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B1 noun #3,000 most common 10 min read

薬物

yakubutsu Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 薬物 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 薬物 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'yakubutsu' is a word for 'drug.' However, it is very important to understand that you should not use it when you are talking about medicine for a cold or a headache. For those, use the word 'kusuri.' You might see 'yakubutsu' on posters at school or in the news. It usually means something serious or bad, like illegal drugs. Think of 'yakubutsu' as a technical word. If you are a beginner, just remember that 'kusuri' is for getting better, and 'yakubutsu' is for scientific things or things that the police talk about. You don't need to use this word in your daily life yet, but you should recognize it if you see it on a warning sign or in a simple news headline. The kanji are 薬 (medicine) and 物 (thing), so it literally means 'medicine-thing' or 'chemical matter.' In A1, we focus on the most basic difference: 'kusuri' is good, 'yakubutsu' is often used for things that are dangerous or strictly controlled. You might hear it in a simple sentence like 'Yakubutsu wa dame' which means 'Drugs are bad.' This is a common phrase used in education to teach children to stay away from dangerous substances. Learning this word early helps you understand that Japanese has different words for 'medicine' and 'drugs,' unlike English which often uses the same word for both. Keep it simple: use 'kusuri' for the doctor and 'yakubutsu' for the news.

At the A2 level, you can start to distinguish between different types of 'substances.' You will notice that 'yakubutsu' is used in more formal settings than 'kusuri.' For example, when reading a simple article about sports, you might see the word 'yakubutsu kensa,' which means a 'drug test.' Here, it doesn't necessarily mean the athlete did something illegal, but that they are checking for 'substances' in their body. You should also be able to recognize compound words like 'yakubutsu ranyō' (drug abuse). In Japan, there are many public service announcements about this topic. You might also hear it in a doctor's explanation if they are talking about 'yakubutsu ryōhō' (drug therapy), which is a formal way to say treatment with medicine. As an A2 learner, try to use 'yakubutsu' when you are talking about the general concept of drugs as a social issue or a scientific topic. For example, 'Yakubutsu no mondai' (the problem of drugs). But remember, if you go to a pharmacy, you are looking for 'kusuri.' The word 'yakubutsu' sounds like you are talking about a chemical compound. Understanding this distinction is a key step in moving toward intermediate Japanese. You should also know that 'yakubutsu' is a noun and cannot be used as a verb. You would say 'yakubutsu o tsukau' (to use drugs) rather than making it into a verb directly. This level is about recognizing the context where 'yakubutsu' is appropriate versus where 'kusuri' is the better choice.

At the B1 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuance and register of 'yakubutsu.' You understand that it is a formal, clinical, and legal term. You can use it correctly in discussions about social problems, medical treatments, or scientific research. For instance, you might discuss the 'yakubutsu izon' (drug dependence) that some people face and the medical 'yakubutsu ryōhō' (pharmacotherapy) used to treat them. You are now aware that 'yakubutsu' is an umbrella term that includes narcotics (mayaku), stimulants (kakuseizai), and even regular medicine (iyakuhin) when discussed in a technical way. You should be able to follow news reports about 'yakubutsu hanzai' (drug crimes) and understand that the word choice reflects the official nature of the report. In your own writing, you can use 'yakubutsu' to sound more academic or professional. For example, instead of saying 'kusuri no kikime' (the effect of the medicine), you might say 'yakubutsu no kōka' (the effect of the drug/substance). You should also be comfortable with collocations like 'yakubutsu chūdoku' (drug poisoning/addiction) and 'yakubutsu kensa' (drug test). At this level, you can explain the difference between 'yakubutsu' and 'kusuri' to others, noting that 'yakubutsu' focuses on the chemical substance itself rather than its therapeutic intent. This word is essential for discussing any topic related to the 'Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act' or other Japanese regulations. Your goal at B1 is to use 'yakubutsu' naturally in formal contexts while strictly avoiding it in casual conversations about common illnesses.

At the B2 level, you can use 'yakubutsu' with precision in specialized discussions. You understand the legal categories within 'yakubutsu' in Japan, such as the distinction between stimulants (kakuseizai) and narcotics (mayaku), and how 'yakubutsu' serves as the broad term covering both. You can participate in debates about 'yakubutsu seisaku' (drug policy) or 'yakubutsu no gōhō-ka' (legalization of drugs). You are also familiar with its use in advanced medical contexts, such as 'yakubutsu dōtai' (pharmacokinetics), which refers to how drugs move through the body. In literature or high-level journalism, you might encounter 'yakubutsu' used to describe the chemical nature of a poison in a mystery novel or the complex chemical interactions in a science report. You should be able to use the word to describe not just illicit substances, but any chemical agent that has a biological effect. For example, discussing the 'yakubutsu seibun' (drug components) of a new pesticide would be appropriate. At B2, you should also be aware of the social stigma attached to the word 'yakubutsu' in Japan and how it differs from the more neutral or even positive connotations 'drug' can have in some English-speaking contexts (like 'drug discovery'). You can navigate these cultural nuances, ensuring that your use of the word reflects a deep understanding of Japanese society's view on chemical substances. You should be able to write an essay on the impact of 'yakubutsu ranyō' on the youth in Japan using appropriate formal vocabulary and complex sentence structures.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'yakubutsu' is nuanced and comprehensive. You can discuss the word's etymology and its role in the legal and medical history of Japan. You are capable of reading and summarizing academic papers on 'yakubutsu ryōhō' (pharmacotherapy) or legal documents regarding 'yakubutsu torishimari' (drug control). You understand the subtle differences between 'yakubutsu' and related terms like 'iyakuhin,' 'yakuhin,' and 'kagaku busshitsu' in highly technical contexts. For instance, you can explain why a specific chemical is classified as a 'yakubutsu' under one law but an 'iyakuhin' under another. You are also sensitive to the rhetorical use of 'yakubutsu' in political discourse, where it might be used to frame certain substances as dangerous or to emphasize the need for strict regulation. You can use 'yakubutsu' in complex grammatical constructions, such as 'yakubutsu-izon-sei' (drug-dependent nature) or 'yakubutsu-taisha-kōso' (drug-metabolizing enzymes). Your speaking and writing at this level should demonstrate a mastery of the register, using 'yakubutsu' to maintain a professional and objective tone. You can also analyze how the term 'yakubutsu' is used in the media to shape public perception of substance abuse. At C1, you are expected to handle discussions on the ethics of 'yakubutsu kōka' (drug effects) in cognitive enhancement or the legal complexities of 'yakubutsu no kojin-yunyū' (personal import of drugs). Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker in professional fields like law, medicine, or chemistry.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'yakubutsu' and its extensive range of applications. You can engage in professional-level dialogue regarding 'yakubutsu hōgaku' (drug jurisprudence) or 'yakubutsu ririgaku' (pharmacodynamics). You are fully aware of the historical evolution of the term, from its early use in Meiji-era translations of Western science to its current role in modern Japanese law. You can navigate the most complex legal texts, such as those detailing the 'Yakubutsu Go-yō Boushi' (prevention of drug misuse) strategies at a governmental level. You understand the intricate relationship between 'yakubutsu' and international treaties like the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. In a medical or scientific capacity, you can present findings on 'yakubutsu-sōgo-sayō' (drug-drug interactions) with absolute clarity and precision. You are also capable of identifying and using rare or highly specialized compound words involving 'yakubutsu.' Furthermore, you can critically analyze the social and psychological constructs surrounding 'yakubutsu' in Japanese culture, including the concepts of 'shame' and 'rehabilitation' in the context of drug addiction. You can switch effortlessly between the clinical, legal, and sociological uses of the word, adapting your tone to suit the audience and purpose perfectly. At this level, 'yakubutsu' is not just a vocabulary word but a tool for navigating the highest levels of Japanese professional and academic life. You can contribute to the development of new 'yakubutsu' policies or lead research into the pharmacological properties of unknown 'yakubutsu' with full linguistic authority.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

薬物 in 30 Seconds

Yakubutsu means 'drug' or 'substance' in formal contexts.
It is used for illegal drugs, crime reports, and scientific research.
Do not use it for common medicine like cold pills; use 'kusuri' instead.
It is a clinical term that emphasizes the chemical nature of a compound.

The Japanese word 薬物 (Yakubutsu) is a comprehensive and somewhat formal term that translates to 'drug,' 'chemical substance,' or 'pharmaceutical matter.' While the more common word kusuri (薬) is used in daily life to refer to medicine prescribed by a doctor or bought at a pharmacy to treat a cold or headache, yakubutsu carries a significantly different weight. It is the term of choice in scientific, legal, medical, and law enforcement contexts. When you hear this word on the news, it is frequently associated with substance abuse, forensic toxicology, or the chemical properties of a compound. The nuance is clinical and objective, often stripping away the 'healing' connotation of kusuri and focusing on the 'substance' itself. In a legal sense, it covers everything from regulated pharmaceuticals to illegal narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogens. In a scientific sense, it refers to any chemical agent that impacts biological systems. Therefore, its use is highly dependent on the level of formality and the specific nature of the discussion. You wouldn't tell a friend you are taking yakubutsu for a sore throat; that would sound like you are discussing a chemical experiment or a legal case. Instead, you use it when discussing social issues like drug addiction, the results of a doping test in sports, or the pharmacological effects of a new chemical compound in a laboratory setting.

Scientific Context: In pharmacology, yakubutsu refers to any chemical substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. This includes therapeutic drugs as well as toxic substances.

警察は現場で不審な薬物を押収した。(The police seized a suspicious drug/substance at the scene.)

Legal Context: In Japanese law, yakubutsu is the umbrella term used in the 'Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act' to define regulated substances that are subject to strict oversight and criminal penalties.

彼は薬物乱用の危険性について講演した。(He gave a lecture on the dangers of drug abuse.)

Social Context: Socially, the word is heavily associated with 'Yakubutsu Ranyō' (Drug Abuse), a term widely used in schools and public service announcements to warn against illegal drug use.

スポーツ界では、薬物検査が厳格に行われている。(In the world of sports, drug testing is strictly conducted.)

新しい薬物の治療効果を調査する。(Investigating the therapeutic effects of a new drug/substance.)

その植物には特定の薬物成分が含まれている。(That plant contains specific drug components.)

Using 薬物 (Yakubutsu) correctly requires an understanding of its formal and clinical nature. It is almost never used in casual conversation to refer to common medication like aspirin. Instead, it appears in structured environments. For instance, in a medical report, a doctor might write about the 'yakubutsu ryōhō' (drug therapy) prescribed for a patient, which sounds more professional than 'kusuri de no chiryō.' In a criminal report, police will use 'yakubutsu' to refer to unidentified powders or pills found at a crime scene. It functions as a neutral noun that can be modified by adjectives or combined with other nouns to form compound terms. Common combinations include 'yakubutsu ranyō' (drug abuse), 'yakubutsu chūdoku' (drug poisoning or addiction), and 'yakubutsu kensa' (drug test). When discussing the components of a medicine, you might use 'yakubutsu seibun' (drug ingredients). Because of its strong association with illegal substances in the public consciousness, using it carelessly in a social setting might lead people to think you are talking about narcotics. Therefore, it is essential to provide enough context to clarify whether you are discussing a scientific discovery, a medical treatment, or a legal violation. In academic writing, 'yakubutsu' is the standard term for describing the interaction between a chemical agent and a biological receptor. It is also used in the context of 'yakubutsu taisha' (drug metabolism), referring to how the body processes chemicals. By mastering this word, you gain the ability to discuss complex topics such as pharmacology, criminal justice, and public health policy in Japanese with the appropriate level of sophistication.

Medical Treatment: In psychiatry, 'yakubutsu ryōhō' is the formal term for pharmacotherapy, distinguishing it from 'shinri ryōhō' (psychotherapy).

医師は患者に適切な薬物療法を提案した。(The doctor proposed an appropriate drug therapy to the patient.)

Crime and Law: Legal documents use 'yakubutsu' to categorize substances that fall under the jurisdiction of the 'Stimulants Control Act' or the 'Cannabis Control Act'.

被告は禁止された薬物を所持していた疑いがある。(The defendant is suspected of possessing prohibited drugs.)

Sports Integrity: In the context of the Olympics or professional sports, 'yakubutsu' is the standard term for performance-enhancing substances.

彼は薬物の使用により、大会への出場権を失った。(He lost his eligibility to compete in the tournament due to drug use.)

この薬物は非常に強力な副作用がある。(This drug/substance has very powerful side effects.)

研究チームは未知の薬物を分析している。(The research team is analyzing an unknown substance.)

If you live in Japan or consume Japanese media, you will encounter 薬物 (Yakubutsu) primarily in news broadcasts and crime dramas. News anchors use it as a formal umbrella term when reporting on arrests related to stimulants (kakuseizai), cannabis (taisa), or synthetic drugs (gōsei yakubutsu). Because Japanese society has a very strict 'zero tolerance' policy toward illegal substances, news regarding 'yakubutsu' is often sensationalized and carries a heavy social stigma. You will also see it on posters in public places, especially near train stations or schools, with slogans like 'Yakubutsu ranyō wa, dame. Zettai.' (Drug abuse is bad. Absolutely.) These campaigns are part of a nationwide effort to prevent the spread of illegal substances. In the medical world, you will hear it in hospitals or clinics when discussing 'yakubutsu ryōhō' (pharmacotherapy) for conditions like cancer, depression, or chronic pain. It is also the standard term used in pharmacy schools and medical textbooks. Furthermore, in the world of professional sports, 'yakubutsu kensa' (drug testing) is a frequent topic of discussion during major events like the Olympics. If an athlete is suspected of doping, the media will use 'yakubutsu' to describe the substances involved. In summary, while you won't use it to ask for a headache pill, you will hear it whenever the conversation turns to the serious legal, medical, or social implications of chemical substances. It is a word that signals a shift from casual conversation to a more serious, technical, or official discourse.

News Reports: Frequent reports on 'yakubutsu hanzai' (drug crimes) involve the smuggling or sale of illicit substances.

昨夜、港で大量の薬物が密輸されるところを発見された。(Last night, a large amount of drugs being smuggled was discovered at the port.)

Public Safety: Posters in schools often feature the word 'yakubutsu' to educate students about the dangers of addiction.

学校の掲示板に薬物追放のポスターが貼ってある。(A poster for the eradication of drugs is posted on the school bulletin board.)

Clinical Trials: In pharmaceutical research, the term is used to describe the compounds being tested for safety and efficacy.

この新しい薬物は、治験の最終段階にある。(This new drug is in the final stage of clinical trials.)

テレビ番組で薬物依存からの回復について特集していた。(A TV program featured a special on recovery from drug addiction.)

空港の税関では、薬物探知犬が活躍している。(Drug-sniffing dogs are active at airport customs.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Japanese is using 薬物 (Yakubutsu) interchangeably with 薬 (Kusuri). In English, the word 'drug' can mean both a medicine (like a drugstore) and an illegal substance (like drug abuse). However, in Japanese, these two meanings are strictly divided between kusuri and yakubutsu. If you tell a Japanese person, 'I need to take my yakubutsu,' they will likely be shocked or confused, as it sounds like you are either performing a scientific experiment on yourself or taking illicit narcotics. Always use kusuri for legitimate medicine. Another common error is confusing yakubutsu with 麻薬 (Mayaku). While all mayaku (narcotics) are yakubutsu, not all yakubutsu are mayaku. Yakubutsu is a broad category that includes stimulants, depressants, and even non-narcotic chemical compounds. Using mayaku when you mean the general category of drugs can be too specific or legally inaccurate. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that yakubutsu is a noun and try to use it as a verb. Unlike 'to drug someone' in English, you cannot say 'yakubutsu-suru.' Instead, you must use phrases like 'yakubutsu o tōyo suru' (to administer a drug) or 'yakubutsu o tsukau' (to use a drug). Finally, pay attention to the formality. Using yakubutsu in an extremely casual setting where kusuri or a specific drug name would suffice can make you sound overly clinical or like you are reading from a police report. Understanding these distinctions will help you avoid social awkwardness and ensure your Japanese sounds natural and precise.

Confusion with Kusuri: Mistake: 'Kaze no yakubutsu o nomu' (Taking cold drugs). Correct: 'Kaze no kusuri o nomu' (Taking cold medicine).

❌ 毎朝薬物を飲んでいます。(Incorrect: I take drugs every morning - sounds like narcotics.)

Confusion with Mayaku: Mistake: Using 'mayaku' for all illegal substances. Note: Stimulants (kakuseizai) are not legally 'mayaku' in Japan, but they are 'yakubutsu'.

❌ 大麻は麻薬ですか？ (Legally, cannabis is under the Cannabis Control Act, not the Narcotics Act, though both are yakubutsu.)

Verbal Usage: Mistake: 'Yakubutsu-shita' (Drugged). Correct: 'Yakubutsu o tōyo shita' (Administered the drug).

❌ 彼は薬物した。(He 'drugged' - grammatically incorrect in Japanese.)

❌ このリンゴには薬物が入っている。(This apple has 'drugs' in it - sounds weird unless it's a crime scene. Use 'doku' for poison or 'yakuhin' for chemicals.)

❌ 薬物ストアに行きます。(I'm going to the 'drug' store. Correct: 'Druggusutoa' or 'Yakkyoku'.)

To use 薬物 (Yakubutsu) effectively, it is helpful to compare it with other related terms in the Japanese lexicon. The most common alternative is 薬 (Kusuri), which is the general word for medicine. While yakubutsu is clinical, kusuri is practical and everyday. Another important word is 医薬品 (Iyakuhin), which refers specifically to pharmaceutical products that have been approved for medical use. This is the term you will see on the packaging of over-the-counter medicines or in pharmaceutical regulations. If you are talking about industrial or scientific chemicals that are not necessarily drugs, you would use 薬品 (Yakuhin) or 化学物質 (Kagaku busshitsu). In the realm of illegal substances, 麻薬 (Mayaku) refers specifically to narcotics like heroin or cocaine, while 覚醒剤 (Kakuseizai) refers to stimulants like methamphetamines. Japan has separate laws for these, so using the specific term is important in legal contexts. If you want to talk about poison, use 毒物 (Dokubutsu). For performance-enhancing drugs in sports, the loanword ドーピング (Dōpingu) is often used alongside yakubutsu. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that fits the exact level of formality and the specific category of substance you are discussing. For example, a chemist might deal with yakuhin, a doctor prescribes iyakuhin, a patient takes kusuri, a police officer investigates yakubutsu, and a public health official warns against mayaku.

Yakubutsu vs. Kusuri: Yakubutsu is the 'substance' (technical/legal); Kusuri is the 'medicine' (practical/healing).

Yakubutsu vs. Iyakuhin: Iyakuhin is a subset of yakubutsu that is specifically manufactured for medical treatment and regulated by health authorities.

Yakubutsu vs. Mayaku: Mayaku (narcotics) is a specific legal sub-category of yakubutsu. Not all yakubutsu are mayaku (e.g., stimulants or aspirin).

病院では多くの医薬品が管理されている。(Many pharmaceuticals are managed in the hospital.)

研究室には危険な薬品が置かれている。(Dangerous chemicals are kept in the laboratory.)

彼は覚醒剤取締法違反で逮捕された。(He was arrested for violating the Stimulants Control Act.)

その事件には未知の毒物が使われた。(An unknown poison was used in that incident.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Japan, 'yakubutsu' was not a common word. People used 'kusuri' for everything. The term 'yakubutsu' became prominent as Japan modernized its legal and medical systems in the late 19th century to match international standards.

Pronunciation Guide

UK jakɯᵝbɯᵝtsɯᵝ

US jakɯᵝbɯᵝtsɯᵝ

The pitch accent is typically Heiban (flat), meaning the first syllable is low and the rest are high, or it can be Atamadaka (initial high) depending on dialect, but flat is standard.

Rhymes With

Butsu (thing) Kutsu (shoes) Motsu (to hold) Futsu (French) Setsu (theory) Netsu (heat) Tetsu (iron) Ketsu (conclusion)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tsu' like 'too'. It must have the 'ts' sound.
Stressing the 'bu' syllable too much.
Making the 'u' sounds too long like 'oo' in 'food'.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'yakubutsu' (not a word, but mispronouncing the kanji).
Forgetting the stop in 'tsu'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but the context is often technical.

Writing 3/5

The kanji 薬 and 物 are taught in elementary school.

Speaking 4/5

Requires careful use to avoid sounding like you're talking about illegal acts.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation and common in news.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

薬 (Kusuri) 物 (Mono/Butsu) 悪い (Warui) 使う (Tsukau) 病気 (Byōki)

Learn Next

依存 (Izon) 乱用 (Ranyō) 所持 (Shoji) 中毒 (Chūdoku) 医薬品 (Iyakuhin)

Advanced

薬理学 (Yakurigaku) 代謝 (Taisha) 取締法 (Torishimarihō) 密売 (Mitsubai) 受容体 (Juyōtai)

Grammar to Know

Noun + に関する (Regarding Noun)

薬物に関するニュースを読みました。

Noun + による (By means of / Due to Noun)

薬物による副作用が心配です。

Noun + の疑いで (On suspicion of Noun)

薬物所持の疑いで調べを受けている。

Noun + への (To/Toward Noun)

薬物への依存をなくしたい。

Noun + を通じて (Through Noun)

薬物を通じて得た知識を仕事に活かす。

Examples by Level

薬物は危ないです。

Drugs are dangerous.

Simple sentence with the 'desu' copula.

薬物を使ってはいけません。

You must not use drugs.

Using the '~te wa ikemasen' structure for prohibition.

これは悪い薬物ですか？

Is this a bad drug?

Basic question using 'kore' (this) and 'desu ka'.

薬物は体に悪いです。

Drugs are bad for the body.

Using '~ni warui' to mean 'bad for'.

学校で薬物の話をしました。

We talked about drugs at school.

Using the particle 'de' for location and 'no' for possession/topic.

薬物は買えません。

You cannot buy drugs.

Potential form of the verb 'kau' (to buy) in the negative.

薬物を見たら逃げてください。

If you see drugs, please run away.

Using '~tara' for 'if' and '~te kudasai' for a request.

薬物はいりません。

I don't need drugs.

Negative form of 'iru' (to need).

彼は薬物検査を受けました。

He took a drug test.

Using 'kensa o ukeru' (to take a test/examination).

薬物乱用は大きな問題です。

Drug abuse is a big problem.

Using 'ranyō' (abuse) as a compound noun.

知らない薬物を飲まないでください。

Please do not drink/take unknown drugs.

Using 'shiranai' (unknown) to modify 'yakubutsu'.

警察が薬物を探しています。

The police are looking for drugs.

Present progressive form '~te imasu' of 'sagasu' (to search).

薬物の依存症は怖いです。

Drug addiction is scary.

Using 'izonshō' (addiction/dependence) as a compound noun.

新しい薬物の研究が始まりました。

Research on a new drug has started.

Passive/Intransitive verb 'hajimaru' (to begin).

薬物の持ち込みは禁止されています。

Bringing in drugs is prohibited.

Passive form 'kinshi sarete iru' (is prohibited).

彼は薬物の影響で倒れました。

He collapsed due to the influence of drugs.

Using 'eikyō' (influence/effect) and the particle 'de' for cause.

薬物療法によって症状が改善した。

The symptoms improved through drug therapy.

Using 'ni yotte' to indicate the means or cause.

薬物所持の疑いで逮捕された。

He was arrested on suspicion of drug possession.

Using 'shoji' (possession) and 'utagai' (suspicion).

薬物乱用防止キャンペーンが行われている。

A drug abuse prevention campaign is being held.

Compound noun 'yakubutsu ranyō bōshi' (drug abuse prevention).

この植物から特定の薬物成分が抽出された。

A specific drug component was extracted from this plant.

Passive form 'chūshutsu sareta' (was extracted).

薬物依存からの回復には時間がかかる。

Recovery from drug dependence takes time.

Using 'kara no' to indicate the source of the recovery.

彼は薬物に関する詳しい知識を持っている。

He has detailed knowledge regarding drugs.

Using 'ni kansuru' to mean 'regarding' or 'about'.

薬物検査の結果、陽性反応が出た。

The drug test results showed a positive reaction.

Using 'kekka' (result) and 'yōsei hannō' (positive reaction).

不審な薬物を発見した場合は通報してください。

If you find a suspicious drug, please report it.

Using 'baai wa' for 'in the case that' and 'tsūhō' (report/alert).

薬物代謝のプロセスを詳しく分析する。

Analyze the process of drug metabolism in detail.

Technical term 'yakubutsu taisha' (drug metabolism).

薬物使用の低年齢化が社会問題となっている。

The lowering age of drug use is becoming a social issue.

Using 'teinenreika' (lowering of age) as a trend description.

その薬物は中枢神経系に直接作用する。

The drug acts directly on the central nervous system.

Using 'sayō suru' (to act/interact) with 'ni'.

薬物取締法は近年、厳格化されている。

The Drug Control Act has been tightened in recent years.

Using 'genkakuka' (tightening/stricter enforcement).

薬物相互作用のリスクを考慮する必要がある。

It is necessary to consider the risk of drug interactions.

Using 'kōryo suru hitsuyō ga aru' (need to consider).

薬物中毒の患者に対する緊急処置を行う。

Perform emergency treatment for a patient with drug poisoning.

Using 'yakubutsu chūdoku' (drug poisoning/intoxication).

合成薬物の流入を阻止するための対策を講じる。

Take measures to block the influx of synthetic drugs.

Idiomatic expression 'taisaku o kōjiru' (to take measures).

薬物への依存を断ち切るための支援が必要だ。

Support is needed to break the dependence on drugs.

Using 'tachikiru' (to cut off/break) for addiction.

薬物動態学の観点から新薬の安全性を評価する。

Evaluate the safety of a new medicine from the perspective of pharmacokinetics.

Technical term 'yakubutsu dōtaigaku' (pharmacokinetics).

薬物乱用が地域社会の治安に与える影響は甚大だ。

The impact of drug abuse on the security of the local community is immense.

Using 'jindai' (immense/enormous) for impact.

薬物依存症は、単なる意志の弱さではなく、脳の疾患である。

Drug addiction is not merely a weakness of will, but a disease of the brain.

Using 'tannaru' (mere) and 'dewa naku' (not but).

国際的な薬物密売組織の解体に向けた捜査が続く。

Investigations continue toward the dismantling of international drug trafficking organizations.

Using 'kaitai' (dismantling) and 'mitsubai' (trafficking/smuggling).

薬物療法の副作用を最小限に抑えるための研究が進んでいる。

Research is progressing to minimize the side effects of drug therapy.

Using 'saishōgen ni osaeru' (to keep to a minimum).

薬物政策の転換により、治療を重視するアプローチが採用された。

Due to a shift in drug policy, an approach emphasizing treatment was adopted.

Using 'tenkan' (shift/change) and 'jūshi' (emphasis).

薬物による認知機能への影響を長期的に追跡調査する。

Conduct a long-term follow-up study on the effects of drugs on cognitive function.

Using 'tsuiseki chōsa' (follow-up study/tracking survey).

薬物の過剰摂取は、呼吸抑制を引き起こし死に至る可能性がある。

Drug overdose can cause respiratory depression and potentially lead to death.

Using 'kajō sesshu' (overdose) and 'shi ni itaru' (to lead to death).

薬物乱用防止五か年戦略に基づき、包括的な対策が実施されている。

Based on the Five-Year Strategy for the Prevention of Drug Abuse, comprehensive measures are being implemented.

Highly formal administrative terminology.

薬物受容体との結合親和性を高めることで、薬効の向上を図る。

Aim to improve drug efficacy by increasing the binding affinity with drug receptors.

Advanced pharmacological terminology: 'juyōtai' (receptor), 'shinwasei' (affinity).

薬物犯罪の再犯防止には、司法と医療の緊密な連携が不可欠である。

Close cooperation between the judiciary and medical sectors is indispensable for preventing drug crime recidivism.

Using 'saihan bōshi' (prevention of second offenses) and 'fukabutsu' (indispensable).

薬物関連の法整備は、国際的な条約の動向に即して行われるべきだ。

The development of drug-related laws should be carried out in accordance with the trends of international treaties.

Using 'hōseibi' (law development) and 'sokushite' (in accordance with).

薬物乱用がもたらす経済的損失は、国家予算に多大な影響を及ぼす。

The economic losses brought about by drug abuse exert a great influence on the national budget.

Formal verb 'oyobosu' (to exert/cause).

薬物依存者の社会復帰を支援するためのハーフウェイハウスが設立された。

A halfway house was established to support the social reintegration of drug-dependent individuals.

Using 'shakai fukki' (social reintegration/return to society).

薬物動態の個体差を考慮した個別化医療の実現が期待されている。

The realization of personalized medicine that considers individual differences in drug kinetics is expected.

Using 'kobetsuka iryō' (personalized medicine).

薬物媒介性の毒性発現メカニズムを分子レベルで解明する。

Elucidate the mechanism of drug-mediated toxicity manifestation at the molecular level.

Highly technical scientific Japanese.

Common Collocations

薬物乱用

薬物依存

薬物検査

薬物療法

薬物所持

薬物中毒

薬物密売

薬物代謝

薬物動態

薬物汚染

Common Phrases

薬物乱用は、ダメ。ゼッタイ。

— The famous slogan for drug abuse prevention in Japan. It means 'Drug abuse is bad. Absolutely.'

ポスターに「薬物乱用は、ダメ。ゼッタイ。」と書いてある。

薬物に手を出す

— To start using drugs or get involved with drugs. Often used as a warning.

一度でも薬物に手を出してはいけない。

薬物から抜け出す

— To break free from drug addiction or stop using drugs.

彼は懸命に努力して薬物から抜け出した。

薬物に溺れる

— To be drowned in drugs, meaning to be heavily addicted or consumed by drug use.

彼は薬物に溺れ、人生を台無しにした。

薬物を断つ

— To quit drugs completely.

彼は家族のために薬物を断つ決心をした。

薬物を盛る

— To secretly administer a drug to someone, often for malicious purposes.

飲み物に薬物を盛られた可能性がある。

薬物が切れる

— For a drug to wear off, often referring to the onset of withdrawal symptoms.

薬物が切れて、体が震え始めた。

薬物をさばく

— To deal or sell drugs illegally.

彼は裏通りで薬物をさばいていた。

薬物に汚染される

— To be tainted or corrupted by drugs, often referring to a community or school.

その地域は薬物に汚染されている。

薬物を抜く

— To detox or clear drugs from one's system.

病院で体から薬物を抜く治療を受ける。

Often Confused With

薬物 vs 薬 (Kusuri)

Kusuri is for healing/common use; Yakubutsu is technical/legal.

薬物 vs 薬品 (Yakuhin)

Yakuhin refers more to chemicals in a lab; Yakubutsu refers to drugs as substances.

薬物 vs 麻薬 (Mayaku)

Mayaku is a specific type of illegal drug (narcotic); Yakubutsu is the general term.

Idioms & Expressions

"薬物漬け"

— Being constantly under the influence of drugs or relying heavily on medication.

彼は薬物漬けの毎日を送っている。

Informal/Critical

"薬物の魔の手"

— The 'evil hand' of drugs, referring to the insidious way drugs can trap people.

若者に薬物の魔の手が忍び寄っている。

Literary/Dramatic

"薬物の闇"

— The 'darkness' of drugs, referring to the hidden and illegal drug trade.

薬物の闇は想像以上に深い。

Journalistic

"薬物の誘惑"

— The temptation of drugs.

彼は薬物の誘惑に負けてしまった。

General

"薬物の罠"

— The trap of drugs.

一度足を踏み入れると、薬物の罠から逃げられない。

General

"薬物地獄"

— Drug hell, referring to the miserable life of an addict.

薬物地獄から生還した男の手記。

Dramatic

"薬物マネー"

— Drug money, referring to profits from illegal drug sales.

薬物マネーが犯罪組織の資金源だ。

Journalistic

"薬物ルート"

— The drug distribution route.

警察は海外からの薬物ルートを追っている。

Police/News

"薬物パーティー"

— A party where illegal drugs are used.

マンションで薬物パーティーが開かれていた。

Informal/News

"薬物バブル"

— A sudden surge in the availability or popularity of a certain drug.

かつての危険ドラッグの流行は、一種の薬物バブルだった。

Sociological

Easily Confused

薬物 vs 医薬品 (Iyakuhin)

Both mean 'drug' in a medical sense.

Iyakuhin is specifically a 'product' for medical treatment. Yakubutsu is the 'substance' itself.

薬局で医薬品を買う。

薬物 vs 覚醒剤 (Kakuseizai)

Often translated as 'drugs' in English news.

Kakuseizai refers only to stimulants. Yakubutsu includes stimulants, cannabis, and more.

覚醒剤は日本で厳しく規制されている。

薬物 vs 毒物 (Dokubutsu)

Both are 'substances' (butsu) that affect the body.

Dokubutsu is intended to harm or kill. Yakubutsu may be therapeutic or addictive.

犯人は毒物を飲ませて殺害した。

薬物 vs 添加物 (Tenkabutsu)

Both end in 'butsu' and are chemical in nature.

Tenkabutsu are food additives. Yakubutsu are pharmacological drugs.

このパンには添加物が入っていない。

薬物 vs 危険ドラッグ (Kiken Doraggu)

A modern term for synthetic drugs.

Kiken Doraggu is a specific social term for 'designer drugs.' Yakubutsu is the formal category.

危険ドラッグの販売が規制された。

Sentence Patterns

[Person]は[Yakubutsu]の疑いで逮捕された。

彼は薬物所持の疑いで逮捕された。

[Yakubutsu]療法は[Condition]に効果がある。

薬物療法はうつ病に効果がある。

[Yakubutsu]の使用を[Verb-Stem]続ける。

彼は薬物の使用を禁止され続けた。

[Yakubutsu]検査で[Noun]が検出された。

薬物検査で禁止成分が検出された。

[Yakubutsu]への依存は[Noun]を引き起こす。

薬物への依存は深刻な健康被害を引き起こす。

[Yakubutsu]の[Noun]化が[Verb]している。

薬物の巧妙化が進行している。

[Yakubutsu]媒介性の[Noun]を[Verb]する。

薬物媒介性の毒性を研究する。

[Yakubutsu]政策の[Noun]を[Verb]べきだ。

薬物政策の抜本的改革を検討すべきだ。

Word Family

Nouns

薬 (Kusuri - Medicine)

物質 (Busshitsu - Substance)

薬学 (Yakugaku - Pharmacology)

薬剤 (Yakuzai - Pharmaceutical agent)

Verbs

薬する (Kusuri-suru - To use as medicine, rare)

物する (Mono-suru - To produce/write, unrelated meaning)

Adjectives

薬理的な (Yakuriteki-na - Pharmacological)

化学 (Kagaku - Chemistry)

医療 (Iryō - Medical care)

法律 (Hōritsu - Law)

中毒 (Chūdoku - Addiction/Poisoning)

依存 (Izon - Dependence)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, medical, and legal contexts; rare in casual daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'yakubutsu' for over-the-counter medicine. → Use 'kusuri' or 'iyakuhin'.
'Yakubutsu' sounds like you are talking about illegal drugs or a scientific experiment. It is too formal for buying aspirin.
Saying 'yakubutsu-suru' to mean 'to take drugs'. → Use 'yakubutsu o tsukau' or 'yakubutsu o sesshu suru'.
'Yakubutsu' is a noun and cannot be turned into a verb with '-suru'.
Confusing 'yakubutsu' with 'yakuhin'. → Use 'yakuhin' for lab chemicals.
While similar, 'yakuhin' is the standard for chemicals used in cleaning or experiments that aren't necessarily 'drugs'.
Assuming 'yakubutsu' always means illegal drugs. → Understand the medical 'yakubutsu ryōhō' context.
In a hospital, 'yakubutsu' is a legitimate term for treatment. Don't be alarmed if a doctor uses it.
Using 'yakubutsu' to mean 'poison' in a casual story. → Use 'doku' or 'dokubutsu'.
'Yakubutsu' is too broad; 'doku' is the specific word for something that kills you.

Tips

Clinical vs. Healing

Always remember that 'yakubutsu' focuses on the substance as a chemical entity. If you want to emphasize the healing power of a medicine, 'kusuri' is the better choice.

Legal Awareness

In Japan, 'yakubutsu' is a very serious word. Using it in conversation can change the mood of the room to something very formal or somber. Use it only when the topic warrants that level of seriousness.

Compound Power

Master the common compounds like 'yakubutsu ranyō' and 'yakubutsu izon.' These are far more common than using 'yakubutsu' alone in a sentence.

Social Stigma

Be aware of the high social stigma in Japan regarding drugs. The word 'yakubutsu' carries this weight, so be precise to avoid misunderstandings about your own habits or interests.

News Cues

When you hear 'yakubutsu' on the news, immediately look for the next word. If it's 'shoji' (possession) or 'ranyō' (abuse), it's a crime story. If it's 'ryōhō' (therapy), it's a medical story.

Related Kanji

Learn other words with 'yaku' (薬) like 'yakkyoku' (pharmacy) and 'yakuzai' (pharmaceutical agent) to build a strong word family in your mind.

Academic Tone

Use 'yakubutsu' in academic or formal writing to show a high level of Japanese proficiency. It demonstrates you know the difference between casual and formal registers.

Clarity over Brevity

When discussing medicine, if you are unsure, 'kusuri' is usually safer. Only use 'yakubutsu' if you are sure the context is technical or legal.

Poster Recognition

Look for the word on posters in train stations. It’s a great way to see how the word is used in public service announcements.

The 'Butsu' Ending

The 'butsu' ending is common for 'stuff' or 'matter' (like 'dobutsu' for animals - moving stuff). Think of 'yakubutsu' as 'medicine stuff' to remember its technical nature.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Yaku' (medicine) and 'Butsu' (boots). Imagine a scientist hiding dangerous 'medicine' (Yaku) inside their 'boots' (Butsu) to smuggle it. That 'medicine-boot' thing is a 'Yakubutsu' (drug).

Visual Association

Visualize a white lab coat (science) and a police siren (law). The word 'Yakubutsu' sits right in the middle of these two images, representing the chemical and legal nature of drugs.

Word Web

薬 (Kusuri) 物 (Butsu) 乱用 (Ranyō) 依存 (Izon) 検査 (Kensa) 療法 (Ryōhō) 所持 (Shoji) 中毒 (Chūdoku)

Challenge

Try to find the word '薬物' in a Japanese news headline today. Note if the story is about a medical breakthrough or a crime.

Word Origin

The word is a Sinitic compound (Kango) consisting of two kanji: 薬 (medicine/drug) and 物 (thing/object). It emerged in the modern era as a technical term to categorize chemical substances with biological effects.

Original meaning: Literally 'medicine thing' or 'medicinal substance.'

Japanese (Sino-Japanese vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be extremely careful when using this word in social settings. It can imply illegal activity if context is not clear.

In English, 'drug' is ambiguous (medicine vs. narcotic). In Japanese, 'yakubutsu' is technical/legal, while 'kusuri' is therapeutic.

The 'No! Drug!' (ダメ。ゼッタイ。) campaign posters seen all over Japan. The movie 'Trainspotting' (translated as 'Torein supottingu') often uses 'yakubutsu' in its Japanese descriptions. Police dramas like 'Aibō' frequently feature 'yakubutsu' cases.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical / Clinical

薬物療法の効果
薬物の副作用
薬物投与
薬物代謝

Legal / Crime

薬物所持で逮捕
薬物密売ルート
薬物取締法
薬物押収

Sports

薬物検査を受ける
薬物使用の疑い
薬物反応
禁止薬物

Social Issues

薬物乱用防止
薬物依存症の支援
薬物汚染
薬物教育

Science / Research

薬物成分の分析
新薬物の開発
薬物の反応速度
薬物相互作用

Conversation Starters

"最近、ニュースで薬物乱用の問題がよく取り上げられていますね。"

"スポーツ界での薬物検査についてどう思いますか？"

"新しい薬物療法の可能性について興味がありますか？"

"学校での薬物教育はどのように行われるべきだと思いますか？"

"薬物依存症の人々を支援するための良い方法は何でしょうか？"

Journal Prompts

日本とあなたの国の薬物に対する態度の違いについて書いてください。

もしあなたがニュースの記者なら、薬物問題についてどのような記事を書きますか？

薬物乱用を防ぐために、社会ができる最も重要なことは何だと思いますか？

医療における薬物療法のメリットとデメリットについて考察してください。

「薬物乱用は、ダメ。ゼッタイ。」というスローガンについて、あなたの意見を述べてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'kusuri' for everyday medicine. 'Yakubutsu' sounds too technical or like you are talking about illegal drugs. If you use it for a cold, people will be very confused.

Not always. In medical contexts like 'yakubutsu ryōhō' (drug therapy) or scientific research, it is a neutral, professional term. However, in general society, it often implies illegal substances.

Yakubutsu is the broad term for all drugs and chemical substances. Mayaku (narcotics) is a specific legal category of illegal drugs like heroin. So, all mayaku are yakubutsu, but not all yakubutsu are mayaku.

You should say 'doraggusutoa' (loanword) or 'yakkyoku' (pharmacy). Never say 'yakubutsu-sutoa' as it does not exist and sounds like a place that sells illegal substances.

Yes, it is extremely common. You will hear it whenever there is a report on drug-related arrests, sports doping scandals, or new medical treatments involving chemical compounds.

Yes, 'yakubutsu kensa' (drug testing) is the standard term used in sports to refer to testing for performance-enhancing substances.

In a strict pharmacological sense, yes, they are substances. However, in common Japanese usage and law, alcohol and tobacco are usually categorized separately and not referred to as 'yakubutsu'.

It means 'drug abuse.' It is a very common term used in education and law enforcement to describe the illegal or improper use of drugs.

It is written as 薬物. 薬 means medicine and 物 means thing. Both are common Kanji learned in elementary school.

No, it is only a noun. To say 'to use drugs,' you say 'yakubutsu o tsukau' or 'yakubutsu o sesshu suru' (to ingest drugs).