Meaning
To consume drugs or remedies for health purposes.
Cultural Background
Pharmacists in Spain have a high degree of authority and can often suggest 'medicinas' for minor ailments without a doctor's visit. It is common to use 'remedios' interchangeably with 'medicinas', often referring to herbal teas or traditional treatments. The term 'remedio' is very common in daily speech, even for pharmaceutical drugs.
Use 'Medicamentos' for Doctors
If you want to sound more educated or professional in a hospital, use 'medicamentos' instead of 'medicinas'.
Avoid 'Beber'
Never say 'beber medicina'. It is a dead giveaway that you are translating literally from another language.
Meaning
To consume drugs or remedies for health purposes.
Use 'Medicamentos' for Doctors
If you want to sound more educated or professional in a hospital, use 'medicamentos' instead of 'medicinas'.
Avoid 'Beber'
Never say 'beber medicina'. It is a dead giveaway that you are translating literally from another language.
The 'Pastilla' Shortcut
In casual conversation, people almost always just say 'la pastilla' (the pill) even if they mean medicine in general.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'tomar' in the present tense.
Yo _______ mis medicinas por la mañana.
The subject 'Yo' requires the first-person singular ending '-o'.
Which sentence is correct?
Select the natural Spanish sentence:
'Tomar' is the standard verb for consuming medicine in Spanish.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Pastillas specifically refers to pills/tablets.
Complete the dialogue.
Doctor: ¿Usted toma medicinas? Paciente: Sí, yo ______ medicinas para la gripe.
The patient is responding about themselves.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo _______ mis medicinas por la mañana.
The subject 'Yo' requires the first-person singular ending '-o'.
Select the natural Spanish sentence:
'Tomar' is the standard verb for consuming medicine in Spanish.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Pastillas specifically refers to pills/tablets.
Doctor: ¿Usted toma medicinas? Paciente: Sí, yo ______ medicinas para la gripe.
The patient is responding about themselves.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is perfectly correct to use the singular when referring to one specific item.
Yes, but 'medicamento' is more formal and technical.
Use 'las' when referring to specific ones prescribed to you. Omit it for general statements like 'No me gusta tomar medicina'.
Related Phrases
Estar bajo tratamiento
similarTo be under medical treatment.
Recetar una medicina
builds onTo prescribe a medicine.
Dosis de medicina
specialized formDose of medicine.
