At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '投薬' (touyaku) in your own speaking yet. Instead, you usually learn 'kusuri' (medicine) and 'nomimasu' (to drink/take). However, it is very useful to recognize '投薬' when you visit a hospital or pharmacy in Japan. You might see it on a sign above a window where you get your medicine. Think of it as the 'Official Hospital Word' for giving medicine. When a doctor says it, they are talking about the medicine they are giving you to make you feel better. Just remember: 投 (to give/send) + 薬 (medicine) = Giving Medicine. If you see this word, it means 'This is where the medicine happens.' It is a formal word, so it sounds very professional. You won't use it with your friends, but you will see it on your hospital bill or on the paper the doctor gives you. It's like the difference between saying 'I'm getting a band-aid' and 'I am receiving medical treatment.' One is simple, and one is formal. '投薬' is the formal one.
For A2 learners, '投薬' (touyaku) is a word that helps you understand medical instructions. At this level, you are starting to navigate daily life in Japan, and health is a big part of that. You should know that '投薬' is a noun that means 'medication' or 'administering medicine.' You might hear a nurse say, 'Touyaku no jikan desu' (It is time for your medication). You can also see it in the form '投薬する' (touyaku suru), which means 'to give medicine.' A key thing to learn at A2 is that this word is used by the person giving the medicine, like a doctor or nurse. If you are the one taking the medicine, you usually use 'kusuri wo nomu.' Understanding '投薬' helps you follow what is happening in a clinic. For example, if you see '投薬口' (touyakuguchi), you know that is the window where you should wait to receive your prescription. It is a more specific and professional way to talk about healthcare than the basic words you learned in A1.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use '投薬' (touyaku) in formal situations, such as explaining your medical history or discussing a treatment plan with a doctor. You should understand that '投薬' is not just about pills; it includes any form of medical drug delivery, such as injections or IV drips. You might use phrases like 'Touyaku wo ukeru' (to receive medication) or 'Touyaku wo chuushi suru' (to stop medication). This level requires you to understand the nuance of the word—it is clinical and objective. If you are writing a report or a formal letter about someone's health, '投薬' is the appropriate term to use. You should also be aware of related terms like 'touyaku-ryou' (dosage) and 'touyaku-kikan' (medication period). Being able to distinguish between 'touyaku' (the act of giving) and 'fukuyaku' (the act of taking) is a hallmark of a B1 learner. This precision shows that you understand the roles of the healthcare provider and the patient in the Japanese medical system.
B2 learners should be comfortable with '投薬' (touyaku) in complex contexts, such as news reports on medical ethics, pharmaceutical research, or healthcare policy. You should understand how '投薬' is used in discussions about 'touyaku misu' (medication errors) and the legal responsibilities of medical staff. At this level, you can analyze sentences like 'Touyaku no tekisetsusei ga towarete iru' (The appropriateness of the medication is being questioned). You should also recognize the word in academic or professional settings, such as clinical trial results where 'touyaku-gun' (the group receiving the medication) is compared to a 'purasebo-gun' (placebo group). Your vocabulary should include collocations like 'keizoku-teki na touyaku' (continuous medication) and 'shinchou na touyaku' (cautious medication). You understand that '投薬' carries a weight of authority and is part of the formal 'keigo' environment of Japanese hospitals. You can explain the difference between 'touyaku' and 'touyo' (administration of any substance) and use them correctly in a professional presentation or essay.
At the C1 level, '投薬' (touyaku) is a word you use with total precision in professional medical, legal, or pharmaceutical environments. You understand the historical development of the term and its place within the Japanese healthcare regulatory framework. You can discuss 'touyaku' in the context of 'iyaku bunryou' (the separation of prescribing and dispensing medicines) and how it affects the workflow in pharmacies and hospitals. You are familiar with technical terms like 'touyaku-keiro' (route of administration) and 'touyaku-shiji' (medication order). In a C1 context, you might be debating the cost-effectiveness of certain 'touyaku' protocols in an aging society or the impact of AI on 'touyaku' safety. You can read and synthesize complex medical documents where '投薬' is a central theme, and you can use the word to navigate high-stakes conversations with medical experts. Your understanding extends to the subtle social implications of '投薬'—how it represents the power dynamic between doctor and patient and how that is changing in modern Japan.
For C2 mastery, '投薬' (touyaku) is handled with the nuance of a native professional. you can use the word in high-level academic writing, legal briefs, or medical policy development. You understand the philosophical implications of '投薬' as a medical intervention and can discuss it in relation to patient autonomy and informed consent. You are aware of the most obscure collocations and can use the word to express very specific shades of meaning, such as the difference between 'rinsho-teki na touyaku' (clinical medication) and 'yobou-teki na touyaku' (preventative medication). You can critique the use of the term in literature or media, noting how its formal tone can be used to create distance or authority. At this level, '投薬' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for sophisticated communication. You can seamlessly switch between the technical use of '投薬' in a medical conference and the more empathetic language used in patient care, all while maintaining perfect grammatical and social accuracy. You have a deep understanding of how '投薬' fits into the broader landscape of Japanese society, from its economic impact to its role in public health crises.

投薬 in 30 Seconds

  • 投薬 means the professional administration of medicine.
  • It is a formal term used in hospitals and pharmacies.
  • It combines 'throw/send' (投) and 'medicine' (薬).
  • It is usually used by providers, not by patients casually.

The term 投薬 (とうやく - touyaku) is a formal Japanese noun that refers to the professional act of administering or prescribing medication to a patient. While a beginner might simply use the word kusuri (medicine) or the verb nomu (to drink/take), 投薬 elevates the conversation to a clinical and technical level. It is composed of two kanji: (tou), which means to throw, send, or invest, and (yaku), which means medicine. In this context, 'throwing' medicine implies the directed delivery or administration of a therapeutic substance by a healthcare provider to a recipient.

Clinical Precision
Unlike casual terms, 投薬 implies a controlled process involving dosage, timing, and professional oversight.
Institutional Use
You will find this word in hospital charts, medical insurance documents, and pharmaceutical instructions.
The 'Tou' Kanji
The use of 投 (to throw) might seem odd, but it represents the 'input' of medicine into the biological system.

医師は患者に適切な投薬を行った。(The doctor performed appropriate medication administration to the patient.)

In a broader sense, 投薬 covers the entire cycle of medication management within a medical facility. This includes the decision-making process of the physician, the preparation by the pharmacist, and the actual delivery by a nurse. It is not merely the act of swallowing a pill; it is the medical intervention itself. For an A1 learner, understanding this word helps in recognizing signs in a hospital or understanding what a doctor is doing when they hand over a prescription. It differentiates the 'action' of the professional from the 'habit' of the patient.

この病気には長期の投薬が必要です。(Long-term medication is necessary for this illness.)

The word is often paired with the verb suru (to do) to form 投薬する, meaning 'to administer medicine.' It is important to note that patients usually do not say 'I am doing 投薬' to themselves; rather, they are 'receiving' it (投薬を受ける) or simply 'taking' medicine (服薬する). The nuance of 投薬 is heavily weighted toward the provider's side of the interaction. In modern Japanese society, where healthcare is highly structured, 投薬 represents the intersection of chemistry, law, and caregiving.

過剰な投薬は副作用のリスクを高めます。(Excessive medication increases the risk of side effects.)

Scope
Includes oral, injectable, and topical medications.
Responsibility
Implies that the person administering the drug is responsible for its effects.

Furthermore, 投薬 is a key term in discussions about medical safety. 'Medication errors' are often called touyaku misu (投薬ミス). This highlights that the word encompasses the specific moment the drug enters the patient's care plan. For anyone living in Japan, recognizing this word on pharmacy bags or medical forms is essential for navigating the healthcare system safely and effectively. It is a cornerstone of medical vocabulary that bridges the gap between basic survival Japanese and professional-level communication.

新しい投薬ガイドラインが発表された。(New medication guidelines were announced.)

看護師は投薬の時間を記録した。(The nurse recorded the time of medication administration.)

Using 投薬 correctly requires an understanding of its formal register. It is primarily used as a noun or a Suru-verb. In a sentence, it often functions as the object of a medical action. Because it is a technical term, using it in casual conversation with friends might sound overly stiff or dramatic, unless you are specifically discussing a medical treatment plan in a serious tone.

As a Noun
Used to describe the concept or the category on a form. Example: 投薬の内容 (Contents of medication).
As a Verb (投薬する)
Used by doctors or nurses. Example: 患者に抗生剤を投薬する (Administer antibiotics to the patient).
Passive Form (投薬される)
Used by patients describing what was done to them. Example: 強い薬を投薬された (I was administered a strong medicine).

When constructing sentences, 投薬 is frequently followed by particles like wo (object), no (possessive/description), or ni yoru (due to/by means of). For example, touyaku ni yoru chiryou means 'treatment by means of medication.' This structure is common in medical journals and hospital brochures. It is also important to distinguish 投薬 from fukuyaku (服薬). While 投薬 is the 'giving,' fukuyaku is the 'taking' or 'compliance' by the patient.

彼は現在、心臓病の投薬を受けている。(He is currently receiving medication for heart disease.)

In professional settings, you might hear the phrase touyaku kankyo (medication environment), referring to how drugs are managed in a facility. If you are a student of Japanese medicine or nursing, mastering the collocations of 投薬 is vital. Common pairings include tekisetsu na touyaku (appropriate medication) and keizoku-teki na touyaku (continuous medication). These phrases help specify the nature of the medical intervention.

救急車の中で応急の投薬が行われた。(Emergency medication was administered inside the ambulance.)

Another common usage is in the context of clinical trials (chiken). Researchers will discuss the touyaku-ryou (dosage amount) and touyaku-kikan (medication period). In these instances, the word is strictly quantitative and objective. It avoids the emotional nuances of 'caring' and focuses on the 'protocol' of drug delivery. For a learner, seeing the 'tou' (投) should immediately trigger the thought of 'inputting' or 'applying' something to a system.

薬局の投薬口で説明を受ける。(Receive an explanation at the pharmacy medication window.)

Frequency
Often used with '1-nichi 3-kai' (3 times a day) to specify frequency.
Method
Can be combined with 'keikou' (oral) or 'tenteki' (IV drip) to specify method.

Finally, consider the legal implications. In Japan, touyaku is a regulated act. Only licensed professionals can perform it. Therefore, the word carries a weight of authority. When you use it, you are not just talking about pills; you are talking about the medical system's intervention in a person's health. This makes it a powerful word for discussing rights, errors, and medical history.

誤った投薬は重大な事故につながる。(Incorrect medication administration leads to serious accidents.)

自己判断で投薬を中止しないでください。(Please do not stop the medication on your own judgment.)

You are most likely to encounter 投薬 in environments where health and science are the primary focus. The most common location is the 病院 (byouin - hospital) or 診療所 (shinryoujo - clinic). Within these walls, doctors use the term during consultations, and nurses use it when coordinating care. If you are hospitalized in Japan, you will see it on your daily schedule or 'clinical path' document.

The Pharmacy (薬局)
Pharmacists use this word to describe the act of dispensing and explaining the medicine to you.
TV News and Newspapers
Reports on medical breakthroughs, new drug approvals, or medical malpractice frequently use this term.
Medical Dramas
Shows like 'Doctor-X' or 'Code Blue' feature this word constantly during surgery scenes or patient rounds.

ニュース:新しいインフルエンザ薬の投薬が始まりました。(News: Administration of the new flu drug has begun.)

In the workplace, specifically in the pharmaceutical industry (seiyaku gyoukai), 投薬 is a daily-use word. Sales representatives (MRs) talk to doctors about the benefits of touyaku with their specific products. In research labs, scientists analyze the results of touyaku in animal models or human trials. It is the standard term for 'dosing' in a scientific context.

明日は点滴による投薬の日です。(Tomorrow is the day for medication via IV drip.)

Furthermore, in the context of elderly care (kaigo), 投薬 management is a critical task. Staff at nursing homes must track the touyaku schedule of residents meticulously. You will hear caregivers discussing whether a resident has finished their touyaku or if there are any changes to the touyaku plan ordered by the visiting physician. This highlights the word's importance in the aging society of Japan.

介護施設での投薬管理を徹底する。(Enforce thorough medication management in care facilities.)

You might also hear it in legal contexts. If there is a dispute over medical treatment, lawyers and experts will debate whether the touyaku was appropriate (tekisetsu) or negligent (kashitsu). In this setting, the word is stripped of its healing nuance and becomes a technical action subject to legal scrutiny. This demonstrates the word's versatility across different professional domains.

裁判では投薬のタイミングが争点となった。(The timing of the medication became the point of contention in the trial.)

Insurance Forms
Look for the section labeled '投薬' to see the costs of your meds.
Health Apps
Many Japanese health tracking apps have a '投薬記録' (medication record) feature.

Lastly, in the veterinary world, 投薬 is used for animals as well. If you take your pet to the vet in Japan, the doctor will talk about touyaku for your dog or cat. The formal nature of the word remains, emphasizing the professional medical care being provided to the animal. Whether for humans or pets, 投薬 is the universal term for the professional delivery of medicine.

猫への投薬は難しい場合があります。(Medicating a cat can sometimes be difficult.)

処方箋を持って投薬窓口へ行ってください。(Please take your prescription to the medication window.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 投薬 is using it in a casual, everyday context. If you have a headache and take an aspirin, you should not say 'Touyaku shimashita.' This sounds like you are a doctor treating yourself in a clinical trial. Instead, use the simple 'Kusuri wo nomimashita' (I took medicine). 投薬 is for the professional act or the formal description of a treatment plan.

Confusing with 服薬 (Fukuyaku)
Fukuyaku is the patient's side (taking the medicine). Touyaku is the provider's side (giving the medicine).
Misusing Particles
Don't say 'Kusuri wo touyaku suru' (redundant). Just say 'Touyaku suru' or 'Kusuri wo touyo suru'.
Register Mismatch
Avoid using it when talking to children. Use 'Okusuri ne' or 'Nomou ne' instead.

❌ 私は毎日サプリメントを投薬しています。(I 'administer' supplements to myself every day.)
✅ 私は毎日サプリメントを飲んでいます。(I take supplements every day.)

Another mistake is assuming 投薬 only refers to pills. It actually covers injections, IV drips, and even medicated patches. If you limit your understanding to just 'pills,' you might be confused when a nurse refers to an IV drip as touyaku. Remember that the 'tou' (投) refers to the delivery method, not the form of the medicine itself.

❌ 先生、投薬してください。(Teacher/Doctor, please 'medicate'.) - Sounds like a command.
✅ 先生、お薬をいただけますか?(Doctor, could I have some medicine?)

Learners also often confuse 投薬 with shohou (処方 - prescription). Shohou is the act of writing the prescription or deciding the medicine. Touyaku is the actual act of giving it. While they happen close together, they are distinct steps in the medical process. You receive a shohousen (prescription slip) and then you go to the touyakuguchi (medication window) to get the actual drugs.

❌ 薬局で投薬を書いてもらった。(I had the medication 'administered' written at the pharmacy.)
✅ 病院で処方箋を書いてもらった。(I had a prescription written at the hospital.)

Finally, be careful with the kanji. 投 (throw) is often confused with 持 (hold) or 打 (hit). While 'hitting' a shot (chuusha wo utsu) is a common phrase, 'holding' medicine (持薬 - jijyaku) refers to the medicine a patient brings with them to the hospital. Using the wrong kanji changes the meaning entirely. Always associate 投 with the 'delivery' or 'sending' of the medicine into the body.

打薬 (Wrong Kanji)
✅ 投薬 (Correct Kanji)

Social Nuance
Using 投薬 in a diary entry about a cold is too formal. Use 'Kaze-gusuri wo nonda'.
Professionalism
In a medical report, failing to use 投薬 and using 'kusuri wo ageta' (gave medicine) sounds amateurish.

❌ 看護師が薬をあげた。(The nurse 'gave' the medicine - like a gift.)
✅ 看護師が投薬を行った。(The nurse performed the medication administration.)

Japanese has several words related to medicine and its administration. Understanding the subtle differences between 投薬 and its synonyms will greatly improve your precision. The most closely related word is 投与 (とうよ - touyo). While 投薬 specifically involves 'medicine' (薬), 投与 is a broader term meaning 'to administer' or 'to dose' anything, including hormones, fluids, or even experimental substances.

投与 (Touyo)
Broader term. Used for any substance administered to the body. Often used in scientific papers.
服薬 (Fukuyaku)
Focuses on the patient's act of taking the medicine. Used in 'fukuyaku shidou' (medication guidance).
処方 (Shohou)
The act of prescribing. Deciding which medicine and what dose is needed.

新薬の臨床試験で、被験者に薬を投与する。(Administer the drug to subjects in a clinical trial.)

Another important word is 配薬 (はいやく - haiyaku). This specifically refers to the 'distribution' of medicine, often in a nursing home or hospital ward where a nurse brings the pre-packaged medicine to each patient's bedside. While 投薬 is the medical act, 配薬 is the logistical act of making sure the right person gets the right packet.

看護師は朝の配薬の準備に追われている。(The nurse is busy preparing for the morning medication distribution.)

Then there is 調剤 (ちょうざい - chouzai). This is the 'compounding' or 'preparing' of the medicine by a pharmacist. When you take your prescription to a pharmacy, they perform chouzai (mixing/preparing) and then perform touyaku (handing it to you with instructions). You will often see '調剤薬局' (Chouzai Yakkyoku) on signs, meaning a dispensing pharmacy.

薬剤師が正確に調剤を行う。(The pharmacist accurately prepares the medication.)

For the patient's side, 服用 (ふくよう - fukuyou) is the most common formal word for 'taking' medicine orally. If a bottle says '1-nichi 3-kai fukuyou,' it means 'take 3 times a day.' While fukuyaku (服薬) refers to the general state of being on medicine, fukuyou (服用) refers to the specific act of swallowing it. 投薬 remains the professional counterpart to these terms.

食後の服用を忘れないでください。(Please don't forget to take it after meals.)

点滴 (Tenteki)
IV Drip. A specific type of 投薬.
注射 (Chuusha)
Injection. Another specific type of 投薬.

Finally, consider 施薬 (せやく - seyaku). This is a very formal, somewhat archaic or religious term for providing medicine, often for free or as an act of charity. You might see it in historical contexts or in the names of certain charitable hospitals (like Seyaku-in). In modern clinical settings, 投薬 is the standard, secular term used by everyone from the Ministry of Health to your local GP.

その病院は、貧しい人々への施薬から始まった。(That hospital began by providing free medicine to the poor.)

適切な投薬と休養が回復の近道です。(Appropriate medication and rest are the shortcuts to recovery.)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs (Noun + する)

Passive voice (される)

Compound nouns (Noun + Noun)

Time markers (~の時, ~の後)

Purpose markers (~のために)

Examples by Level

1

びょういんで投薬(とうやく)をうけます。

I receive medication at the hospital.

Uses the passive-like 'ukeru' (to receive) with the noun.

2

これは、とうやくの まどぐちです。

This is the medication window.

Simple 'A wa B desu' structure.

3

とうやくの じかんです。

It is time for medication.

Common phrase used by staff.

4

とうやくを おねがいします。

Medication, please.

Polite request using 'onegai shimasu'.

5

せんせいが とうやくします。

The doctor gives the medicine.

Subject + ga + verb.

6

とうやくの かみがあります。

There is a medication paper (instruction sheet).

Existence verb 'arimasu'.

7

とうやくは だいじです。

Medication is important.

Simple topic-comment structure.

8

ここで とうやくを まちます。

I wait for medication here.

Location particle 'de' and object 'wo'.

1

看護師さんが投薬に来てくれました。

The nurse came to give me my medication.

Uses '~ni kuru' (come to do) and '~te kureru' (do for someone).

2

投薬の前に、名前を確認します。

Before medication, we check your name.

'~no mae ni' (before doing something).

3

毎日、決まった時間に投薬が必要です。

Medication is necessary at a fixed time every day.

Adjective 'hitsuyou' (necessary).

4

投薬の内容を説明してください。

Please explain the contents of the medication.

Polite command '~te kudasai'.

5

この薬は投薬後、眠くなることがあります。

After taking this medication, you may become sleepy.

'~go' (after) and 'koto ga aru' (there are times when).

6

投薬の記録をノートに書きます。

I write the medication record in a notebook.

Object marker 'wo' and location 'ni'.

7

投薬を忘れないようにしてください。

Please try not to forget the medication.

'~nai you ni suru' (try not to).

8

投薬の量は、体重によって違います。

The amount of medication differs depending on body weight.

'~ni yotte' (depending on).

1

医師は慎重に投薬のスケジュールを立てた。

The doctor carefully made a medication schedule.

Adverb 'shinchou ni' (carefully).

2

投薬を中止してから、体調が良くなりました。

Since stopping the medication, my physical condition has improved.

'~te kara' (since/after doing).

3

この病気は、長期的な投薬が不可欠です。

For this disease, long-term medication is indispensable.

Noun 'fukaketsu' (indispensable).

4

投薬ミスを防ぐために、ダブルチェックを行います。

To prevent medication errors, we perform a double check.

'~tame ni' (in order to).

5

患者は新しい投薬治療に同意した。

The patient agreed to the new medication treatment.

Verb 'doui suru' (to agree).

6

投薬による副作用が心配です。

I am worried about side effects due to the medication.

'~ni yoru' (due to).

7

投薬の頻度を減らすことはできますか?

Is it possible to reduce the frequency of medication?

Potential form 'dekiru'.

8

投薬中はお酒を控えてください。

Please refrain from alcohol while on medication.

'~chuu' (during/while).

1

適切な投薬が行われなかった場合、責任が問われます。

If appropriate medication is not administered, responsibility will be questioned.

Conditional 'baai' and passive 'towareru'.

2

新薬の投薬試験には、多くのボランティアが参加した。

Many volunteers participated in the medication trial of the new drug.

Compound noun 'touyaku shiken'.

3

投薬のタイミングが、治療の成否を分ける。

The timing of medication determines the success or failure of the treatment.

Noun 'seihi' (success or failure).

4

過剰な投薬は、患者の体に大きな負担をかける。

Excessive medication places a heavy burden on the patient's body.

Phrase 'futan wo kakeru' (to place a burden).

5

投薬ガイドラインが改訂され、基準が厳しくなった。

The medication guidelines were revised, and the standards became stricter.

Passive 'kaitei sareru'.

6

自己判断による投薬の中止は、非常に危険です。

Stopping medication based on one's own judgment is extremely dangerous.

Noun 'jiko handan' (self-judgment).

7

投薬後の経過を注意深く観察する必要があります。

It is necessary to carefully observe the progress after medication.

Adverbial 'chuibukaku' (carefully).

8

投薬の履歴を確認し、重複を避ける。

Check the medication history and avoid duplication.

Verb 'sakeru' (to avoid).

1

投薬の最適化は、医療費削減の鍵となる。

Optimization of medication is the key to reducing medical costs.

Noun 'saitekika' (optimization).

2

倫理的な観点から、強制的な投薬は制限されている。

From an ethical perspective, forced medication is restricted.

Phrase 'kan-ten kara' (from the perspective of).

3

投薬の反応には個人差があり、テーラーメイド医療が求められている。

There are individual differences in response to medication, and tailor-made medicine is in demand.

Noun 'kojinsa' (individual differences).

4

投薬経路の選択は、薬物の吸収効率に直結する。

The choice of medication route directly affects the absorption efficiency of the drug.

Verb 'chokketsu suru' (to be directly linked).

5

高齢者への多剤投薬(ポリファーマシー)が社会問題化している。

Polypharmacy (multiple medications) for the elderly is becoming a social problem.

Term 'porifaamashii' (polypharmacy).

6

投薬のコンプライアンスを高めるための工夫が必要だ。

Efforts are needed to improve medication compliance.

Noun 'konpuraiansu' (compliance).

7

投薬によるアナフィラキシーショックへの備えを怠ってはならない。

One must not neglect preparations for anaphylactic shock caused by medication.

Grammar 'ototte wa naranai' (must not neglect).

8

投薬の有効性と安全性を、統計学的に検証する。

Statistically verify the effectiveness and safety of the medication.

Adverbial 'toukeigaku-teki ni' (statistically).

1

投薬の是非を巡る議論は、医学のみならず哲学の領域にまで及ぶ。

The debate over the pros and cons of medication extends beyond medicine into the realm of philosophy.

Phrase 'wo meguru' (surrounding/concerning).

2

投薬という行為に潜む、権力構造を批判的に考察する。

Critically examine the power structures inherent in the act of medication.

Adverbial 'hihan-teki ni' (critically).

3

終末期医療における投薬の目的は、治癒から緩和へとシフトする。

The purpose of medication in end-of-life care shifts from cure to palliation.

Structure 'A kara B e to' (from A to B).

4

投薬の自動化が、医療従事者の役割を根本から変えようとしている。

The automation of medication is about to fundamentally change the role of healthcare professionals.

Phrase 'konpon kara' (from the roots/fundamentally).

5

投薬の副作用を最小限に抑えつつ、最大限の効果を引き出す。

Extract maximum effect while keeping the side effects of medication to a minimum.

Structure 'tsutsu' (while/simultaneously).

6

投薬の履歴がブロックチェーンで管理される未来が到来しつつある。

A future where medication history is managed by blockchain is arriving.

Structure 'tsutsu aru' (is in the process of).

7

投薬の指示系統の不備が、組織的な医療過誤を招いた。

Deficiencies in the medication command chain led to systematic medical malpractice.

Noun 'shiji keitou' (command chain).

8

投薬の心理的影響を無視した治療は、真の回復をもたらさない。

Treatment that ignores the psychological impact of medication does not bring true recovery.

Negative 'motarasanai' (does not bring).

Synonyms

服薬 処方 投与 与薬 調剤

Antonyms

休薬 減薬 断薬

Common Collocations

投薬を受ける (receive medication)
投薬を行う (perform medication)
投薬を中止する (stop medication)
投薬ミス (medication error)
投薬量 (dosage)
投薬期間 (medication period)
投薬スケジュール (medication schedule)
投薬治療 (medication treatment)
投薬口 (medication window)
投薬記録 (medication record)

Often Confused With

投薬 vs 投与 (touyo) - broader administration

投薬 vs 服薬 (fukuyaku) - patient taking meds

投薬 vs 処方 (shohou) - prescribing

Easily Confused

投薬 vs

投薬 vs

投薬 vs

投薬 vs

投薬 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Highly formal and clinical.

restriction

Not for self-administration of common items like vitamins.

Common Mistakes
  • Using it for casual pill-taking (use 'nomu' instead).
  • Confusing it with 'shohou' (prescription).
  • Mispronouncing 'tou' as a short 'to'.
  • Using it as a patient to describe your own action (use 'fukuyaku').
  • Writing the wrong kanji for 'tou'.

Tips

Learn the Kanji

Focus on the 'throw' and 'medicine' combination to remember the meaning easily.

Hospital Context

Always look for this word on your hospital receipts to see what you were charged for.

Professionalism

Using this word with a doctor shows you have a high level of Japanese proficiency.

News Keywords

This is a frequent keyword in health-related news segments.

Kanji Precision

Don't confuse 投 with 持. One is 'throw,' the other is 'hold'.

Passive Form

Learn 'touyaku sareru' to describe being treated as a patient.

Pharmacy Etiquette

When you hear 'touyaku', be ready to listen to a long explanation of side effects.

Error Prevention

Knowing 'touyaku misu' helps you understand safety protocols in Japan.

Synonym Mapping

Map 'touyaku' against 'fukuyaku' to understand the giver vs. receiver dynamic.

App Usage

Search for '投薬' in the App Store to find Japanese medication tracking apps.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango) origin. Historically used to describe the 'input' of therapeutic agents into the body's system.

Cultural Context

The term has evolved from simple herbal administration to complex pharmaceutical management.

When receiving 'touyaku', it is polite to listen carefully to the pharmacist's explanation.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"投薬の時間は何時ですか? (What time is the medication?)"

"投薬の内容について教えてください。 (Please tell me about the medication contents.)"

"投薬後に気分が悪くなりました。 (I felt sick after the medication.)"

"新しい投薬治療はどうですか? (How is the new medication treatment?)"

"投薬の回数を減らせますか? (Can we reduce the number of doses?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、病院で受けた投薬について書く。 (Write about the medication you received at the hospital today.)

投薬ミスのニュースを読んで感じたこと。 (Thoughts after reading news about a medication error.)

自分の投薬スケジュールを管理する方法。 (How to manage your own medication schedule.)

将来の投薬技術(AIなど)について。 (About future medication technology like AI.)

ペットへの投薬の苦労について。 (About the struggles of medicating a pet.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

薬 (kusuri) is the noun for the medicine itself. 投薬 (touyaku) is the formal act of giving that medicine to a patient.

Yes, veterinarians use this word when discussing the administration of medicine to animals.

Yes, it typically appears at the N2 level, but it is essential for anyone living in Japan.

It is the 'medication window' at a pharmacy where you receive your drugs and instructions.

Yes, it covers all forms of drug administration, including injections and IVs.

Both are grammatically correct, but 'touyaku suru' is more common as a compound verb.

It means 'medication error,' such as giving the wrong dose or the wrong drug to a patient.

Usually no, unless it's a clinical setting. Use 'nomu' for daily supplements.

In this context, it means to 'input' or 'apply' the medicine to the patient's body.

It is professional and formal. It is the standard term in medical settings.

Test Yourself 180 questions

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

Related Content

More Health words

手当

A1

A term primarily referring to medical first aid or treatment for an injury. It also commonly refers to an additional financial allowance or compensation, such as a housing or overtime bonus added to a basic salary.

麻酔

A1

A medical substance or technique used to prevent pain during surgery or procedures by inducing a loss of sensation. It can either make the whole body sleep or just numb a specific area.

抗体

A1

An antibody is a protective protein produced by your immune system to fight off harmful substances like viruses or bacteria. It acts like a specialized soldier that remembers specific germs to prevent you from getting sick from the same thing twice.

献血

A1

The act of voluntarily donating blood for medical use, such as transfusions or surgeries. It is a common social contribution in Japan often conducted at blood donation centers or mobile buses.

介護

A1

Caregiving or long-term nursing care provided to the elderly or individuals with disabilities to assist with daily living. It focuses on physical and emotional support rather than strictly medical treatment.

検診

A1

A medical examination or screening specifically aimed at detecting a particular disease or condition in an otherwise healthy person. It is commonly used for specialized checks like cancer screenings or dental check-ups to ensure early detection.

診療所

A1

A medical clinic or outpatient facility that provides primary care and basic treatments. Unlike a large hospital, it is usually a smaller, local facility often specializing in specific fields like internal medicine or pediatrics.

病状

A1

The condition or state of a patient's illness and how it progresses over time. It is used to describe whether a disease is worsening, improving, or remaining stable.

歯科

A1

歯科 refers to dentistry, the branch of medicine dealing with the teeth, gums, and oral cavity. It is also commonly used to refer to a dental clinic or a dentist's office where such treatments are performed.

皮膚科

A1

A medical department or clinic specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the skin, hair, and nails. It refers to both the field of dermatology and the physical office where a dermatologist works.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!