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B1 noun 14 min read

処方薬

shohyou

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 処方薬 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 処方薬 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic words. '処方薬' (Shohōyaku) might be a bit difficult because it has three kanji characters. However, it is very important if you get sick in Japan. You should think of it as 'Doctor's Medicine.' At this stage, you don't need to use the word in complex sentences. Just knowing that 'yaku' means medicine is a great start. If you go to a hospital, you might see this word on signs. You can remember it as the medicine you get at the special pharmacy counter after seeing a doctor. It's different from the medicine you buy at a convenience store or a supermarket. In A1, we focus on the most basic form: 'Kusuri' (薬). But if you can recognize 'Shohōyaku,' you will feel much more confident at the pharmacy. Try to remember the sound: Sho-ho-yaku. It sounds a bit like 'Show Hoe Yaku.' If you have a sore throat or a fever and a doctor gives you pills, those are your 処方薬. You can say 'Kore wa shohōyaku desu' (This is prescription medicine). This will help people understand that your medicine is important and prescribed by a professional. Don't worry about writing the kanji yet; just focus on the meaning and the sound. It's a key word for staying healthy and safe while traveling or living in Japan. Even at A1, being able to point at a bottle and say 'Shohōyaku' can be very helpful in an emergency.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use '処方薬' (Shohōyaku) in simple sentences to describe your daily life. You might say, '毎日、処方薬を飲みます' (I take prescription medicine every day). This level is about basic communication, so you should understand the difference between 処方薬 and 市販薬 (OTC medicine). In Japan, when you go to a clinic, the doctor gives you a paper called a 'shohōsen' (prescription). You take that paper to a pharmacy to get your 'shohōyaku.' At A2, you should practice the verb 'nomu' (to drink/take) with this word. You can also start to learn simple adjectives to describe it, like 'tsuyoi' (strong) or 'atarashii' (new). For example, 'Kore wa tsuyoi shohōyaku desu' (This is a strong prescription medicine). This level also involves asking simple questions. You might ask a pharmacist, 'Kore wa shohōyaku desu ka?' (Is this a prescription medicine?). Understanding this word helps you navigate the Japanese health system, which is very structured. You will hear this word often if you have allergies (kaifunshō) or a cold that requires a doctor's visit. It's a very practical word for your 'survival' Japanese vocabulary. Try to notice the word on the bags of medicine you receive; they often have '処方薬' printed on them along with your name and instructions. By mastering this word at A2, you show that you understand the formal way to talk about healthcare in Japan.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex situations, such as explaining a medical condition or discussing instructions with a pharmacist. '処方薬' (Shohōyaku) is a standard vocabulary item for this level. You should be able to use it with more advanced verbs like 'fukuyō suru' (to ingest/take) instead of just 'nomu.' You should also be aware of the social and legal context of prescription drugs in Japan. For instance, you might need to explain to your boss why you are drowsy: '処方薬の副作用で眠いです' (I am sleepy due to the side effects of my prescription medicine). At B1, you can also discuss the process of getting medication. 'Hoken-shō to shohōsen wo dashite, shohōyaku wo moraimashita' (I showed my insurance card and prescription, and received the prescription medicine). You will also encounter this word in news articles or health blogs that discuss medical costs or the national health insurance system. Understanding '処方薬' allows you to participate in conversations about health and wellness more deeply. You should also be familiar with the 'Okusuri Techō' (medicine notebook) and how it relates to your 処方薬. This level is where you transition from just 'getting by' to having meaningful interactions with healthcare professionals. You can describe how long you have been taking a certain 処方薬 and whether it is effective. 'Kono shohōyaku wa kika-nai mitai desu' (It seems this prescription medicine isn't working). This level of expression is vital for managing your health independently in a Japanese-speaking environment.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuances surrounding '処方薬' (Shohōyaku) and its place in the Japanese regulatory framework. You can discuss complex topics such as the difference between brand-name 処方薬 and generic versions (ジェネリック医薬品). You might say, '費用を抑えるために、処方薬をジェネリックに切り替えました' (I switched my prescription medicine to generic to keep costs down). You should also be comfortable using the word in professional or academic contexts. For example, discussing the impact of 処方薬 on public health or the ethics of drug advertising. At this level, you can use more sophisticated grammar patterns, such as '～を余儀なくされる' (to be forced to do something). 'Shohōyaku no fukuyō wo yoginaku sareta' (I was forced to take prescription medicine). You can also talk about the 'iyaku bungyo' system—the separation of medical and pharmaceutical practices—and why it is important for the safety of 処方薬. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'shohōsen-iyakuhin' (the technical name) and 'chōzai' (dispensing). You can understand and explain the fine print on medical documents, such as contraindications (kinki) and drug-drug interactions (nomi-awase). This level of proficiency allows you to act as a bridge for others who might not understand the Japanese medical system, or to work in fields related to health, insurance, or social services. You are no longer just a patient; you are an informed participant in the healthcare dialogue.

At the C1 level, '処方薬' (Shohōyaku) is a word you use with precision and an understanding of its broader implications in law, economics, and science. You can engage in high-level debates about the pharmaceutical industry, such as the '2024 problem' in logistics affecting the delivery of 処方薬, or the impact of drug price revisions (yakkai kaitei) on the availability of certain medications. You should be able to use the word in formal reports or presentations. For instance, '処方薬の適正使用を推進するための啓発活動' (Educational activities to promote the appropriate use of prescription drugs). Your linguistic range allows you to use '処方薬' in metaphorical or highly technical ways. You might discuss the '処方薬依存' (prescription drug addiction) as a growing social issue, using statistical data and sociological terms. At C1, you understand the historical evolution of how 処方薬 are regulated in Japan compared to other countries. You can read medical journals or legal documents that use the term in the context of patent law or clinical trials. You are also sensitive to the register of the word; you know when to use '処方薬' versus more colloquial terms like 'byōin no kusuri' or more formal terms like 'shohōsen-iyakuhin.' This level of mastery means you can navigate the most complex medical emergencies or professional pharmaceutical environments with total confidence, using the word as a tool for precise and effective communication in any setting.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like or near-native command of '処方薬' (Shohōyaku) and its entire semantic field. You can effortlessly discuss the intersection of 処方薬 with biotechnology, genomic medicine, and personalized healthcare. You might analyze the discourse surrounding 'unmet medical needs' and how 処方薬 development is prioritized in the Japanese market. Your ability to use the word extends to the most formal academic writing, where you might critique the 'iyaku bungyo' system's efficiency or the socio-economic disparities in access to advanced 処方薬. You are familiar with the archaic or highly specialized kanji used in historical medical texts that preceded the modern term 処方薬. You can also appreciate and use the word in literary contexts, perhaps in a novel where the protagonist's life revolves around a specific 処方薬, using it to symbolize vulnerability or dependency. At this level, you can switch between registers perfectly—from explaining a 処方薬 regimen to a child in simple terms, to discussing the molecular mechanism of a 処方薬 with a scientist. You understand the subtle cultural connotations of 'medicine' in Japan, including the trust placed in doctors and the specific etiquette of the pharmacy. You are a master of the language, and '処方薬' is just one of many thousands of words you use with absolute precision, cultural awareness, and stylistic flair. Whether it is a legal deposition, a scientific paper, or a deep philosophical conversation about health and mortality, you use '処方薬' as a natural and indispensable part of your vocabulary.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

処方薬 in 30 Seconds

処方薬 means prescription medicine, requiring a doctor's note and a visit to a dispensing pharmacy.
It is a formal term used in medical, legal, and social contexts throughout Japan.
The word is distinct from OTC drugs (市販薬) and is usually covered by national health insurance.
Proper usage involves verbs like 服用する (to take) and 処方する (to prescribe).

The term 処方薬 (Shohōyaku) is a compound noun that translates directly to 'prescription medicine' or 'prescription drug.' In the Japanese medical landscape, this word distinguishes medications that require a formal order from a licensed physician from those that can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC). The word is composed of three kanji characters: 処 (sho), meaning 'to manage' or 'to deal with'; 方 (hō), meaning 'method' or 'direction'; and 薬 (yaku), meaning 'medicine.' Together, 処方 (shohō) refers to a medical prescription—the 'method of management' for a patient's condition—and adding 薬 (yaku) specifies the physical drug itself. This term is foundational for anyone living in Japan, as the healthcare system relies heavily on a separation of prescribing and dispensing (known as 医薬分業, iyaku bungyo). When you visit a clinic (クリニック) or hospital (病院), the doctor will provide you with a 処方箋 (shohōsen), which is the physical prescription slip. You then take this slip to a 処方薬局 (shohō yakkyoku) or 調剤薬局 (chōzai yakkyoku), where a pharmacist prepares your 処方薬. This distinction is crucial because 処方薬 are typically stronger, target specific diagnosed conditions, and are subject to strict legal controls compared to general medicine found in drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi.

Medical Context: Used when discussing treatments that involve a doctor's diagnosis and a subsequent pharmacy visit.

医師から新しい処方薬を受け取りました。(I received a new prescription medicine from the doctor.)

Understanding the nuance of 処方薬 also involves knowing that these drugs are covered by the national health insurance system (国民健康保険). Typically, patients pay 30% of the cost of the 処方薬, whereas OTC drugs are usually paid for in full out-of-pocket. This makes 処方薬 a more economical choice for chronic conditions. Furthermore, the use of 処方薬 is strictly monitored through the お薬手帳 (Okusuri Techō), or medicine notebook, which tracks all the prescription drugs a patient is currently taking to prevent dangerous drug interactions. People use this word in daily life when talking to family about their health, when checking in at a pharmacy, or when discussing medical history with a new healthcare provider. It implies a level of seriousness and medical oversight that simple 'medicine' (薬) does not always convey. For instance, if someone asks if you are taking any medication, specifying '処方薬' clarifies that you are under professional care.

Legal Status: These are regulated substances that cannot be shared with others, as doing so is a violation of Japanese pharmaceutical laws.

処方薬は他人に譲ってはいけません。(You must not give prescription medicine to others.)

In professional settings, such as nursing or pharmacy, the word 処方薬 is used with high frequency. It contrasts with 市販薬 (shihanyaku), which are drugs sold openly on the market. When a patient is admitted to a hospital, the staff will ask for a list of current 処方薬 to ensure continuity of care. The term also encompasses various forms of medicine, including 錠剤 (jōzai - tablets), 粉薬 (konagusuri - powder), and 塗り薬 (nurigusuri - ointments), provided they were prescribed. The linguistic weight of 処方薬 suggests compliance with a medical regimen. If a student says they missed class because of 処方薬の副作用 (side effects of prescription medicine), it is generally viewed as a more legitimate medical excuse than just saying they took 'medicine' for a headache. This word acts as a bridge between the clinical world and the patient's daily life, representing the specialized care provided by the Japanese healthcare infrastructure.

Common Collocations: 常用する (to take regularly), 切り替える (to switch), 調整する (to adjust dosage).

最近、処方薬の種類が変わりました。(The type of prescription medicine I take changed recently.)

この処方薬は空腹時に飲んでください。(Please take this prescription medicine on an empty stomach.)

海外旅行には処方薬の証明書が必要です。(You need a certificate for your prescription medicine for overseas travel.)

Using 処方薬 (Shohōyaku) correctly in Japanese requires an understanding of both grammar and the specific verbs that accompany medical treatment. While the general verb for 'to take medicine' is 飲む (nomu - to drink), in more formal or medical contexts, the verb 服用する (fukuyō suru - to ingest/take) is preferred. When you are talking about 処方薬, you will often use the particle を (wo) to indicate the object. For example, '処方薬を服用する' (to take prescription medicine). If you are referring to the act of receiving the medicine from a pharmacy, you would say '処方薬を受け取る' (to receive prescription medicine). In Japanese sentence structure, the noun 処方薬 often appears as the subject or the object of a sentence describing health routines, medical errors, or pharmaceutical regulations. Because it is a formal term, it is frequently used with the desu/masu polite forms, especially when talking to doctors or pharmacists.

Active Usage: Verbs like 処方する (to prescribe), 服用する (to take), and 切らす (to run out of) are the primary partners for this noun.

医師は彼に強い処方薬を出しました。(The doctor gave him a strong prescription medicine.)

Another common pattern involves the use of 処方薬 in compound nouns or descriptive phrases. You might hear '処方薬の依存症' (addiction to prescription drugs) or '処方薬の飲み合わせ' (drug interactions of prescription medicines). When describing the characteristics of the medicine, adjectives like 強い (tsuyoi - strong), 弱い (yowai - weak), or 新しい (atarashii - new) precede the noun. For instance, 'これは非常に強い処方薬ですので、注意してください' (This is a very strong prescription medicine, so please be careful). In a more complex sentence structure, 処方薬 can be the target of a relative clause: '私が毎日飲んでいる処方薬は、血圧を下げるためのものです' (The prescription medicine that I take every day is for lowering blood pressure). This flexibility allows speakers to provide detailed information about their medical needs while maintaining a professional and clear tone.

Passive/Causative Usage: Used when the patient is the recipient of the action, such as '処方薬を処方してもらう' (to have prescription medicine prescribed for one).

薬剤師に処方薬の説明を受けました。(I received an explanation of the prescription medicine from the pharmacist.)

In terms of formality, 処方薬 is a neutral to formal word. In a very casual setting, people might just say 病院の薬 (byōin no kusuri - medicine from the hospital), but 処方薬 remains the standard term for official documents, news reports, and medical consultations. It is also important to note how 処方薬 interacts with time-related expressions. Phrases like '処方薬を飲み忘れる' (to forget to take prescription medicine) or '処方薬を飲み切る' (to finish taking all the prescription medicine) are essential for discussing compliance. If a doctor asks, '処方薬はまだ残っていますか？' (Do you still have any prescription medicine left?), they are checking if you have been taking it as directed. This precision in language helps prevent medical errors and ensures that both the healthcare provider and the patient are on the same page regarding the treatment plan.

Sentence Endings: Commonly ends with ～が必要です (is necessary) or ～を控えてください (please refrain from).

この症状には特定の処方薬が必要です。(A specific prescription medicine is necessary for this symptom.)

アルコールと処方薬の併用は危険です。(Combining alcohol and prescription medicine is dangerous.)

その処方薬は冷蔵庫で保管してください。(Please store that prescription medicine in the refrigerator.)

The word 処方薬 (Shohōyaku) is ubiquitous in the Japanese medical and pharmaceutical environment. One of the most common places you will hear this word is at a 調剤薬局 (chōzai yakkyoku), which is a dispensing pharmacy. Unlike general drugstores that sell snacks and cosmetics, these pharmacies focus almost exclusively on filling prescriptions. When you enter, the staff will ask for your 処方箋 (prescription slip) and your お薬手帳 (medicine notebook). They will then confirm the details of your 処方薬, explaining how often to take it and any potential side effects. The atmosphere is professional and clinical. You might hear the pharmacist say, 'こちらが本日の処方薬です' (Here is your prescription medicine for today). This interaction is a standard part of the Japanese healthcare experience, emphasizing the safety and verification steps required for these medications.

Hospital Setting: Heard during discharge or when nurses check a patient's current medications.

入院中に服用していた処方薬を継続します。(We will continue the prescription medicine you were taking while hospitalized.)

Beyond the pharmacy, 処方薬 is a frequent topic in news broadcasts and health-related talk shows. It often appears in reports concerning medical breakthroughs, changes in insurance policy, or warnings about drug abuse. For example, a news segment might discuss the rising costs of 処方薬 in an aging society or the introduction of new regulations for online 処方薬 services. In these contexts, the word carries a formal, societal weight. You will also see it on posters in clinics and public health centers, often in phrases like '処方薬の正しい使い方' (The correct way to use prescription medicine). These educational materials aim to prevent the common mistake of stopping medication as soon as symptoms improve, which is a major concern for healthcare providers managing chronic illnesses or bacterial infections.

Workplace/School: Mentioned when requesting accommodations for health conditions or explaining side effects like drowsiness.

処方薬の影響で、午後は眠くなることがあります。(Due to the effect of prescription medicine, I sometimes get sleepy in the afternoon.)

In a domestic setting, family members might use the word when organizing a relative's health care. For instance, a daughter might ask her elderly father, 'お父さん、今日の処方薬はもう飲んだ？' (Dad, did you already take today's prescription medicine?). Here, the word acts as a specific identifier, separating the important medical regimen from general vitamins or supplements. It is also common to see the word in the fine print of insurance documents or when applying for life insurance, where you must declare any 処方薬 you are currently using. Overall, 処方薬 is not just a medical term; it is a word that permeates various aspects of life in Japan, from the clinical to the personal, reflecting the country's structured and highly regulated approach to health and medicine.

Travel/Customs: Used when declaring medications at customs or asking for refills at a foreign clinic.

税関で処方薬の申告をしました。(I declared my prescription medicine at customs.)

この処方薬は一週間分あります。(There is a week's supply of this prescription medicine.)

新しい処方薬を試すのが不安です。(I am anxious about trying a new prescription medicine.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 処方薬 (Shohōyaku) is confusing it with the general word for medicine, 薬 (kusuri). While all 処方薬 are 薬, not all 薬 are 処方薬. Using 'kusuri' in a situation where you need to specify medical authorization can lead to confusion. For example, if you are at a pharmacy and say '薬をください' (Please give me medicine) without a prescription, the staff will direct you to the OTC shelves. To get prescription-grade medication, you must explicitly refer to the 処方箋 or the 処方薬 process. Another common error is mispronouncing the word as 'shohō-kusuri.' While 'kusuri' is the kun-yomi (Japanese reading) of the kanji 薬, in the compound word 処方薬, it must be read with its on-yomi (Chinese-derived reading), 'yaku.' Misreading kanji compounds is a classic hurdle for B1 level students, and 'shohōyaku' is a prime example where the reading changes completely from the standalone noun.

Reading Error: Incorrect: Shohō-kusuri. Correct: Shohō-yaku.

✕ 私は毎日処方薬（しょほうくすり）を飲みます。
○ 私は毎日処方薬（しょほうやく）を飲みます。

Another mistake involves the distinction between 処方薬 and 市販薬 (shihanyaku). Learners sometimes use 処方薬 to refer to any medicine bought at a pharmacy. However, in Japan, drugstores (ドラッグストア) sell many things that are not 処方薬. If you buy cold medicine at a drugstore without seeing a doctor, that is 市販薬 or 大衆薬 (taishūyaku - public medicine). Referring to these as 処方薬 is technically incorrect and might confuse a doctor if you are listing your current medications. Misunderstanding the legalities is also a 'mistake' in a practical sense. Some learners might think they can get a 'refill' of their 処方薬 just by asking. In Japan, the concept of a 'refillable prescription' (リフィル処方箋) was only recently introduced and is still limited. Most of the time, you must see the doctor again to get a new prescription for your 処方薬. Forgetting this can lead to running out of essential medication.

Contextual Confusion: Using '処方薬' when you actually mean 'medical treatment' (治療) or 'medical checkup' (診察).

✕ 昨日は病院で処方薬をしました。(I 'did' prescription medicine at the hospital yesterday.)
○ 昨日は病院で処方薬を処方してもらいました。(I had prescription medicine prescribed at the hospital yesterday.)

Lastly, there is a nuance error regarding the verb 飲む (nomu). While 飲む is used for tablets and liquids, if the 処方薬 is a cream (塗り薬) or a patch (貼り薬), you should use verbs like 塗る (nuru - to apply) or 貼る (haru - to stick). Saying '処方薬を飲みます' for a skin ointment is a common slip-up. Precision in matching the verb to the form of the 処方薬 is a sign of an advanced learner. Also, be careful with the word 薬局 (yakkyoku). While it means pharmacy, in the context of 処方薬, you are looking for a 調剤薬局 (chōzai yakkyoku). A general 'yakkyoku' might just be a store that sells soap and OTC drugs. When seeking 処方薬, always look for the sign that says '保険薬局' (Insurance Pharmacy) or '処方箋受付' (Prescriptions Accepted). Understanding these subtle environmental cues and linguistic distinctions will prevent many common errors in Japan.

Grammatical Precision: Ensure you use the correct particles. '処方薬に頼る' (to depend on prescription medicine) uses 'ni', while '処方薬を止める' (to stop prescription medicine) uses 'wo'.

自己判断で処方薬の服用を中止するのは危険です。(It is dangerous to stop taking prescription medicine based on your own judgment.)

この処方薬は眠気を引き起こす可能性があります。(This prescription medicine has the potential to cause drowsiness.)

薬剤師に処方薬の残数を確認されました。(The pharmacist checked the remaining number of my prescription medicines.)

When exploring the vocabulary related to 処方薬 (Shohōyaku), it is helpful to look at synonyms and related terms that describe different aspects of medicine in Japan. The most immediate alternative is 処方箋医薬品 (shohōsen iyaku-hin), which is the full, technical term used in legal and medical documents. While 処方薬 is the common daily term, 処方箋医薬品 is what you will see in formal contracts or pharmaceutical regulations. Another related word is 医薬品 (iyaku-hin), which is a broad category encompassing all medicinal products, including 処方薬 and OTC drugs. Understanding these layers of specificity helps in choosing the right word for the right context. For example, if you are talking about the pharmaceutical industry as a whole, you would use 医薬品, but if you are talking about the specific pills you got from the doctor, 処方薬 is the correct choice.

市販薬 (Shihanyaku): Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. These can be bought without a prescription at a drugstore.
ジェネリック医薬品 (Generic Iyaku-hin): Generic drugs. These are 処方薬 that have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs but are usually cheaper.
内服薬 (Naifuku-yaku): Oral medication. This refers to 処方薬 that is taken by mouth, as opposed to external applications.

処方薬と市販薬の使い分けが重要です。(It is important to distinguish between the use of prescription medicine and OTC medicine.)

A more specific term you might encounter is 劇薬 (gekiyaku), which refers to powerful or 'potent' drugs that are strictly controlled due to their potential toxicity. Many 処方薬 fall into this category. On the other end of the spectrum, you have 常備薬 (jōbiyaku), which are household medicines—the kind of things you keep in your medicine cabinet for emergencies, like band-aids or basic painkillers. These are almost always 市販薬, not 処方薬. In a clinical setting, doctors might use the word 投薬 (tōyaku), which is the act of administering or prescribing medicine. For example, '投薬治療' (tōyaku chiryō) means 'medication therapy.' While 処方薬 refers to the object, 投薬 refers to the process. Knowing these distinctions allows you to follow medical discussions more accurately.

外用薬 (Gaiyō-yaku): External medicine. Refers to 処方薬 like ointments, patches, or eye drops.
新薬 (Shin-yaku): New drugs. Often used when discussing newly developed 処方薬 that have just entered the market.

この病院では最新の処方薬を扱っています。(This hospital handles the latest prescription medicines.)

Finally, consider the word 頓服薬 (tonpuku-yaku). This is a specific type of 処方薬 that is not taken on a regular schedule but rather 'as needed' for symptoms like pain or fever. If you receive a 処方薬 with the instruction '頓服' (tonpuku), it means you only take it when you feel the symptom, not every morning and evening. This is a very common term in Japanese pharmacies. By learning 処方薬 alongside its 'siblings' like 市販薬, 投薬, and 頓服薬, you build a robust mental map of the Japanese medical system. This not only improves your vocabulary but also your ability to navigate the practical realities of getting sick and getting better in Japan. Each word offers a different lens through which to view the world of medicine, from legal status and administration methods to the frequency of use.

漢方薬 (Kanpō-yaku): Traditional Chinese medicine. In Japan, many Kanpō medicines are also 処方薬 and covered by insurance.

医師に相談して、処方薬として漢方薬をもらいました。(I consulted a doctor and received Kanpō medicine as a prescription drug.)

その処方薬は非常に高価です。(That prescription medicine is very expensive.)

旅行中は処方薬を忘れずに持参してください。(Please don't forget to bring your prescription medicine during your trip.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Edo period, doctors often prepared their own medicine. The term 'shohō' meant the specific secret recipe of that doctor. Today, it is a strictly regulated legal term.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃoʊ.hoʊ.jæ.kuː/

US /ʃoʊ.hoʊ.jæ.kuː/

Pitch accent: Low-High-High-High (Heiban style). The pitch stays level after the first syllable.

Rhymes With

通学 (Tsūgaku) 数学 (Sūgaku) 留学 (Ryūgaku) 農薬 (Nōyaku) 弾薬 (Danyaku) 火薬 (Kayaku) 公約 (Kōyaku) 条約 (Jōyaku)

Common Errors

Reading 'yaku' as 'kusuri' (Shohō-kusuri).
Shortening the long 'hō' to 'ho' (Shohoyaku).
Confusing 'Sho' with 'So' (Sohōyaku).
Emphasizing the 'ku' too much; it should be unvoiced/quiet.
Incorrect pitch accent making it sound like a different word.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Requires knowledge of three kanji, but they are common in medical contexts.

Writing 4/5

The kanji 'Sho' (処) and 'Yaku' (薬) have many strokes and require practice.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once you master the long vowel 'hō'.

Listening 2/5

Easy to recognize in medical settings due to the distinct 'yaku' ending.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

薬 (Kusuri) 病院 (Byōin) 先生 (Sensei) 飲む (Nomu) 病気 (Byōki)

Learn Next

処方箋 (Shohōsen) 薬剤師 (Yakuzaishi) 副作用 (Fukuyō) 保険証 (Hokenshō) 診察 (Shinsatsu)

Advanced

医薬分業 (Iyaku-bungyō) 薬事法 (Yakujihō) 臨床試験 (Rinshō-shiken) 耐性菌 (Taiseikin) 薬価 (Yakka)

Grammar to Know

Particle 'を' (wo) for direct objects.

処方薬を飲む。

Particle 'で' (de) for cause or reason.

処方薬の副作用で眠い。

Noun + の (no) + Noun for possession or relationship.

私の処方薬。

Potential form '～られる' (rareru) for passive actions.

処方薬を処方される。

Polite request '～てください' (te kudasai).

処方薬を飲んでください。

Examples by Level

これは処方薬です。

This is prescription medicine.

Simple A is B structure using 'desu'.

処方薬を飲みます。

I take prescription medicine.

Direct object 'wo' + verb 'nomu'.

その処方薬はどこですか？

Where is that prescription medicine?

Asking location with 'doko desu ka'.

処方薬が要ります。

I need prescription medicine.

Subject 'ga' + verb 'iru' (to need).

この処方薬は安いです。

This prescription medicine is cheap.

Adjective 'yasui' modifying the noun.

私の処方薬です。

It is my prescription medicine.

Possessive 'watashi no'.

処方薬をください。

Please give me the prescription medicine.

Requesting with 'kudasai'.

処方薬はありますか？

Is there any prescription medicine?

Existence question with 'arimasu ka'.

昨日、新しい処方薬をもらいました。

Yesterday, I received a new prescription medicine.

Past tense verb 'moraimashita'.

この処方薬は一日二回です。

This prescription medicine is twice a day.

Frequency expression 'ichi-nichi ni-kai'.

処方薬を忘れないでください。

Please do not forget your prescription medicine.

Negative request 'nai de kudasai'.

処方薬を持って旅行に行きます。

I will go on a trip with my prescription medicine.

Te-form 'motte' indicating accompaniment.

強い処方薬は飲みたくないです。

I don't want to take strong prescription medicine.

Desire form 'takunai' (don't want to).

病院で処方薬を処方されました。

I was prescribed medicine at the hospital.

Passive form 'shohō sareta'.

処方薬の名前を教えてください。

Please tell me the name of the prescription medicine.

Compound noun 'shohōyaku no namae'.

この処方薬は苦いです。

This prescription medicine is bitter.

Adjective 'nigai' (bitter).

処方薬を飲み始めてから、体調が良くなりました。

Since I started taking the prescription medicine, my condition has improved.

V-te kara (since doing V).

処方薬の副作用で、少し頭痛がします。

I have a slight headache due to the side effects of the prescription medicine.

Particle 'de' indicating cause.

薬剤師に処方薬の飲み合わせを確認しました。

I checked the drug interactions of the prescription medicine with the pharmacist.

Noun 'nomi-awase' (interactions).

処方薬を飲み切るまで、お酒は控えてください。

Please refrain from alcohol until you finish all the prescription medicine.

V-dictionary form + made (until).

薬局で処方薬を受け取るのに時間がかかりました。

It took time to receive the prescription medicine at the pharmacy.

Nominalizer 'no ni' indicating purpose/context.

処方薬が切れてしまったので、病院に行かなければなりません。

I ran out of prescription medicine, so I have to go to the hospital.

Must form 'nakereba narimasen'.

海外に処方薬を持ち込む際は、証明書が必要です。

When bringing prescription medicine abroad, a certificate is necessary.

Noun + sai (when/on the occasion of).

自己判断で処方薬を止めるのはやめましょう。

Let's stop quitting prescription medicine based on our own judgment.

Volitional 'yamemashō'.

処方薬の過剰摂取は、健康に重大な被害を及ぼします。

Overdose of prescription medicine causes serious damage to health.

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

この処方薬は、特定の持病がある方には適していません。

This prescription medicine is not suitable for those with certain chronic conditions.

Verb 'tekisuru' (to be suitable).

処方薬の価格高騰が、家計に大きな負担となっています。

The rising price of prescription medicine is becoming a big burden on household finances.

Noun 'kakaku kōtō' (price hike).

処方薬をジェネリックに切り替えることで、医療費が削減できます。

By switching prescription medicine to generic, medical expenses can be reduced.

Means/Method 'de koto de'.

医師は、患者の容体に合わせて処方薬を調整しました。

The doctor adjusted the prescription medicine according to the patient's condition.

Pattern 'ni awasete' (according to).

処方薬の管理を徹底するため、お薬手帳を活用しましょう。

Let's utilize the medicine notebook to ensure thorough management of prescription medicine.

Purpose 'tame' + noun 'katsuyō' (utilization).

処方薬が効きすぎて、一日中ぼんやりしてしまいました。

The prescription medicine worked too well, and I ended up being dazed all day.

Excess form 'sugite' + 'te shimau'.

その処方薬は、まだ臨床試験の段階にあります。

That prescription medicine is still in the clinical trial stage.

Noun 'rinshō shiken' (clinical trial).

処方薬のインターネット販売を巡り、法的な議論が続いています。

Legal debates continue regarding the online sale of prescription drugs.

Pattern 'wo meguri' (concerning/surrounding).

新薬の承認により、これまで治療法がなかった疾患に処方薬が提供されます。

With the approval of new drugs, prescription medicines will be provided for diseases that previously had no treatment.

Noun 'shōnin' (approval) + 'ni yori' (due to).

処方薬の不正転売は、厳格な罰則の対象となります。

Illegal resale of prescription drugs is subject to strict penalties.

Noun 'fusei tenbai' (illegal resale).

医師の裁量によって、処方薬の投与量が決定されます。

The dosage of prescription medicine is determined by the doctor's discretion.

Noun 'sairyō' (discretion) + 'ni yotte'.

処方薬の有効性と安全性を担保するため、厳正な審査が行われます。

A strict examination is conducted to guarantee the effectiveness and safety of prescription drugs.

Verb 'tanpo suru' (to guarantee/secure).

高齢化に伴い、多剤併用による処方薬の問題が深刻化しています。

With the aging population, problems with prescription drugs due to polypharmacy are becoming more serious.

Pattern 'ni tomonai' (as... goes on/with).

処方薬の供給網が寸断され、一部の薬が不足しています。

The supply chain for prescription drugs has been disrupted, leading to a shortage of some medicines.

Noun 'kyōkyū-mō' (supply chain).

患者の遺伝的特性に応じた処方薬の選択が可能になりつつあります。

It is becoming possible to select prescription drugs according to the patient's genetic characteristics.

Pattern 'ni ōjita' (corresponding to).

処方薬の薬価収載プロセスは、国の医療財政に直結する極めて政治的な課題である。

The process of listing prescription drug prices is a highly political issue directly linked to the country's medical finances.

Formal 'dearu' style.

バイオシミラーの台頭は、従来の処方薬市場の構造を根本から覆す可能性がある。

The rise of biosimilars has the potential to fundamentally overturn the structure of the traditional prescription drug market.

Noun 'taitō' (rise/emergence).

処方薬の過剰な処方は、耐性菌の出現という地球規模の脅威を招いている。

Excessive prescribing of prescription drugs is inviting the global threat of the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria.

Noun 'taiseikin' (resistant bacteria).

希少疾患に対する処方薬の開発は、人道的な見地から強く求められている。

The development of prescription drugs for rare diseases is strongly demanded from a humanitarian standpoint.

Noun 'kenchi' (standpoint/viewpoint).

処方薬の広告規制を緩和すべきか否か、倫理的な観点から議論が百出している。

Arguments are arising from various ethical perspectives on whether or not regulations on prescription drug advertising should be relaxed.

Pattern 'beki ka inaka' (whether or not one should).

処方薬の適応外使用は、医学的根拠に基づいた慎重な判断が不可欠である。

Off-label use of prescription drugs requires careful judgment based on medical evidence.

Noun 'tekiō-gai shiyō' (off-label use).

デジタル処方箋の導入は、処方薬のトレーサビリティを飛躍的に向上させるだろう。

The introduction of digital prescriptions will dramatically improve the traceability of prescription drugs.

Adverb 'hiyaku-teki ni' (dramatically).

処方薬のプラセボ効果を無視することは、臨床医学における大きな損失となり得る。

Ignoring the placebo effect of prescription drugs can be a significant loss in clinical medicine.

Potential 'uru/eru' (can happen).

Synonyms

処方箋医薬品医療用医薬品病院の薬内服薬調剤薬劇薬特効薬ジェネリック

Antonyms

市販薬大衆薬常備薬サプリメント

Common Collocations

処方薬を服用する

処方薬を処方する

処方薬を受け取る

処方薬の副作用

処方薬の依存症

処方薬を飲み忘れる

処方薬を切り替える

処方薬を常用する

処方薬局

処方薬の証明書

Common Phrases

処方薬の飲み合わせ

— The interaction between different prescription drugs. It is checked to avoid side effects.

処方薬の飲み合わせについては、薬剤師に聞いてください。

処方薬を出しすぎ

— Over-prescribing medicine. A criticism sometimes leveled at Japanese doctors.

日本の医者は処方薬を出しすぎだという意見もあります。

処方薬の服用期間

— The duration for which one must take the medicine. Crucial for antibiotics.

処方薬の服用期間は必ず守ってください。

処方薬の管理

— The proper storage and scheduling of medication. Important for the elderly.

高齢者の処方薬の管理が課題となっています。

処方薬の在庫

— The stock of medicine at a pharmacy. Shortages can be a problem.

その処方薬は現在在庫がありません。

処方薬の譲渡

— Giving your prescription medicine to someone else. It is illegal.

処方薬の譲渡は法律で禁止されています。

処方薬の誤用

— Misuse of prescription medicine. Taking it the wrong way.

処方薬の誤用は命に関わることもあります。

処方薬の成分

— The ingredients of the prescription medicine.

処方薬の成分を確認してから服用します。

処方薬を中断する

— To stop taking medicine before the course is finished.

勝手に処方薬を中断してはいけません。

処方薬の効果

— The effectiveness or result of the medicine.

処方薬の効果が現れるまで数日かかります。

Often Confused With

処方薬 vs 処方箋 (Shohōsen)

This is the paper prescription, not the medicine itself. You trade the 処方箋 for the 処方薬.

処方薬 vs 市販薬 (Shihanyaku)

These are OTC drugs you buy without a doctor. They are the opposite of 処方薬.

処方薬 vs 医薬品 (Iyaku-hin)

A general term for all drugs. 処方薬 is a specific sub-category of 医薬品.

Idioms & Expressions

"薬も過ぎれば毒となる"

— Even medicine becomes poison if taken in excess. Used to warn against overdoing anything.

処方薬も過ぎれば毒となりますから、量は守りましょう。

Proverbial

"良薬は口に苦し"

— Good medicine tastes bitter. Used to mean that helpful advice is often hard to hear.

彼の指摘は厳しいが、良薬は口に苦しだ。

Literary

"薬にするほどもない"

— Not even enough to make medicine. Used to describe something that is extremely scarce or insufficient.

給料が安くて、薬にするほども残らない。

Idiomatic

"薬が効く"

— The medicine works. Also used metaphorically for a punishment or lesson being effective.

今回の失敗は彼にとっていい薬になった。

Common

"薬を売る"

— Literally to sell medicine, but historically can mean to talk someone into something smoothly.

彼は言葉巧みに処方薬を売るようなセールストークをした。

Metaphorical

"薬石効なし"

— All medicines and treatments are of no avail. Used in tragic medical situations.

懸命な治療も虚しく、薬石効なしだった。

Formal

"薬九層倍"

— The price of medicine is nine times its cost. Refers to the high profit margins in pharmaceuticals.

薬九層倍というが、処方薬の開発費は莫大だ。

Old-fashioned

"薬の代わり"

— A substitute for medicine. Often used for something that makes one feel better emotionally.

音楽は私にとって心の薬の代わりです。

Poetic

"薬を盛る"

— To poison someone or to administer a drug surreptitiously.

彼は処方薬を盛られたのではないかと疑っている。

Dramatic

"薬を飲み分ける"

— To use different medicines for different purposes. Metaphorically, to use different strategies.

状況に応じて処方薬を飲み分けるように、対応を変える。

Strategic

Easily Confused

処方薬 vs 薬局 (Yakkyoku)

Both refer to places with medicine.

Yakkyoku is the store; Shohōyaku is the product. Not all yakkyoku dispense shohōyaku.

処方薬局へ行って、処方薬をもらいます。

処方薬 vs 服用 (Fukuyō)

Both relate to taking medicine.

Fukuyō is the formal verb for taking medicine; Shohōyaku is the noun.

処方薬を服用してください。

処方薬 vs 投薬 (Tōyaku)

Both involve medicine administration.

Tōyaku is the clinical act of giving medicine; Shohōyaku is the substance.

医師が投薬の内容（処方薬）を決めます。

処方薬 vs 調剤 (Chōzai)

Both used in pharmacies.

Chōzai is the process of mixing/preparing; Shohōyaku is the final result.

薬剤師が処方薬を調剤します。

処方薬 vs 漢方 (Kanpō)

Kanpō can be a type of medicine.

Kanpō is a style of medicine; it can be a 処方薬 or a 市販薬.

この漢方は処方薬として出されました。

Sentence Patterns

これは[Noun]です。

これは処方薬です。

[Noun]を飲みます。

処方薬を飲みます。

[Noun]のせいで[Condition]です。

処方薬のせいで眠いです。

[Noun]を処方してもらう。

処方薬を処方してもらう。

[Noun]を[Alternative]に切り替える。

処方薬をジェネリックに切り替える。

[Noun]の副作用を抑える。

処方薬の副作用を抑える。

[Noun]の適正使用を推進する。

処方薬の適正使用を推進する。

[Noun]の薬価収載を巡る議論。

処方薬の薬価収載を巡る議論。

Word Family

Nouns

処方箋 (Shohōsen - Prescription slip)

処方箋医薬品 (Shohōsen iyaku-hin - Technical term)

処方 (Shohō - Prescription/Formula)

Verbs

処方する (Shohō suru - To prescribe)

服用する (Fukuyō suru - To take/ingest medicine)

薬剤師 (Yakuzaishi - Pharmacist)

薬局 (Yakkyoku - Pharmacy)

調剤 (Chōzai - Dispensing)

医薬品 (Iyaku-hin - Pharmaceutical)

お薬手帳 (Okusuri-techō - Medicine notebook)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in healthcare and among people with chronic conditions.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Shohō-kusuri'. → Shohōyaku.
In compound words, 薬 is usually read as 'yaku' (on-yomi). Reading it as 'kusuri' sounds very unnatural.
Calling OTC drugs '処方薬'. → 市販薬 (Shihanyaku).
処方薬 only refers to drugs that require a doctor's note. General drugstore medicine is 市販薬.
Saying '処方薬を処方する' when you are the patient. → 処方薬を処方してもらう。
The doctor 'shohō' (prescribes). The patient 'shohō shite morau' (receives the prescription).
Thinking 処方薬 can be refilled indefinitely. → Seeing the doctor for a new 処方箋.
Most prescriptions in Japan are for a single fill. You must visit the clinic again for more medicine.
Confusing '処方薬' with '処方箋'. → Using the correct term for medicine vs. paper.
処方箋 (shohōsen) is the paper slip; 処方薬 (shohōyaku) is the actual drug.

Tips

Verb Pairing

Always pair 処方薬 with 服用する (fukuyō suru) in formal writing. Using 飲む (nomu) is fine for speaking, but 服用 is the 'medical' verb.

Okusuri Techō

Always bring your medicine notebook to the pharmacy. It helps the pharmacist check for dangerous 飲み合わせ (interactions) between your 処方薬.

Ask for Generics

You can save a lot of money by asking 'ジェネリックでお願いします' (Generic, please) when you hand over your prescription for 処方薬.

Carry Proof

If traveling with 処方薬, keep them in their original packaging with the prescription label or a copy of the 処方箋 to avoid issues at customs.

Check the Label

Pharmacists provide a detailed printout with every 処方薬. Read it carefully to check for warnings about driving or alcohol.

Kanji Breakdown

Remember 処 (manage) + 方 (way) + 薬 (medicine). It's the medicine managed in a specific way by your doctor.

Key Suffix

When you hear 'yaku' at the end of a long word in a hospital, it's almost certainly a type of 処方薬.

Pitch Accent

Keep your pitch flat (Heiban) after the first syllable. This makes you sound more like a native speaker when discussing your 処方薬.

Don't Resell

Reselling 処方薬 online (like on Mercari) is a serious crime in Japan. Never attempt to sell leftover medicine.

Consistency

Try to take your 処方薬 at the same time every day to maintain a steady level in your bloodstream, as directed by the 'fukuyō' instructions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'SHOW' (Sho) where the 'WHO' (hō) gives you a 'YAK' (yaku) medicine. The doctor SHOWS you the WHO (way) to take the YAK medicine.

Visual Association

Imagine a doctor handing a glowing bottle of medicine to a patient across a counter that says 'SHOHŌ'. The bottle has a large 'YAKU' kanji on it.

Word Web

Doctor Pharmacist Hospital Prescription Tablet Health Insurance Side Effects Healing

Challenge

Go to a Japanese drugstore and try to find the 'Shohōsen' (Prescription) counter. Don't buy anything, just look for the word 処方薬 on the signs.

Word Origin

The term is a Sino-Japanese (Kango) compound. 'Shohō' (処方) has been used since ancient times to mean a medical formula or recipe. 'Yaku' (薬) is the standard character for medicine, dating back to classical Chinese medical texts. The modern combination 'Shohōyaku' became standardized with the development of the Western-style medical system in the Meiji era.

Original meaning: Formula-medicine; medicine based on a specific method of treatment.

Sino-Japanese (Kanji-based).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 処方薬 for mental health, as there is still some social stigma surrounding psychiatric medication in Japan.

In many English-speaking countries, prescriptions can be refilled over the phone. In Japan, this is rare, making 処方薬 management more doctor-centric.

Medical dramas like 'Doctor-X' or 'Code Blue' often feature scenes in the hospital pharmacy. The 'Okusuri Techō' has many cute designs, including Sanrio and Pokémon characters. Public service announcements about the 'Correct use of Shohōyaku' are common on TV.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Pharmacy

処方薬をお願いします。
処方薬の説明をしてください。
お薬手帳を持っています。
ジェネリックでお願いします。

Doctor's Office

処方薬を出してください。
今の処方薬が効きません。
副作用が心配です。
処方薬の名前を教えてください。

Workplace

処方薬を飲んでいるので眠いです。
処方薬を取りに薬局へ行きます。
常用している処方薬があります。
処方薬の影響で休みます。

Customs/Airport

これは私の処方薬です。
処方薬の証明書はこれです。
一ヶ月分の処方薬です。
処方薬を申告します。

Home

処方薬はどこに置いた？
処方薬を飲む時間だよ。
処方薬がもうすぐなくなる。
おじいちゃんの処方薬を分ける。

Conversation Starters

"最近、何か処方薬を飲んでいますか？ (Are you taking any prescription medicines lately?)"

"その処方薬、副作用はありませんか？ (Does that prescription medicine have any side effects?)"

"処方薬をどこで受け取っていますか？ (Where do you pick up your prescription medicine?)"

"処方薬をジェネリックに変えたことはありますか？ (Have you ever changed your prescription medicine to generic?)"

"処方薬の管理はどうしていますか？ (How do you manage your prescription medicines?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、病院でどんな処方薬をもらいましたか？その時の気持ちを書いてください。 (What prescription medicine did you get at the hospital today? Write about your feelings then.)

処方薬の副作用で困った経験はありますか？ (Have you ever had trouble with side effects from prescription medicine?)

日本の処方薬のシステムについてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the prescription medicine system in Japan?)

あなたが大切にしている処方薬やサプリメントはありますか？ (Are there any prescription medicines or supplements that you value?)

処方薬を飲み忘れないための工夫を書いてください。 (Write about your tricks for not forgetting to take your prescription medicine.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you cannot. In Japan, 処方薬 are strictly regulated and require a valid 処方箋 from a doctor. Attempting to buy them without one is illegal for both the buyer and the seller.

Generally, a 処方箋 is valid for only 4 days, including the day it was issued. If you wait longer, you must go back to the doctor to get a new one.

Most 処方薬 are covered by national health insurance, meaning you only pay 30% of the cost. Generic versions are also available to further reduce the price.

Yes, but there are limits. For most medicines, you can bring a one-month supply. For larger amounts or certain controlled substances, you need a 'Yakkan Shoumei' certificate.

薬 is a broad term for any medicine. 処方薬 specifically refers to medicine that requires a doctor's prescription. It's a more precise term.

Usually, yes. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions, especially for antibiotics, to ensure the illness is fully cured and to prevent drug resistance.

You should contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Do not stop taking the medicine without professional advice unless it is a severe emergency.

You can get them at any 'Chōzai Yakkyoku' (dispensing pharmacy). Look for signs that say '処方箋受付' (Prescriptions Accepted).

Absolutely not. 処方薬 are prescribed specifically for your body and condition. Sharing them is dangerous and illegal in Japan.

Yes, 処方薬 covers all forms of prescribed medication, including tablets, liquids, creams, and patches.