Signification
A shop where medicine is sold.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, look for the 'DLDM' sign (Duka la Dawa Muhimu). These are government-accredited shops in rural areas designed to provide essential medicines where full pharmacies are absent. In Nairobi, the term 'Chemist' is very common on signs due to British colonial influence, but everyone still calls it 'Duka la dawa' in Swahili. Because of the strong Arabic influence, you might hear more traditional terms for medicine, but 'duka la dawa' remains the standard for modern shops. The pharmacy attendant is often the 'de facto' doctor. People will describe all their symptoms to the 'muuzaji' (seller) and expect a diagnosis.
Ask for the 'Muuzaji'
If you don't see what you need, ask the 'muuzaji' (seller). They often keep medicine behind the counter.
Check Expiry Dates
Always check 'tarehe ya mwisho' (expiry date) on the packaging in smaller shops.
Signification
A shop where medicine is sold.
Ask for the 'Muuzaji'
If you don't see what you need, ask the 'muuzaji' (seller). They often keep medicine behind the counter.
Check Expiry Dates
Always check 'tarehe ya mwisho' (expiry date) on the packaging in smaller shops.
Plural Agreement
If you are looking for many pharmacies, use 'Maduka ya dawa'. The 'la' changes to 'ya'!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct associative marker (of).
Duka ___ dawa liko wapi?
'Duka' is a Class 5 noun, which takes the 'la' marker.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask for a pharmacy?
Choose one:
This is the standard, grammatically correct way to ask.
Match the Swahili phrase to its English meaning.
Match them:
Matching singular/plural and related terms.
Complete the dialogue.
Mteja: Habari! Nahitaji panado. Muuzaji: Karibu! Hili ni ____.
You buy panado at a duka la dawa.
Where would you go if you have a fever?
Nina homa kali. Niende wapi?
You go to a pharmacy (duka la dawa) for fever medicine.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Singular vs Plural
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesDuka ___ dawa liko wapi?
'Duka' is a Class 5 noun, which takes the 'la' marker.
Choose one:
This is the standard, grammatically correct way to ask.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Matching singular/plural and related terms.
Mteja: Habari! Nahitaji panado. Muuzaji: Karibu! Hili ni ____.
You buy panado at a duka la dawa.
Nina homa kali. Niende wapi?
You go to a pharmacy (duka la dawa) for fever medicine.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is the direct equivalent of a chemist or pharmacy.
Legally, you need a prescription, but in many small shops, they might sell them over the counter.
'Famasia' is more formal and urban; 'duka la dawa' is the standard term used everywhere.
Because 'duka' belongs to the LI-YA noun class, which uses 'la' for singular possession.
Yes, most maduka ya dawa also sell soap, toothpaste, and bandages.
You can say 'kwenye duka la dawa' or 'dukani kwa dawa'.
Yes, it is very common and culturally accepted in East Africa.
Most open from 8 AM to 8 PM, but some in big cities are 'saa ishirini na nne' (24 hours).
Almost all maduka ya dawa in Kenya and Tanzania accept mobile money (M-Pesa/Tigo Pesa).
No, 'dawa' can also mean chemicals, like 'dawa ya mbu' (mosquito repellent) or 'dawa ya usafi' (cleaning detergent).
Expressions liées
Dawa ya kikohozi
specialized formCough medicine
Hospitali
similarHospital
Zahanati
similarDispensary/Clinic
Duka la jumla
contrastWholesale shop
Mganga
builds onDoctor/Healer
