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服用する

B1 verb #6,000 most common 9 min read

服用する

fukuyo suru Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 服用する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 服用する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '服用する' (fukuyou suru) yet. It is a formal word. Instead, you should learn the word '飲む' (nomu). In Japanese, 'nomu' means 'to drink,' but it is also used for taking medicine like pills. For example, '薬を飲みます' (Kusuri wo nomimasu) means 'I take medicine.' You might see '服用' on a medicine bottle, but for now, just remember that it is a special, polite way to say 'taking medicine.' If a doctor speaks to you, they might use it, so just listen for the word 'kusuri' (medicine) nearby. Focus on learning 'nomu' first, as it is used in 90% of daily life situations.

At the A2 level, you are starting to encounter more formal Japanese. '服用する' (fukuyou suru) is a word you will see at the pharmacy or on medicine labels. It is a 'Suru-verb,' which means it behaves like 'benkyou suru' (to study). The first kanji '服' is the same as in 'fuku' (clothes), and the second kanji '用' means 'to use.' Together, they mean 'to take medicine internally.' You should use this word when you want to be very polite or when you are filling out a form at a clinic. A common phrase to learn is '食後に服用してください' (Shokugo ni fukuyou shite kudasai), which means 'Please take this after your meal.' It sounds much more professional than 'nonde kudasai.'

As a B1 learner, '服用する' (fukuyou suru) is a key vocabulary item for your daily life in Japan. It is the standard technical term for 'oral administration of medication.' You should be able to distinguish between '飲む' (casual) and '服用する' (formal/medical). When you visit a 'yakkyoku' (pharmacy), the pharmacist will use this verb to explain your dosage. You should also be familiar with related terms like '服用量' (fukuyou-ryou - dosage amount) and '服用期間' (fukuyou-kikan - duration of medication). In B1 level reading materials, such as health advice columns or news reports about medicine, this word will appear frequently. Practice using it in the 'te-form' to give or receive instructions: 'この薬は、水で服用してください。'

At the B2 level, you should understand the specific nuances and constraints of '服用する.' It is strictly for internal medicine (pills, liquids you swallow). You should not use it for eye drops or ointments. At this level, you will encounter the word in more complex grammar structures, such as '服用を余儀なくされる' (to be forced to take medication) or '服用を怠る' (to neglect taking one's medication). You should also be aware of its usage in formal medical histories. When a doctor asks, '現在服用中の薬はありますか？', they expect a precise list. You can also use the noun form '服用' as a prefix in compound words like '服用方法' (method of administration) or '誤服用' (accidental ingestion).

For C1 learners, '服用する' is a basic but essential component of medical and legal discourse. You should be able to discuss the pharmacokinetics or the social implications of medication adherence using this term. For example, discussing '服薬コンプライアンス' (medication compliance/adherence) often involves the verb '服用する.' You will see it in scientific journals or legal documents regarding drug side effects. At this level, you should also be comfortable with synonyms like '摂取する' (for general intake) and '投与する' (for administration by a third party), and know exactly when '服用する' is the only appropriate choice. It is also used in the context of clinical trials (治験) where subjects '服用' the test substance.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of '服用する' and its place within the broader pharmaceutical lexicon. You understand the historical etymology of the kanji '服'—how it moved from 'wearing' to 'incorporating into the body'—and how this reflects traditional views on health. You can navigate high-level discussions on drug interactions ('相互作用'), contraindications ('禁忌'), and the ethical considerations of mandatory '服用' in psychiatric care. In literature or high-level journalism, you can appreciate the clinical distance this word creates compared to the more intimate '飲む.' You use '服用' effortlessly in professional medical writing, regulatory affairs, or when translating complex medical instructions for international audiences.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

服用する in 30 Seconds

Fukuyou suru is the formal Japanese verb for taking medicine internally, such as pills or syrups, used primarily in medical and professional settings.
It is a suru-verb consisting of 'fuku' (submit/wear) and 'you' (use), appearing on almost all prescription labels and hospital documents in Japan.
Unlike the casual 'nomu' (to drink), 'fukuyou suru' specifically denotes the systematic and prescribed administration of pharmaceutical drugs or therapeutic supplements.
It is never used for external treatments like creams or eye drops, and using it for food or general beverages is grammatically incorrect.

The Japanese verb 服用する (ふくようする - fukuyou suru) is a formal and precise term specifically used to describe the act of taking medicine internally. While the basic verb 飲む (nomu), meaning 'to drink,' is commonly used in daily conversation to say one is taking a pill or liquid medicine, 服用する is the standard term found in professional medical contexts, on prescription labels, and in formal advice from doctors or pharmacists. It originates from the kanji 服 (fuku), which historically meant 'to submit to' or 'to wear' (as in clothing), and 用 (you), meaning 'to use.' In the context of medicine, it implies the systematic and prescribed use of a remedy to restore health. This word is essential for anyone navigating the Japanese healthcare system, as it appears in almost every set of instructions provided at a pharmacy.

Register and Formality: This is a kango (Sino-Japanese word), which naturally gives it a more clinical and authoritative tone. You would use it when reading a medical report, explaining a dosage schedule to a patient, or describing your medication history in a formal interview. In a casual setting with friends, sticking to 薬を飲む is more natural.
Semantic Range: It specifically refers to internal medicine—things you swallow like tablets, capsules, powders, or syrups. It is generally not used for external applications like ointments (塗る - nuru), eye drops (点眼する - tengan suru), or patches (貼る - haru). Using 服用する for a cream would sound incorrect to a native speaker.

この薬は食後に服用してください。
— Please take this medicine after meals.

Understanding 服用する is also about understanding timing. In Japan, medication instructions are incredibly specific regarding the 'timing of fukuyou.' You will frequently see phrases like 食前 (shokuzen - before meals), 食間 (shokkan - between meals), and 就寝前 (shuushinmae - before bed). The verb 服用する anchors these instructions. For instance, if a doctor asks, '現在、服用している薬はありますか？' (Are you currently taking any medications?), they are asking for a comprehensive list of your current medical regimen. This level of precision is vital for avoiding drug interactions and ensuring patient safety.

用法・用量を守って正しく服用することが大切です。
— It is important to take the medicine correctly, following the directions and dosage.

Compound Usage: The noun form 服用 is often paired with other nouns to create compound terms. Common examples include 服用期間 (fukuyou kikan - dosing period), 服用方法 (fukuyou houhou - administration method), and 誤服用 (gofukuyou - accidental ingestion or incorrect dosing). Recognizing the root 服用 allows you to decipher complex medical jargon instantly.

In summary, fukuyou suru is the bridge between a casual 'drinking of medicine' and the professional 'administration of a therapeutic agent.' Whether you are filling a prescription at a 薬局 (yakkyoku - pharmacy) or reading the back of a box of 頭痛薬 (zutsuuyaku - headache medicine), this word is your primary indicator that instructions for internal use follow. It carries a weight of responsibility and adherence to medical advice that the simpler nomu lacks.

The grammatical structure for using 服用する is straightforward: [Medicine Name] + を + 服用する. Since it is a suru-verb, it follows the standard conjugation patterns for all Group 3 verbs. However, because it is a formal word, it is most frequently encountered in the te-kudasai (request) form, the masu (polite) form, or the dictionary form in manuals and warnings.

Standard Pattern: Object + Particle: The most common object is 薬 (kusuri - medicine). You can specify the type of medicine, such as 抗生物質 (kouseibunshitsu - antibiotics) or ビタミン剤 (bitaminzai - vitamin supplements).
Example: 抗生物質を三日間服用してください。 (Please take the antibiotics for three days.)
Adverbial Modifiers: Timing: Timing is crucial with this verb. Common adverbs include 毎日 (mainichi - every day), 定期的に (teikiteki ni - regularly), and 指示通りに (shijidoori ni - as instructed).
Example: 薬は毎日決まった時間に服用してください。 (Please take the medicine at the same time every day.)

この錠剤は、水またはぬるま湯で服用してください。
— Please take these tablets with water or lukewarm water.

When discussing duration, the particle 〜間 (kan) is used. For example, 一週間服用する (to take for one week). If you are talking about frequency, use 〜回 (kai). For example, 一日三回服用する (to take three times a day). These numerical expressions usually precede the verb directly or with a small particle. In medical documents, the verb is often nominalized into 服用中 (fukuyouchuu), meaning 'currently taking' or 'under medication.'

妊娠中の方は、この薬を服用する前に医師に相談してください。
— If you are pregnant, please consult a doctor before taking this medicine.

Another important pattern is the conditional usage. 服用すれば (fukuyou sureba - if you take) or 服用したところ (fukuyou shita tokoro - upon taking). These are used when describing the effects or side effects of a drug. For instance, '薬を服用したところ、眠気が襲ってきた' (Upon taking the medicine, I felt drowsy). This helps link the action of taking the medicine to the physiological outcome.

Common Negations: 服用を中止する (fukuyou wo chuushi suru): To stop taking medication.
服用を忘れる (fukuyou wo wasureru): To forget to take medication.
服用しないこと (fukuyou shinai koto): Must not take (common on warning labels).

You will hear 服用する primarily in environments where health and safety are the top priorities. The most common location is the 調剤薬局 (chouzai yakkyoku), the dispensing pharmacy. After you hand over your prescription, the pharmacist will sit you down and explain the 服用方法 (method of administration). They will use this verb repeatedly to ensure you understand the gravity of the instructions. You'll also hear it in hospitals during consultations with specialists, particularly when they are reviewing your current medications to ensure there are no contraindications.

薬剤師：「このお薬は、一日二回、朝と晩に服用してください。」
— Pharmacist: "Please take this medicine twice a day, in the morning and evening."

Beyond the clinic, you will encounter this word in mass media—specifically in television commercials for OTC (Over-The-Counter) drugs. At the end of many Japanese medicine commercials, a fast-talking voiceover will say, 「使用上の注意をよく読み、用法・用量を守って正しく服用してください」 (Read the precautions carefully, follow the usage and dosage, and take correctly). This phrase is so ubiquitous that almost every Japanese person can recite it from memory. It’s a legal requirement for advertising pharmaceutical products.

You will also find it in written form everywhere: on the お薬手帳 (okusuri techou), the small blue or pink medication record booklets that patients carry in Japan; on the white paper bags (薬袋 - yakutai) that contain your pills; and in the fine print of insurance documents. In the workplace, if you are undergoing a health check (健康診断 - kenkou shindan), the medical questionnaire will ask, '現在服用中の薬はありますか？'. In this context, using the casual nomu would be seen as slightly unprofessional or lacking in technical accuracy.

ニュース：「新しいインフルエンザ治療薬が、本日より服用可能となりました。」
— News: "A new influenza treatment drug has become available for administration as of today."

Finally, in sports, the word appears in discussions about ドーピング (doping). If an athlete unintentionally takes a banned substance through a cold remedy, the report will state they 'banned substance を服用した' (took a banned substance). This highlights that 服用する is the standard verb for any internal chemical intake for therapeutic (or anti-therapeutic) purposes.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 服用する for external medications. Because the English word 'take' can be used broadly ('take some aspirin' vs 'take some eye drops' - though 'use' is better for eye drops), learners often over-apply 服用する. Remember: if you aren't swallowing it, don't use 服用. For eye drops, use 点眼 (tengan); for ointments, use 塗布 (tofu) or 塗る (nuru); for gargling medicine, use うがい (ugai).

Mistake: Using with Food or Drink: Never use 服用する for food or non-medicinal beverages. You cannot 'fukuyou' a cup of tea or a sandwich. Even for 'health foods' or supplements, there is a fine line. Supplements (sapuri) can be 'fukuyou' in a clinical sense, but 摂取する (sesshu suru - to intake/ingest) is often more appropriate for nutritional contexts.

❌ サンドイッチを服用しました。
— Correct: サンドイッチを食べました。 (I ate a sandwich.)

Another error is the 'Register Clash.' Using 服用する in a very casual setting can sound robotic or overly dramatic. If your friend asks if you took your aspirin, and you reply with 'はい、服用しました', it sounds like you're reading from a textbook. In everyday life, 飲みました (nomimashita) is the natural choice. Reserve 服用 for when you want to sound precise, professional, or when reading/writing formal documents.

⭕️ 毎日、血圧の薬を飲んでいます。
— Natural casual/neutral: "I take blood pressure medicine every day."

Confusing 服用 (fukuyou) with 使用 (shiyou - use) is also common. While medicine is 'used' (shiyou), 服用 is the specific subset of 'use' that involves swallowing. If a warning says '使用を中止してください' (stop use), it covers everything including creams and pills. If it says '服用を中止してください', it specifically means stop swallowing the pills. Be careful with these nuances when reading safety labels!

Japanese has several ways to describe taking or using medicine, each with its own nuance and domain. Choosing the right one depends on the delivery method and the level of formality required.

1. 飲む (Nomu): Usage: Casual to Neutral. The most common way to say 'take medicine' in speech.
Comparison: While nomu literally means 'to drink,' it covers tablets and capsules too. 服用する is just the formal version of this.
2. 摂取する (Sesshu suru): Usage: Academic/Nutritional. Means 'to intake' or 'to ingest.'
Comparison: Used for nutrients, calories, or vitamins. You sesshu calories, but you fukuyou medicine. If a supplement is treated like a drug, fukuyou is okay, but sesshu is broader.
3. 投与する (Touyaku/Touyo suru): Usage: Medical/Professional. Means 'to administer.'
Comparison: 服用 is what the patient does (taking the drug). 投与 is what the medical professional does (giving the drug to the patient).

Comparison:
1. 薬を飲む (Neutral/Daily)
2. 薬を服用する (Formal/Patient's action)
3. 薬を投与する (Professional/Doctor's action)

For non-oral medications, the verbs change entirely:

塗布する (Tofu suru) / 塗る (Nuru): To apply (creams, ointments).
点眼する (Tengan suru): To use eye drops.
貼付する (Choufu suru) / 貼る (Haru): To apply a patch or plaster.
吸入する (Kyuunyuu suru): To inhale (inhalers).

Understanding these distinctions is key to passing JLPT N3/N2 exams and communicating effectively in a Japanese hospital. While fukuyou suru is your 'go-to' for pills in a formal setting, knowing sesshu for nutrition and touyo for administration will round out your medical Japanese vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 服 (fuku) is also the word for 'clothes.' This is because ancient medicine was often applied to the body or thought of as an internal layer of protection, similar to a garment.

Pronunciation Guide

UK fɯ.kɯ.joː.sɯ.ɾɯ

US fɯ.kɯ.joː.sɯ.ɾɯ

Japanese pitch accent: Heiban (Flat) style. The pitch starts low and stays high throughout the word until the final 'ru'.

Rhymes With

Kuyou (Memorial service) Touyou (The East) Dousuru (What to do) Benkyou suru (To study) Sesshu suru (To intake) Touyaku suru (To administer) Chuushi suru (To stop) Kinyuu suru (To fill in)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'f' like the English 'f' with teeth on lips; it should be bilabial.
Shortening the long 'o' in 'you'. It must be 'fukuyō', not 'fukuyo'.
Pronouncing 'ru' with a heavy English 'r' sound.
Applying English-style word stress (e.g., stressing 'fuk'). Japanese is mora-timed.
Confusing 'fukuyou' with 'fukuyoku' (bathing).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require knowledge of medical contexts.

Writing 4/5

Writing '服用' correctly requires practice with the 'fuku' kanji.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is easy, but choosing the right register takes skill.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in formal announcements and pharmacies.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

薬 (Kusuri) 飲む (Nomu) 使う (Tsukau) 病院 (Byouin) 体 (Karada)

Learn Next

処方する (Shohou suru) 副作用 (Fukusayou) 診断 (Shindan) 症状 (Shoujou) 治療 (Chiryou)

Advanced

禁忌 (Kinki) 相互作用 (Sougo sayou) 血中濃度 (Ketchuu noudo) 耐性 (Taisei) 治験 (Chiken)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs (Group 3)

服用する、服用します、服用した、服用しない。

Te-form for Requests

服用してください (Please take).

Noun + Chuu (Middle of/Currently doing)

服用中 (Currently taking medication).

Mae ni / Ato de (Timing)

服用する前に (Before taking) / 服用したあとで (After taking).

Toki (When)

服用する時は、水で飲んでください。

Examples by Level

薬を飲みます。

I take medicine.

A1 uses 'nomu' (to drink) for taking medicine.

これは薬です。飲んでください。

This is medicine. Please take it.

Simple te-form of 'nomu'.

毎日、薬を飲みますか？

Do you take medicine every day?

Question form using 'nomimasu'.

水で飲んでください。

Please take it with water.

Using 'de' to indicate the means (water).

ごはんのあとで、飲みます。

I take it after the meal.

Using 'ato de' for 'after'.

一回に一つ飲みます。

Take one at a time.

Counter 'hitotsu' for pills.

この薬は苦いです。

This medicine is bitter.

Adjective 'nigai' (bitter).

病院で薬をもらいました。

I received medicine at the hospital.

Past tense of 'morau' (to receive).

この薬を服用してください。

Please take this medicine.

Introduction of 'fukuyou shite kudasai'.

食後に服用します。

Take after meals.

Formal 'shokugo' (after meal) + 'fukuyou'.

一日三回服用してください。

Please take three times a day.

Frequency marker 'ichi nichi san kai'.

服用する時間はいつですか？

When is the time to take it?

Using dictionary form to modify 'jikan'.

お湯で服用しないでください。

Please do not take with hot water.

Negative request 'shinaide kudasai'.

服用する前に手を洗います。

Wash hands before taking (the medicine).

Using 'mae ni' with dictionary form.

この薬は服用が簡単です。

This medicine is easy to take.

Noun form 'fukuyou' as a subject.

子供は服用できません。

Children cannot take this.

Potential negative 'dekimasen'.

指示された通りに服用してください。

Please take it exactly as instructed.

'Shiji sareta toori' (as instructed).

服用期間は一週間です。

The medication period is one week.

Compound noun 'fukuyou kikan'.

もし服用を忘れたら、すぐに連絡してください。

If you forget to take it, contact us immediately.

Conditional 'tara' form.

空腹時の服用は避けてください。

Please avoid taking it on an empty stomach.

'Kuufukuji' (time of empty stomach).

現在、何か薬を服用していますか？

Are you currently taking any medicine?

Continuous form 'fukuyou shite imasu'.

この薬を服用すると、眠くなることがあります。

Taking this medicine may make you sleepy.

Conditional 'to' indicating a natural result.

用法を守って正しく服用しましょう。

Let's follow the directions and take it correctly.

Volitional form 'shimashou'.

ビタミン剤を毎日服用しています。

I take vitamin supplements every day.

Specific object 'bitaminzai'.

長期間の服用により、副作用が出る可能性があります。

Long-term use may result in side effects.

Using 'ni yori' to show cause.

アルコールと一緒に服用するのは危険です。

It is dangerous to take it with alcohol.

Nominalizing with 'no wa'.

症状が改善しても、最後まで服用を続けてください。

Even if symptoms improve, continue taking it until the end.

Concessive 'te mo' (even if).

この薬は、必ず就寝前に服用すること。

Make sure to take this medicine before going to bed.

Imperative noun ending '~ koto'.

服用量を間違えると、重大な事故につながります。

Incorrect dosage can lead to serious accidents.

Resultative 'ni tsunagaru'.

他の薬と併用して服用する場合は、医師に相談してください。

If taking in combination with other drugs, consult a doctor.

'Heiyou' (combined use).

服用中、発疹が出た場合は直ちに中止してください。

If a rash appears while taking it, stop immediately.

'Fukuyouchuu' (while taking).

この薬は水なしで服用できるタイプです。

This medicine is a type that can be taken without water.

'Mizu nashi de' (without water).

新薬の臨床試験において、被験者に薬が服用された。

In clinical trials of the new drug, it was administered to subjects.

Passive form 'fukuyou sareta' in a formal report.

本剤の服用が肝機能に与える影響を調査する。

We will investigate the impact of taking this drug on liver function.

Noun 'fukuyou' as the subject of a clause.

服用後の血中濃度を一定に保つことが重要だ。

It is important to maintain a constant blood concentration after administration.

Technical term 'ketchuu noudo' (blood concentration).

薬物の過剰服用は、生命に関わる危険性がある。

Overdose of drugs has the potential to be life-threatening.

'Kajou fukuyou' (overdose).

高齢者の多剤服用（ポリファーマシー）が問題となっている。

Polypharmacy (taking multiple drugs) among the elderly is becoming a problem.

'Tajai fukuyou' (polypharmacy).

服用における禁忌事項を厳守しなければならない。

One must strictly adhere to the contraindications regarding administration.

'Kinki jikou' (contraindications).

薬の服用を自己判断で中止するのは避けるべきだ。

Stopping medication based on one's own judgment should be avoided.

'Jiko handan' (self-judgment).

服用方法の簡略化が、患者のQOL向上に寄与する。

Simplifying the administration method contributes to improving the patient's QOL.

Professional 'kiyo suru' (contribute to).

薬物代謝の個体差により、同一用量の服用でも効果が異なる。

Due to individual differences in drug metabolism, effects vary even with the same dose.

Complex cause-effect in pharmaceutical science.

服用継続率は、慢性疾患の治療成績を左右する重要な指標である。

The medication adherence rate is a crucial metric that influences treatment outcomes for chronic diseases.

Academic tone using 'sayuu suru' (influence).

プラセボを服用した群と実薬を服用した群で有意差が認められた。

A significant difference was observed between the group that took the placebo and the group that took the active drug.

Statistical reporting 'yuui-sa' (significant difference).

誤服用による中毒症状が疑われる場合は、直ちに専門機関へ連絡せよ。

If poisoning symptoms due to accidental ingestion are suspected, contact specialized agencies immediately.

Imperative 'seyo' used in emergency protocols.

向精神薬の長期服用に伴う依存性のリスクを評価する必要がある。

It is necessary to evaluate the risk of dependence associated with the long-term use of psychotropic drugs.

'~ ni tomonau' (associated with).

服用時点の厳密な管理が、治療の鍵を握っている。

Strict management of the timing of administration holds the key to the treatment.

Metaphorical 'kagi wo nigiru' (hold the key).

漢方薬の服用においては、証（しょう）に合わせた処方が不可欠である。

In the administration of Kampo medicine, a prescription tailored to the individual's 'Sho' (pattern) is essential.

Cultural medical terminology 'Sho'.

服用の利便性を追求した製剤技術の進歩は、目覚ましいものがある。

The progress in formulation technology pursuing convenience of administration is remarkable.

'Mezamashii' (remarkable).

Common Collocations

薬を服用する

食後に服用する

食間に服用する

多剤服用

長期服用

過剰服用

服用を中止する

服用を守る

服用期間

継続的に服用する

Common Phrases

用法・用量を守って服用する

— To take medicine while strictly following the usage instructions and dosage. This is the standard safety warning in Japan.

用法・用量を守って正しく服用してください。

現在服用中の薬

— The medication one is currently taking. This phrase is used on almost all medical intake forms.

現在服用中の薬があれば教えてください。

服用を忘れた場合

— In the event that you forget to take your medication. This starts the instruction for missed doses.

服用を忘れた場合は、気づいた時にすぐ飲んでください。

水またはぬるま湯で服用

— Taking with water or lukewarm water. This is the standard instruction for how to swallow pills in Japan.

必ず水またはぬるま湯で服用してください。

空腹時の服用を避ける

— To avoid taking on an empty stomach. Often used to prevent stomach irritation.

胃に負担がかかるので、空腹時の服用は避けてください。

就寝前に服用

— Taking before going to sleep. Common for sleeping aids or once-daily medications.

この眠気が出る薬は就寝前に服用してください。

服用を継続する

— To continue taking the medication. Used for chronic conditions.

勝手に止めず、服用を継続することが大切です。

一度に二回分を服用しない

— Do not take two doses at once. A standard warning for missed doses.

服用を忘れても、一度に二回分を服用しないでください。

服用後の運転

— Driving after taking medication. Used in warnings about drowsiness.

服用後の運転は控えてください。

指示通りに服用

— Taking exactly as instructed. Emphasizes adherence to medical advice.

医師の指示通りに服用してください。

Often Confused With

服用する vs 使用する (Shiyou suru)

Shiyou is general 'use.' Medicine is fukuyou (oral) or tengan (eye) etc. Fukuyou is a specific type of shiyou.

服用する vs 服用 (Fukuyou) vs 服装 (Fukusou)

Both start with 服 (clothes). Fukuyou is medicine; Fukusou is clothing/attire. Don't mix them up!

服用する vs 飲む (Nomu)

Nomu is 'to drink' anything. Fukuyou is only for medicine. You can't fukuyou beer.

Idioms & Expressions

"服用を乞う"

— To beg for medicine or treatment. Historically used when asking a doctor for help in literature.

病に苦しみ、医師に服用を乞う。

Literary/Archaic

"薬の服用は毒の服用"

— Taking medicine is like taking poison. A cautionary saying that all medicine has side effects and should be used carefully.

薬の服用は毒の服用とも言われるから、慎重になるべきだ。

Proverbial

"服用を急ぐ"

— To be in a hurry to take medicine. Used metaphorically for trying to find a quick fix for a problem.

根本的な解決をせず、服用を急ぐような対応だ。

Metaphorical

"苦い薬を服用する"

— To take a bitter medicine. Metaphorically means to endure something unpleasant for one's own good.

会社の再生のために、苦い薬を服用する決断をした。

Metaphorical

"服用を怠る"

— To neglect taking one's medicine. Often used in legal or medical negligence contexts.

服用を怠った結果、病状が悪化した。

Formal

"服用を強いる"

— To force someone to take medicine. Used in contexts of caregiving or controversy.

子供に無理やり服用を強いるのは良くない。

Neutral

"服用を控える"

— To refrain from taking. A standard polite way to say 'don't take.'

妊娠中は特定の薬の服用を控えるべきだ。

Formal/Medical

"服用を勧める"

— To recommend taking. Used by doctors or health advisors.

医師はサプリメントの服用を勧めた。

Neutral

"服用を極める"

— To take medicine to the extreme. Rare, used for drug dependency contexts.

彼は薬の服用を極めてしまい、健康を損ねた。

Colloquial/Rare

"服用を禁ずる"

— To forbid taking. High formal warning.

この薬とアルコールの併用服用を禁ずる。

Formal/Legal

Easily Confused

服用する vs 内服 (Naifuku)

Both relate to taking medicine internally.

Naifuku is usually a noun or part of a noun (naifukuyaku - internal medicine). Fukuyou is the verb for the action of taking it.

内服薬を服用する。

服用する vs 投与 (Touyo)

Both involve medicine entering the body.

Touyo is 'administering' (doctor to patient). Fukuyou is 'taking' (patient action).

医師が薬を投与し、患者がそれを服用した。

服用する vs 摂取 (Sesshu)

Both mean putting something in the body.

Sesshu is for nutrients, calories, or general substances. Fukuyou is strictly for drugs/medicine.

栄養を摂取し、薬を服用する。

服用する vs 点眼 (Tengan)

Both are ways to use medicine.

Tengan is only for eye drops. Fukuyou is only for oral medicine.

目薬を点眼する。

服用する vs 塗布 (Tofu)

Both are ways to use medicine.

Tofu is for applying creams or liquids to the skin. Fukuyou is for swallowing.

軟膏を塗布する。

Sentence Patterns

[Medicine] を服用してください。

この薬を服用してください。

[Time] に[Medicine] を服用します。

食後にこの錠剤を服用します。

[Medicine] を服用する前に、[Action]。

薬を服用する前に、説明書を読んでください。

[Medicine] の服用を中止する。

副作用が出たので、服用を中止した。

[Duration] 間、服用を続ける。

一週間、服用を続けてください。

[Condition] の場合は、服用を控えること。

高血圧の場合は、服用を控えること。

服用による [Effect] が認められる。

服用による改善が認められる。

服用継続率の向上を図る。

患者の服用継続率の向上を図る取り組みが必要だ。

Word Family

Nouns

服用 (Fukuyou) - Administration/Taking of medicine

服用量 (Fukuyouryou) - Dosage amount

服用者 (Fukuyousha) - Person taking the medicine

服用法 (Fukuyouhou) - Method of administration

Verbs

服用する (Fukuyou suru) - To take medicine (formal)

服用させる (Fukuyou saseru) - To make/let someone take medicine

Adjectives

服用可能な (Fukuyou kanou na) - Administrable / Can be taken

内服薬 (Naifukuyaku) - Internal medicine

外用薬 (Gaiyoyaku) - External medicine

処方箋 (Shohousen) - Prescription

薬剤師 (Yakuzaishi) - Pharmacist

副作用 (Fukusayou) - Side effect

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in medical and pharmaceutical contexts; rare in casual daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'fukuyou' for eye drops. → 目薬を点眼する (Tengan suru).
Fukuyou is only for oral medication (swallowing). Eye drops have their own specific verb.
Using 'fukuyou' for tea or coffee. → お茶を飲む (Nomu).
Fukuyou is strictly for medicine. You cannot 'fukuyou' regular beverages.
Using 'fukuyou' in casual conversation with friends. → 薬を飲んだ (Nomda).
Using 'fukuyou' with friends sounds overly formal and robotic. Stick to 'nomu' for casual talk.
Confusing 'fukuyou' with 'fukuyoku' (bathing). → 薬を服用する vs お風呂に入る/服浴する.
The sounds are similar, but the meaning is completely different. One is for health, the other for hygiene.
Forgetting the 'you' in 'fukuyou'. → 服用 (Fukuyou).
Saying just 'fuku' means clothes. You must include the 'you' (use) part.

Tips

Suru-Verb Conjugation

Remember that 服用する follows the same rules as する. Formal: 服用します. Negative: 服用しない. Past: 服用した. Te-form: 服用して.

When in Rome (or a Hospital)

Use 'fukuyou' in hospitals to show you understand medical instructions. It builds trust with your healthcare provider.

Look for the Kanji

On any Japanese medicine box, look for '服用' followed by '方法' (method) or '量' (amount). It's the most important info on the box.

Internal Only!

Never use 'fukuyou' for eye drops, patches, or creams. It is strictly for things you swallow.

Water is Best

Japanese instructions almost always specify '服用' with water or lukewarm water. Taking it with tea or juice is often discouraged.

Don't Double Up

If you see '二回分を一度に服用しない' (Do not take two doses at once), it's a critical safety warning.

Workplace Health

If your boss asks why you're taking a pill, '薬を服用しています' sounds much more appropriate than 'nomu'.

Compound Power

Learn 'fukuyou' along with 'ryou' (amount) and 'kikan' (period). These three often appear together.

The Clothing Connection

Remember the kanji for 'clothes' (服) to help you recognize the word in the wild.

Pharmacist's Pitch

Listen for the 'fukuyou' pitch. It's usually flat (heiban), making it easy to spot in a sentence.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Fuku' as 'Clothes' (fuku) and 'You' as 'Use.' You are 'using' medicine like 'clothes' for your inside to stay healthy.

Visual Association

Imagine a person wearing a shirt made of giant pill capsules. They are 'wearing' (fuku) the medicine.

Word Web

薬 (Kusuri) 病院 (Byouin) 薬剤師 (Yakuzaishi) 飲む (Nomu) 用法 (Youhou) 用量 (Youryou) 食後 (Shokugo) 健康 (Kenkou)

Challenge

Go to a Japanese drug store (like Matsumoto Kiyoshi) and look at the back of any box. Try to find the word 服用 and see what timing instructions follow it.

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango). It entered the Japanese language from Classical Chinese medical texts.

Original meaning: In ancient Chinese, 'Fuku' (服) meant to submit to or to wear. 'You' (用) meant to use. Medicine was 'worn' internally to protect the body.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking someone about their 'fukuyou' history, as medical information is private in Japan. Use 'fukuyou' to sound professional, but don't pry.

In English, we just say 'take.' In Japanese, using 'fukuyou' shows you are educated and respect the medical process.

Pharmaceutical TV ads (ubiquitous warning phrase) Medical dramas like 'Doctor X' or 'Code Blue' Public health posters during flu season

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Pharmacy

服用方法を教えてください。
食後に服用しますか？
一日何回服用しますか？
水で服用してください。

At the Hospital

現在、服用中の薬はありますか？
この薬を服用してもいいですか？
服用を中止したほうがいいですか？
副作用で服用が難しいです。

Reading Medicine Labels

用法・用量を守って服用すること。
服用前に医師に相談してください。
小児の服用は避けてください。
服用後の運転禁止。

Talking to Family (Formal)

おじいちゃん、薬は服用した？
服用時間を守らないとダメだよ。
服用を忘れないようにね。
新しい薬を服用し始めた。

Medical News

新薬の服用が開始された。
服用のガイドラインが変更された。
誤服用による事故が発生した。
服用の効果が確認された。

Conversation Starters

"病院で「薬を服用してください」と言われましたが、タイミングが分かりません。"

"サプリメントを毎日服用していますか？"

"薬の服用を忘れたとき、あなたならどうしますか？"

"服用中の薬と食べ物の相性について調べたことがありますか？"

"子供に薬を服用させるのは大変ですよね。何かコツはありますか？"

Journal Prompts

最近、何か薬やビタミン剤を服用しましたか？その効果はどうでしたか？

日本の薬局で「服用方法」の説明を受けた時の感想を書いてください。

「服用」という言葉の由来である「服（服を着る）」と「薬」の関係についてどう思いますか？

あなたが健康のために毎日継続して服用したいものは何ですか？

もし自分が薬剤師だったら、患者さんにどのように服用の大切さを伝えますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can use 'fukuyou' for vitamins and supplements, especially if you are taking them for health reasons or if they are in pill form. However, 'sesshu' (intake) is also common for supplements.

Yes, as long as you swallow it (oral administration), you use 'fukuyou.' This includes syrups and liquid doses.

No, it is not 'wrong' and the doctor will understand you perfectly. However, using 'fukuyou shite imasu' sounds more natural and professional in a medical setting.

Historically, medicine was thought to be 'worn' by the body to protect it from disease, just as clothes protect the body from the elements.

Generally, no. Most vaccines are injected (chussha). 'Fukuyou' is only for oral medication. Oral vaccines (like some polio vaccines) could theoretically use 'fukuyou,' but 'sesshu' is more common for vaccines.

It means 'accidental ingestion' or 'incorrect medication.' It often refers to children taking medicine by mistake or elderly patients taking the wrong dose.

You would say '服用を忘れてしまいました' (Fukuyou wo wasurete shimaimashita).

Yes, it typically appears around the N3 or N2 level, as it is a common technical term.

There isn't a single opposite verb, but 'chuushi' (stopping) or 'sesshu shinai' (not taking) are used in context.

Yes, 'fukuyou' is the standard term for taking Kampo medicine.