with hours or times per day.

一次吃多少

Yí cì chī duōshǎo？

How many should I take?

Meaning: How many should I take?

When to use: Ask this question when you need to know the amount per dose (tablets, capsules, spoonfuls, etc.).

要饭后吃吗

Yào fànhòu chī ma？

Should I take it with food?

Meaning: Should I take it with food?

When to use: Ask this when you're unsure whether to take medicine before or after meals (饭前吃 or 饭后吃).

有副作用吗

Yǒu fùzuòyòng ma？

Are there any side effects?

Meaning: Are there any side effects?

When to use: Ask this when trying a new medicine or when a pharmacist mentions possible reactions. It's polite and important for safety.

这个能和___一起吃吗？

Zhège néng hé ___ yìqǐ chī ma？

Can I take this with ___?

Meaning: Can I take this with ___?

When to use: Use this to check interactions with another medicine or supplement. Say the other medicine in the blank (e.g., 退烧药, 胰岛素).

Tip: Beginners sometimes forget to name the other medicine in the blank; say the second item clearly (e.g., 胰岛素, 感冒药).