Traditional Chinese - At the Pharmacy

我想要買治 ___ 的藥。

wǒ xiǎng yào mǎi zhì ___ de yào.

I need something for ___.

Meaning: I need something for ___.

When to use: Use this when you already know the symptom or problem and want to buy medicine for it.

請問有治 ___ 的藥嗎？

qǐngwèn yǒu zhì ___ de yào ma?

Do you have anything for ___?

Meaning: Do you have anything for ___?

When to use: Use this polite question at the pharmacy counter when asking what they have available.

我有 ___ 的症狀。

wǒ yǒu ___ de zhèngzhuàng.

I have a ___.

Meaning: I have a ___. / I have symptoms of ___.

When to use: Use this to describe what you are experiencing before the pharmacist recommends something.

Tip: Use 症狀 (zhèngzhuàng) for “symptom.” 狀況 (zhuàngkuàng) means “situation/condition,” so it does not sound as specific here.

這個需要處方箋嗎？

zhège xūyào chǔfāngjiān ma?

Do I need a prescription?

Meaning: Do I need a prescription?

When to use: Use this when you are not sure whether the medicine can be bought directly.

這個多久吃一次？

zhège duōjiǔ chī yí cì?

How often should I take it?

Meaning: How often should I take it?

When to use: Use this after the pharmacist shows you a medicine and you need the schedule.

一次要吃幾顆

yí cì yào chī jǐ kē?

How many should I take?

Meaning: How many should I take?

When to use: Use this for pills or tablets when you need the amount per dose.

Tip: For pills, 顆 (kē) is natural. 個 (ge) can sound less precise for tablets.

這個要飯後吃嗎？

zhège yào fànhòu chī ma?

Should I take it with food?

Meaning: Should I take it with food? / Should I take it after meals?

When to use: Use this to check whether the medicine should be taken after eating.

Tip: 飯後 (fànhòu) means “after meals.” 飯前 (fànqián) means “before meals.”

會有什麼副作用嗎？

huì yǒu shénme fùzuòyòng ma?

Are there any side effects?

Meaning: Are there any side effects?

When to use: Use this to ask what might happen after taking the medicine, especially if you need to drive, work, or study.

這個可以跟 ___ 一起吃嗎？

zhège kěyǐ gēn ___ yìqǐ chī ma?

Can I take this with ___?

Meaning: Can I take this with ___?

When to use: Use this when you already take another medicine or supplement and want to check if combining them is safe.

這個不用處方箋也買得到嗎？

Zhège bú yòng chǔfāngjiān yě mǎi de dào ma?

Is this available without a prescription?

Meaning: Is this available without a prescription?

When to use: Use this when you want to know whether the medicine is over-the-counter.

有學名藥嗎

Yǒu xuémíngyào ma?

Is there a generic version?

Meaning: Is there a generic version?

When to use: Use this to ask if there is a non-brand option that is often cheaper.

我每天都有吃___。

Wǒ měitiān dōu yǒu chī ___.

I take ___ every day.

Meaning: I take ___ every day.

When to use: Use this to tell the pharmacist about medicine or supplements you regularly take.

這個給___用安全嗎？

Zhège gěi ___ yòng ānquán ma?

Is this safe for ___?

Meaning: Is this safe for ___?

When to use: Use this to ask if the medicine is safe for a child, pregnant person, older adult, or another specific person.