At the A1 level, you just need to know that 处方 (chǔfāng) means 'prescription.' Think of it as the 'doctor's note for medicine.' You might hear it when you go to a clinic. A simple way to remember it is: 'Medicine Paper.' At this stage, just focus on recognizing the sound and the basic meaning. If you are in China and need medicine, you can point to a pharmacy and say '处方?' to ask if you need one. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just link the word to the action of getting medicine from a doctor.
At the A2 level, you should be able to use 处方 in basic sentences. You should know the verb 开 (kāi) which means 'to write' or 'to issue' a prescription. You can say '医生给我开处方' (The doctor writes a prescription for me). You should also recognize the measure word 张 (zhāng). You might need to ask a pharmacist '我需要处方吗?' (Do I need a prescription?). This level focuses on practical communication in a medical setting, so being able to identify a prescription and know who provides it is key.
At the B1 level, you should understand the difference between 处方药 (chǔfāng yào - prescription drugs) and 非处方药 (fēi chǔfāng yào - OTC drugs). You should be able to explain why you have or don't have a prescription. You might use the word in more complex structures like '凭处方买药' (buy medicine with a prescription). You should also be familiar with related terms like 药剂师 (pharmacist) and understand that a prescription has an expiration date or specific dosage instructions that you must follow.
At the B2 level, you can discuss the medical system more broadly. You might talk about the transition from paper prescriptions to 电子处方 (diànzǐ chǔfāng - electronic prescriptions) and the benefits for patient safety. You can use the word in formal contexts, such as discussing medical insurance coverage or hospital procedures. You should be comfortable using the word in passive sentences or as part of a larger medical discussion, such as '处方被医生修改了' (The prescription was modified by the doctor).
At the C1 level, you understand the nuances of 处方 versus 药方 and 医嘱. You can discuss the legal implications of prescription fraud or the pharmaceutical industry's role in prescription trends. You might use the term metaphorically in professional settings to describe a set of solutions for a complex socio-economic problem. Your vocabulary around this word should include terms like 处方权 (prescribing rights) and 违规开处方 (illegal prescribing).
At the C2 level, you can engage in high-level medical or legal debates involving 处方. This includes discussing national healthcare policies regarding prescription drug pricing, the ethics of 'off-label' prescriptions, and the historical evolution of medical formulas from the Han Dynasty to the present. You can read academic papers or legal statutes where the word 处方 appears in technical definitions. You have a near-native grasp of how the term functions within the complex bureaucracy of the Chinese healthcare system.

处方 in 30 Seconds

  • A formal medical document issued by a doctor to authorize medication.
  • Commonly paired with the verb '开' (kāi) to mean 'to write a prescription'.
  • Essential for purchasing restricted medications (prescription drugs) in China.
  • Can be physical paper (张) or digital (电子处方) in modern hospitals.

The Chinese word 处方 (chǔfāng) is a formal noun that translates directly to 'prescription' in English. It is composed of two characters: 处 (chǔ), which means 'to deal with' or 'to manage,' and 方 (fāng), which refers to a 'formula' or 'method.' Together, they describe the formal medical document or electronic record issued by a licensed healthcare professional that authorizes a patient to receive a specific medication or treatment. In a modern Chinese context, this term is ubiquitous in hospitals (医院), clinics (诊所), and pharmacies (药店). While in casual conversation people might simply talk about 'medicine' (药), 处方 is the precise term used when discussing the legal and medical authorization required to obtain restricted medications.

Medical Context
In a hospital setting, the doctor will 'open' or 'write' (开) a prescription. This is the primary action associated with the word. For example, '医生给我开了处方' (The doctor wrote a prescription for me).

请出示您的处方,我好为您配药。 (Please show your prescription so I can prepare the medicine for you.)

Historically, the concept of a 'formula' (方) dates back thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Ancient doctors would write down complex combinations of herbs, roots, and minerals tailored to the patient's specific 'qi' imbalance. While modern 处方 often refer to Western pills, the linguistic root remains deeply tied to the idea of a balanced 'formula' for health. You will also see the word in the context of 'prescription drugs' (处方药), which are medications that cannot be legally sold without a doctor's order. Understanding this word is essential for navigating the healthcare system in any Mandarin-speaking region.

Pharmacy Interaction
When you arrive at a pharmacy, the pharmacist (药剂师) will ask: '你有处方吗?' (Do you have a prescription?). Without it, they are legally prohibited from dispensing certain categories of drugs.

这张处方已经过期了。 (This prescription has already expired.)

Furthermore, 处方 can occasionally be used metaphorically in non-medical contexts to mean a 'formula for success' or a 'solution' to a problem, though this is less common than the literal medical usage. For instance, a consultant might offer a 'prescription' for a failing business. However, as an A2 learner, focusing on the medical definition will be most beneficial for your daily life and travel needs.

Using 处方 correctly involves pairing it with the right verbs and measure words. The most common measure word for 处方 is 张 (zhāng), which is used for flat objects like paper. Even in the age of digital records, we still say '一张处方' (a prescription). The primary verb used with 处方 is 开 (kāi), which means 'to open' but in this context means 'to issue' or 'to write.' If a doctor is writing a prescription for you, they are '为你开处方'.

Common Verb Pairings
1. 开处方 (kāi chǔfāng) - To write/issue a prescription.
2. 拿处方 (ná chǔfāng) - To take/get a prescription.
3. 凭处方 (píng chǔfāng) - Based on/with a prescription (often seen on signs in pharmacies).

没有医生的处方,你买不到这种药。 (Without a doctor's prescription, you cannot buy this medicine.)

In more formal or technical settings, you might encounter the term 处方药 (chǔfāng yào), meaning 'prescription drug,' and its opposite, 非处方药 (fēi chǔfāng yào), which refers to Over-the-Counter (OTC) drugs. On medicine packaging in China, OTC drugs are clearly marked with a green or red 'OTC' label, while prescription drugs will often require the pharmacist to verify your identity and record the 处方 details in their system.

医生,您能帮我重开一份处方吗?我把原来的弄丢了。 (Doctor, can you help me rewrite a prescription? I lost the original one.)

When discussing the details within the prescription, such as dosage and frequency, you might hear the doctor say '按照处方上的说明服药' (Take the medicine according to the instructions on the prescription). Here, the noun 处方 acts as the physical reference for the patient's treatment plan. It is important to note that in mainland China, hospital pharmacies and retail pharmacies are often separate, so you will frequently 'take' your 处方 from the hospital to a local pharmacy.

You will hear 处方 most frequently in medical environments. If you are visiting a hospital in Beijing or Shanghai, after the doctor examines you, they will likely turn to their computer and say, '我给你开个处方' (I'll write a prescription for you). In modern Chinese hospitals, this 'paper' is often digital, linked to your hospital ID card or a QR code on your phone, but the terminology remains the same. You will hear it at the 'Pharmacy Window' (取药窗口) where the staff will ask for your '处方单' (prescription slip).

Real-world Scenarios
1. **At the Doctor's Office:** '这是你的处方,去楼下交费拿药。' (This is your prescription, go downstairs to pay and get the medicine.)
2. **At the Pharmacy:** '买这种抗生素需要医生处方。' (Buying this kind of antibiotic requires a doctor's prescription.)

现在的电子处方非常方便。 (Electronic prescriptions nowadays are very convenient.)

In news reports or health-related documentaries, you might hear discussions about '处方监管' (prescription regulation) or '滥用处方药' (abuse of prescription drugs). These are more formal contexts but use the same core vocabulary. If you are watching a Chinese medical drama, like 'Surgeons' (外科风云), the word 处方 will appear whenever doctors discuss treatment plans or when a plot point involves a medical error related to a prescription. In these shows, you'll see the gravity attached to the document, as it represents the doctor's legal responsibility.

医生在处方上签了名。 (The doctor signed the prescription.)

Finally, in the context of health insurance (医疗保险), you might hear about which medicines are '处方范围内' (within the prescription scope covered by insurance). This is a crucial phrase for anyone living long-term in China, as it determines how much you will pay out of pocket for your medications. Overall, while the word is technical, its presence in daily life is constant for anyone managing their health.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make is confusing 处方 (chǔfāng) with the general word for 'medicine' which is 药 (yào). Remember: 处方 is the *document* or the *instruction*, not the physical pills themselves. You don't 'eat' a 处方; you 'eat' (take) the 药 that the 处方 authorizes. Another error is using the wrong verb. Beginners often try to say '写处方' (xiě chǔfāng - write a prescription). While understandable, the standard medical term is '开处方' (kāi chǔfāng).

Mistake vs. Correct
❌ 我要买一个处方。 (I want to buy a prescription - sounds like you want to buy the paper itself.)
✅ 我要凭处方买药。 (I want to buy medicine with a prescription.)

不要混淆“处方”和“药方”。 (Don't confuse 'chǔfāng' and 'yàofāng'.)

Learners also sometimes confuse 处方 with 方法 (fāngfǎ - method) because they share the character . While a 处方 is a *type* of method (a method for treatment), 方法 is much more general and can apply to anything from cooking to solving a math problem. If you tell a pharmacist you have a '方法' to get medicine, they will be very confused! Stick to 处方 for all medical orders.

Lastly, be careful with measure words. Using '个' (ge) is acceptable in very casual speech, but '张' (zhāng) is the correct measure word for the physical slip. If you are talking about the *content* or a *copy* of the prescription, you might use '份' (fèn). For example, '一份处方' refers to the set of instructions or the document as a whole.

To truly master 处方, it is helpful to compare it with similar terms. The most frequent synonym you will encounter is 药方 (yàofāng). While often used interchangeably in casual speech, 药方 carries a stronger connotation of 'formula' or 'recipe' and is the standard term in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). If you go to a TCM doctor, they might refer to your herbal mix as a 药方. In contrast, 处方 is the formal, legal, and modern term used in the state medical system.

Comparison Table
处方 (chǔfāng): Formal, modern, legal document, used for Western & hospital medicine.
药方 (yàofāng): Traditional, recipe-like, commonly used in TCM or for home remedies.
方子 (fāngzi): Very colloquial, informal version of 'prescription' or 'recipe'.

老中医给我开了一个有效的药方。 (The old TCM doctor wrote an effective herbal formula for me.)

Another related term is 诊断 (zhěnduàn - diagnosis). While a 处方 is what you get to *treat* the problem, a 诊断 is the doctor's conclusion about *what* the problem is. You will often see both on your hospital discharge papers. Lastly, 医嘱 (yīzhǔ - doctor's orders) is a broader term that includes the prescription as well as advice on rest, diet, and follow-up care. While 处方 is specifically about medicine, 医嘱 covers everything the doctor tells you to do.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, a 'fang' was often a secret family recipe passed down through generations of doctors.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃuː fɑːŋ/
US /tʃu fɑŋ/
The emphasis is slightly more on the first syllable 'chǔ' due to the tone change.
Rhymes With
方 (fāng) 光 (guāng) 张 (zhāng) 忙 (máng) 帮 (bāng) 糖 (táng) 床 (chuáng) 箱 (xiāng)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'chu' as 'choo' with the wrong tone.
  • Confusing 'fang' (1st tone) with 'fang' (4th tone - house/room).
  • Failing to distinguish the 'ch' sound from 'q'.
  • Merging the two tones into a single flat tone.
  • Mispronouncing 'u' as 'ü'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are relatively simple (A2 level).

Writing 3/5

The character '处' and '方' are common but need practice for stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

Tones are distinct (3rd and 1st).

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in medical contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

医生 看病

Learn Next

药剂师 剂量 副作用 过敏 打针

Advanced

药理学 临床表现 禁忌症 缓释片 胶囊

Grammar to Know

Using '给' for target of action

医生给病人开处方。

Measure words for paper objects (张)

两张处方。

Prepositional phrase '按照' (According to)

按照处方吃药。

Prepositional phrase '凭' (Based on)

凭处方买抗生素。

Resultative complements (开好)

处方已经开好了。

Examples by Level

1

这是我的处方。

This is my prescription.

Simple 'A is B' structure using '这是'.

2

我要买处方药。

I want to buy prescription medicine.

Using '我要' (I want) + verb phrase.

3

处方在哪里?

Where is the prescription?

Standard 'Where is...' question using '在哪里'.

4

医生,处方。

Doctor, prescription.

Basic noun usage in a request context.

5

给你处方。

Give you the prescription.

Using '给' (to give) as a verb.

6

没有处方。

I don't have a prescription.

Using '没有' to show lack of possession.

7

看处方。

Look at the prescription.

Simple verb-object phrase.

8

这张处方。

This prescription.

Using the measure word '张' for paper.

1

医生给我开了一张处方。

The doctor wrote a prescription for me.

Using '给...开' structure for issuing.

2

我需要这张处方买药。

I need this prescription to buy medicine.

Using '需要' (need) and a purpose clause.

3

请帮我拿一下处方。

Please help me get the prescription.

Polite request using '请帮我'.

4

药店需要看你的处方。

The pharmacy needs to see your prescription.

Third-person requirement statement.

5

我忘了带处方。

I forgot to bring the prescription.

Using '忘了' (forgot) + verb.

6

处方上写了什么?

What is written on the prescription?

Using '...上' to mean 'on the surface of'.

7

医生还没开处方。

The doctor hasn't written the prescription yet.

Using '还没' (not yet).

8

这张处方很有用。

This prescription is very useful.

Simple adjective description.

1

凭医生的处方,你可以在这里买药。

With a doctor's prescription, you can buy medicine here.

Using '凭' (based on/with) to show authority.

2

这种药是处方药,必须有处方。

This medicine is a prescription drug; you must have a prescription.

Using '必须' (must) for necessity.

3

他弄丢了处方,所以很着急。

He lost the prescription, so he is very worried.

Cause and effect using '所以'.

4

医生在处方上签了字。

The doctor signed the prescription.

Using '在...上' for location.

5

请问这张处方有效期是多久?

Excuse me, how long is this prescription valid for?

Asking about duration/validity.

6

药剂师正在核对处方内容。

The pharmacist is checking the prescription details.

Using '正在' for continuous action.

7

为了安全,请严格按照处方服药。

For safety, please take the medicine strictly according to the prescription.

Using '按照' (according to).

8

电子处方比纸质处方更环保。

Electronic prescriptions are more environmentally friendly than paper ones.

Comparison using '比'.

1

由于处方不清晰,药剂师无法配药。

Due to the unclear prescription, the pharmacist cannot dispense the medicine.

Using '由于' (due to) in a formal context.

2

医院已经全面推行了电子处方系统。

The hospital has fully implemented an electronic prescription system.

Using '推行' (to implement/promote).

3

医生必须对所开的处方负责。

Doctors must be responsible for the prescriptions they write.

Using '对...负责' (be responsible for).

4

这张处方包含了三种不同的药物。

This prescription includes three different types of medicine.

Using '包含' (to include).

5

非法买卖处方是严重的犯罪行为。

Illegal buying and selling of prescriptions is a serious crime.

Discussing legal/ethical issues.

6

患者可以通过手机查看自己的处方记录。

Patients can check their prescription records through their mobile phones.

Using '通过' (through/by means of).

7

处方的剂量需要根据体重进行调整。

The prescription dosage needs to be adjusted based on weight.

Using '根据' (based on) and '进行' (to carry out).

8

他正在研究古代的中医处方。

He is researching ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions.

Using '研究' (research).

1

该政策旨在规范医生的处方行为。

This policy aims to regulate the prescribing behavior of doctors.

Formal language: '旨在' (aims to) and '规范' (regulate).

2

处方外流是当前医药改革的一个重要趋势。

Prescription outflow is an important trend in current medical reform.

Technical term: '处方外流' (prescription outflow).

3

药店必须严格审查处方的真实性。

Pharmacies must strictly verify the authenticity of prescriptions.

Using '审查' (to examine/verify) and '真实性' (authenticity).

4

这种罕见病的处方需要专家会诊后才能开具。

The prescription for this rare disease can only be issued after a consultation with experts.

Using '会诊' (consultation) and '开具' (formal 'to issue').

5

处方药的广告受到法律的严格限制。

Advertising for prescription drugs is strictly restricted by law.

Using '受到...限制' (to be restricted by).

6

医生在开处方时应考虑药物的相互作用。

Doctors should consider drug interactions when writing prescriptions.

Using '相互作用' (interaction).

7

这份处方体现了中西医结合的治疗理念。

This prescription reflects the treatment philosophy of combining Chinese and Western medicine.

Using '体现' (reflect/embody).

8

完善处方监管体系对保障患者安全至关重要。

Improving the prescription supervision system is crucial for ensuring patient safety.

Using '至关重要' (extremely important).

1

处方权的界定在医疗法理学中是一个核心议题。

The definition of prescribing rights is a core issue in medical jurisprudence.

Highly academic: '界定' (definition/delimitation) and '法理学' (jurisprudence).

2

通过大数据分析,我们可以优化处方的精准度。

Through big data analysis, we can optimize the precision of prescriptions.

Using '优化' (optimize) and '精准度' (precision).

3

处方药滥用已成为一个不容忽视的社会问题。

Prescription drug abuse has become a social problem that cannot be ignored.

Using '不容忽视' (cannot be ignored).

4

该研究探讨了社会经济因素对处方模式的影响。

The study explored the influence of socio-economic factors on prescription patterns.

Using '探讨' (explore/discuss) and '模式' (pattern).

5

在某些极端情况下,处方的法律效力会受到质疑。

In certain extreme cases, the legal validity of a prescription may be questioned.

Using '法律效力' (legal validity) and '受到质疑' (to be questioned).

6

医生在处方中对剂量的微调体现了其精湛的医术。

The doctor's fine-tuning of the dosage in the prescription reflects their exquisite medical skill.

Using '微调' (fine-tuning) and '精湛' (exquisite/superb).

7

处方集的编纂是一个极其严谨的科学过程。

The compilation of a formulary is an extremely rigorous scientific process.

Using '编纂' (compilation) and '严谨' (rigorous).

8

数字化转型彻底改变了处方的流转与核验方式。

Digital transformation has completely changed the way prescriptions are circulated and verified.

Using '流转' (circulation) and '核验' (verification).

Common Collocations

开处方
电子处方
凭处方
处方药
修改处方
处方单
审核处方
一张处方
处方有效期
重复处方

Common Phrases

医生处方

— A doctor's prescription. Used to emphasize the source.

这是正规的医生处方。

处方外流

— Prescription outflow. Refers to prescriptions being filled outside hospital pharmacies.

处方外流利好零售药店。

按方抓药

— To dispense medicine according to a prescription. Also an idiom for following a set pattern.

药店员工正在按方抓药。

处方权

— Prescribing rights. The legal authority to write prescriptions.

只有注册医生才有处方权。

伪造处方

— Forging a prescription. A serious legal offense.

伪造处方是违法的。

处方集

— A formulary. A collection of approved prescriptions.

这本处方集收录了常用药。

处方费

— Prescription fee. The cost associated with issuing the document.

有些地方会收取处方费。

处方限制

— Prescription restrictions. Limits on certain drugs.

由于处方限制,他买不到多余的药。

处方流转

— The transfer of prescriptions between medical institutions.

处方流转平台非常高效。

处方错误

— Prescription error. A mistake in the written order.

我们要避免任何处方错误。

Often Confused With

处方 vs 药方

Often used for TCM; 处方 is more modern/legal.

处方 vs 方法

General 'method'; 处方 is only for medical orders.

处方 vs 诊断

Diagnosis (the problem); 处方 is the solution (the medicine).

Idioms & Expressions

"药到病除"

— The medicine acts and the disease is cured. Often said after a good prescription is given.

医生的处方真神,真是药到病除。

Common
"对症下药"

— To prescribe the right medicine for the right symptom. To take effective measures for a problem.

我们需要对症下药,才能解决问题。

Common
"按图索骥"

— To follow clues; to act according to a plan (like following a prescription).

他只是按图索骥,没有自己的想法。

Literary
"妙手回春"

— Miraculous hands bring back the spring. Used to praise a doctor's skill in prescribing.

这位医生真是妙手回春。

Formal
"对症之药"

— The right medicine for the illness. A perfect solution.

这正是解决目前困境的对症之药。

Formal
"对症发药"

— To give medicine according to the symptoms.

医生必须对症发药。

Technical
"对症之方"

— The specific prescription for a specific disease.

这是治疗此病的对症之方。

Formal
"一剂良药"

— A dose of good medicine. Often used metaphorically for good advice.

你的话对我来说是一剂良药。

Literary
"良药苦口"

— Good medicine tastes bitter. Good advice is hard to hear.

虽然处方里的药很苦,但良药苦口利于病。

Common
"对症投药"

— Administering medicine according to symptoms.

对症投药是治疗的关键。

Formal

Easily Confused

处方 vs 处分

Similar sound (chǔfèn).

Chǔfèn means 'punishment' or 'disciplinary action.' Don't ask a doctor for a punishment!

他受到了学校的处分。

处方 vs 厨房

Similar sound (chúfáng).

Chúfáng means 'kitchen.' Tones are 2nd and 2nd.

我在厨房做饭。

处方 vs 地方

Shares '方'.

Dìfāng means 'place.'

这是什么地方?

处方 vs 方向

Shares '方'.

Fāngxiàng means 'direction.'

你走错方向了。

处方 vs 药店

Related context.

Yàodiàn is the 'pharmacy' (the place).

我去药店买药。

Sentence Patterns

A1

这是 [Noun]

这是处方。

A2

医生给 [Person] 开处方

医生给我开处方。

B1

凭 [Object] [Action]

凭处方买药。

B1

按照 [Object] [Action]

按照处方服药。

B2

[Noun] 是 [Adjective] 的

处方是电子的。

C1

[Verb] 处方的 [Noun]

审核处方的真实性。

C1

对...进行 [Noun]

对处方进行调整。

C2

[Noun] 旨在 [Action]

该政策旨在规范处方行为。

Word Family

Nouns

处方药
电子处方
处方单
处方笺

Verbs

开处方
核处方
审处方

Adjectives

处方性的

Related

医生
药剂师
药店
医院
诊断

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life and medical contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '写处方' instead of '开处方'. 开处方

    While 'write' makes sense, '开' is the professional medical term.

  • Confusing '处方' with '厨房'. 处方 (chǔfāng)

    One is a prescription, the other is a kitchen. Tones matter!

  • Saying '我要买处方'. 我要凭处方买药。

    You don't buy the prescription; you buy medicine using it.

  • Using '个' as the only measure word.

    '张' is more accurate for paper documents.

  • Confusing '处方' with '方法'. 处方

    '方法' is too general for a medical order.

Tips

Verb Pairing

Always pair '处方' with '开' (kāi) when talking about a doctor writing one.

Hospital Flow

In China, you often get the prescription, pay at a window, then collect the medicine.

Measure Word

Use '张' (zhāng) for a single slip of paper.

Tone Check

Don't confuse 'chǔfāng' (prescription) with 'chúfáng' (kitchen)!

Stroke Order

Practice the character '处' carefully; it's a bit tricky.

Politeness

Say '请帮我开一张处方' to sound polite to doctors.

Validity

Check the '有效期' (validity period) on your 处方.

OTC

Look for the OTC label to know if you don't need a 处方.

Apps

Many Chinese health apps now store your '电子处方'.

Traditional

If using herbal medicine, you might hear '药方' instead.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a doctor 'Choosing' (Chu) a 'Formula' (Fang) for you. Chu-Fang.

Visual Association

Visualize a white piece of paper with a large red 'X' or 'Rx' symbol, which is the international symbol for a prescription.

Word Web

Doctor Pharmacy Medicine Paper Health Signature Dosage Hospital

Challenge

Try to say 'Wǒ xūyào kāi yī zhāng chǔfāng' five times fast without mixing up the tones.

Word Origin

The term '处方' comes from classical Chinese medical texts. '处' (chǔ) means to decide or manage, while '方' (fāng) means a formula or recipe.

Original meaning: Originally, it meant 'to decide on a formula' for herbal medicine.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

Always respect the legal nature of a prescription; never suggest buying prescription drugs without one in a conversation.

In the US/UK, prescriptions are highly regulated and often sent electronically. In China, you might still get a paper slip in smaller clinics.

The Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) contains thousands of historical prescriptions. Modern Chinese medical dramas like 'The Bond' often feature prescription plots. Traditional TCM pharmacies often have walls of tiny drawers for different prescription ingredients.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital

  • 医生开处方
  • 去取药窗口
  • 交费单
  • 电子处方

At the Pharmacy

  • 凭处方买药
  • 处方药
  • 非处方药
  • 药剂师

Health Insurance

  • 医保报销
  • 处方范围
  • 自费药
  • 报销比例

Talking about Health

  • 按处方吃药
  • 处方丢了
  • 重新开处方
  • 有效的处方

TCM Clinic

  • 中药方
  • 抓药
  • 煎药
  • 调理处方

Conversation Starters

"医生,您能帮我开一张处方吗?"

"请问这种药需要处方吗?"

"我的处方找不到了,怎么办?"

"这张处方可以在其他药店用吗?"

"药剂师,请帮我看看这张处方。"

Journal Prompts

今天我去医院看病,医生给我开了一张处方。我感觉...

描述一下你在中国药店买药的经历,你用处方了吗?

你认为电子处方比纸质处方好吗?为什么?

如果你是一名医生,你会如何给病人写处方?

写一段关于忘记带处方的尴尬故事。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for cooking recipes, you should use '食谱' (shípǔ) or '菜谱' (càipǔ). '处方' is strictly medical.

Yes, it is the standard term in Taiwan as well, often pronounced similarly.

The most common measure word is '张' (zhāng) because it is a piece of paper. You can also use '份' (fèn) for a set or copy.

Legally, no. You must have a '处方' to buy antibiotics (抗生素) in China.

It means to write or issue a prescription. '开' here acts as the functional verb 'to issue'.

They are very similar, but '处方' is more formal and used for Western medicine, while '药方' is often used for Traditional Chinese Medicine.

It is '电子处方' (diànzǐ chǔfāng).

No, vitamins are usually '非处方药' (OTC) and don't require a '处方'.

Generally, no. Only licensed doctors have '处方权' (prescribing rights).

It means 'prescription drug' – medicine that requires a doctor's authorization.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence: 'The doctor wrote a prescription for me.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I need a prescription to buy this medicine.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'prescription' in Chinese characters.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Where is my prescription?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'This is an electronic prescription.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Please take medicine according to the prescription.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using '凭处方'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The doctor signed the prescription.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'Is this a prescription drug?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I lost my prescription.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'How long is the prescription valid?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The pharmacist is checking the prescription.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'I have two prescriptions.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'He didn't bring his prescription.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'The doctor is writing a prescription.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Please show your prescription.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'This prescription is for you.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The hospital uses electronic prescriptions.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'Don't forget the prescription.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'This is a TCM prescription.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Prescription' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Write a prescription'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I have a prescription'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Electronic prescription'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'This is my prescription'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Do I need a prescription?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The doctor is writing a prescription'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I lost the prescription'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Please look at the prescription'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'One prescription'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Prescription drug'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Take medicine according to the prescription'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Is the prescription valid?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Show the prescription'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Thank you for the prescription'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Where is the pharmacy?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The pharmacist is here'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I need to buy medicine'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The doctor is busy'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Wait for the prescription'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the word: chǔfāng.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to the sentence and translate: 医生开了处方。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: kāi chǔfāng.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: chǔfāng yào.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: yī zhāng chǔfāng.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and translate: 凭处方买药。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and translate: 处方过期了。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: diànzǐ chǔfāng.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and translate: 医生在签字。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: yàojìshī.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and translate: 请出示处方。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and translate: 别弄丢处方。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and translate: 处方单在哪里?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: fēi chǔfāng yào.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and translate: 按照处方服药。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

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