learnlingo
Get started
Phrasebook

English Phrases at the Pharmacy

Feeling unwell abroad? These phrases help you describe your symptoms, ask a pharmacist for advice and understand how to take your medicine safely.

35 phrases · By LearnLingo Team · Updated

Tap to hear a phrase. Levels follow the CEFR scale. American English is the default; British variants are noted.

Describing symptoms

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

I have a headache.

A1
Başım ağrıyor.
  • How long have you had it?
  • Do you have a fever too?

I have a sore throat.

A1
Boğazım ağrıyor.
  • These lozenges might help.
  • Any coughing?

I've had a cough for three days.

A2

Present perfect with for: I've had, not I have since three days.

Üç gündür öksürüyorum.
  • Is it a dry cough?
  • Are you coughing anything up?

I think I have a fever.

A2

UK also: a temperature.

Sanırım ateşim var.
  • Have you checked your temperature?
  • This will bring it down.

I have a stomachache.

A1
Midem ağrıyor.
  • Have you eaten anything unusual?
  • Is it a sharp pain?

I feel sick.

A2

In the UK this means you might vomit. US often: I feel nauseous.

Midem bulanıyor.
  • Try this for nausea.
  • Have you been sick?

I have a runny nose and I keep sneezing.

B1
Burnum akıyor ve sürekli hapşırıyorum.
  • Sounds like a cold.
  • Could it be an allergy?

I've been bitten by mosquitoes.

B1
Beni sivrisinekler ısırdı.
  • This cream will stop the itching.
  • Are they swollen?

My skin is itchy.

A2
Cildim kaşınıyor.
  • Is there a rash?
  • Try this antihistamine.

I can't sleep.

A1
Uyuyamıyorum.
  • How long has this been going on?
  • We have a herbal option.

Asking for medicine

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

What can I take for a cold?

A2
Soğuk algınlığı için ne alabilirim?
  • This one is good for colds.
  • Rest and drink plenty of water.

Do you have something for a headache?

A2
Baş ağrısı için bir şeyiniz var mı?
  • Ibuprofen or acetaminophen?
  • These are in aisle two.

Do I need a prescription for this?

A2
Bunun için reçete gerekiyor mu?
  • Yes, you need to see a doctor.
  • No, it's over the counter.

Can I get this without a prescription?

B1

Over the counter = no prescription needed.

Bunu reçetesiz alabilir miyim?
  • Only a small pack.
  • I'm sorry, not this one.

Is there a cheaper version?

B1

The generic version = same medicine, different brand.

Daha ucuz bir muadili var mı?
  • Yes, the generic is cheaper.
  • This is the only one we have.

Do you have this in tablets instead of syrup?

B1
Bunun şurup yerine tablet hali var mı?
  • Yes, here you are.
  • Only capsules, I'm afraid.

I need some bandages.

A2

US: Band-Aids. UK: plasters.

Biraz yara bandına ihtiyacım var.
  • What size do you need?
  • They're by the door.

Do you have sunscreen?

A1
Güneş kreminiz var mı?
  • Yes, what SPF?
  • Over there by the window.

Prescriptions

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

I'd like to pick up a prescription.

A2

UK: collect a prescription.

Reçetemi almak istiyorum.
  • What's your name and date of birth?
  • It'll be ready in twenty minutes.

My doctor gave me this prescription.

A2
Doktorum bana bu reçeteyi verdi.
  • Let me check if we have it.
  • Do you have insurance?

Can I get a refill?

B1

Refill = more of the same prescribed medicine. UK: repeat prescription.

İlacımı yeniden alabilir miyim?
  • You have one refill left.
  • You need a new prescription.

When will it be ready?

A1
Ne zaman hazır olur?
  • In about fifteen minutes.
  • Tomorrow morning.

I take this medicine in Turkey. Is there an equivalent here?

B1

Show the box: the active ingredient is the same worldwide.

Bu ilacı Türkiye'de kullanıyorum. Burada muadili var mı?
  • Let me look up the active ingredient.
  • Yes, it's sold under a different name.

Dosage and instructions

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

How often should I take it?

A2
Ne sıklıkla almalıyım?
  • Twice a day.
  • Every six hours.

Should I take it with food?

A2
Yemekle birlikte mi almalıyım?
  • Yes, after meals.
  • No, on an empty stomach.

How many tablets should I take?

A2
Kaç tablet almalıyım?
  • Two tablets, three times a day.
  • One before bed.

How long should I take it for?

B1
Ne kadar süre kullanmalıyım?
  • For seven days.
  • Until you finish the box.

Can I take it with alcohol?

B1
Alkolle birlikte alabilir miyim?
  • No, avoid alcohol with this.
  • A small amount is fine.

Is it safe for children?

A2
Çocuklar için güvenli mi?
  • Not under twelve.
  • We have a children's version.

Is it okay to take while pregnant?

B1
Hamileyken kullanmak sorun olur mu?
  • Please check with your doctor first.
  • Yes, this one is safe.

Allergies and side effects

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

I'm allergic to penicillin.

A2

Allergic to, not allergic from or against.

Penisiline alerjim var.
  • Thanks for telling me.
  • Then this one is fine for you.

Are there any side effects?

A2
Yan etkileri var mı?
  • It might make you drowsy.
  • Some people get a mild headache.

Will it make me sleepy?

A2

Labels often say: may cause drowsiness.

Uyku yapar mı?
  • It might, so don't drive.
  • No, this is non-drowsy.

I'm already taking other medication.

B1

Medication is a little more formal and usually uncountable; medicine is more everyday.

Zaten başka ilaçlar kullanıyorum.
  • What are you taking?
  • Let me check for interactions.

Should I see a doctor?

A2
Doktora gitmeli miyim?
  • If it doesn't get better in three days, yes.
  • I'd recommend it.

Sample dialogues

Asking for advice

Pharmacist
Hi, how can I help you?
Merhaba, size nasıl yardımcı olabilirim?
You
I have a sore throat and a runny nose.
Boğazım ağrıyor ve burnum akıyor.
Pharmacist
How long have you had these symptoms?
Bu belirtiler ne zamandır var?
You
Since yesterday. I think I have a cold.
Dünden beri. Sanırım soğuk algınlığım var.
Pharmacist
Do you have a fever?
Ateşiniz var mı?
You
No, I don't think so.
Hayır, sanmıyorum.
Pharmacist
Try these lozenges and drink plenty of fluids.
Bu pastilleri deneyin ve bol sıvı için.
You
How often should I take them?
Ne sıklıkla almalıyım?
Pharmacist
One every three hours, up to eight a day.
Üç saatte bir, günde en fazla sekiz tane.

Picking up a prescription

You
Hi, I'd like to pick up a prescription.
Merhaba, reçetemi almak istiyorum.
Pharmacist
Sure. What's your name and date of birth?
Tabii. Adınız ve doğum tarihiniz nedir?
You
Murat Kaya, March third, 1990.
Murat Kaya, 3 Mart 1990.
Pharmacist
Here it is. Are you taking any other medication?
İşte burada. Başka ilaç kullanıyor musunuz?
You
No. Should I take it with food?
Hayır. Yemekle mi almalıyım?
Pharmacist
Yes, twice a day after meals. Avoid alcohol.
Evet, günde iki kez yemekten sonra. Alkolden kaçının.
You
Are there any side effects?
Yan etkileri var mı?
Pharmacist
It might upset your stomach a little at first.
İlk başta midenizi biraz rahatsız edebilir.

Common mistakes Turkish speakers make

My head is aching me.

I have a headache.

English uses have with most symptoms: I have a headache, a cough, a fever.

I have cough since three days.

I've had a cough for three days.

Use the present perfect with for plus a length of time, and the article a.

Can you give me a recipe?

Can you fill my prescription?

False friend: reçete is prescription; a recipe is for cooking.

I am allergic against penicillin.

I'm allergic to penicillin.

Allergic always takes the preposition to.

I want a medicine for my stomach.

Could I have something for an upset stomach?

Something for... is more natural, and could sounds politer than want.

Quick quiz

Eight questions to check what you remember. Pick an answer to see if it is right.

  1. 1. What is the English for "reçete"?

  2. 2. "I'm allergic ___ nuts."

  3. 3. What does "over the counter" mean?

  4. 4. Choose the natural sentence.

  5. 5. In the UK, a Band-Aid is usually called a...

  6. 6. "How ___ should I take it?" (asking about frequency)

  7. 7. What does "may cause drowsiness" mean?

  8. 8. "I've had a fever ___ Monday."

0 of 8 answered

Show all answers
  1. prescription
  2. to
  3. No prescription needed
  4. I have a sore throat.
  5. plaster
  6. often
  7. It may make you sleepy
  8. since

See what the A2 English course covers, or test your level first.

People also ask

What is the difference between a pharmacy and a drugstore?+

In the US a pharmacy often sits inside a drugstore that also sells snacks and cosmetics. In the UK people often say chemist's. All three places sell medicine.

How do I describe pain in English?+

Use have with a symptom, like I have a headache, or my back hurts. You can add sharp, dull or constant to describe the pain.

Can a pharmacist give medical advice?+

Yes, pharmacists can advise on minor problems like colds and allergies. For serious or long-lasting symptoms, they will tell you to see a doctor.

What should I tell the pharmacist before buying medicine?+

Mention any allergies, other medication you take and whether you are pregnant. This helps them choose something safe for you.

Related reading

Vocabulary · A1

Body Parts Vocabulary

Learn the English names for body parts from head to toe, plus how to describe pain and symptoms at the doctor, with irregular plurals and idioms.

6 min readCommon Mistakes · A2

How to Make Polite Requests in English

How to make polite requests in English with can, could, would and would you mind, from casual to formal, plus how to reply.

6 min readLevels & Exams · A2

English for Travel: The Essential Guide

The essential English for travel: key phrases for airports, hotels, transport, restaurants, shopping, directions and emergencies, plus tips for speaking with confidence.

6 min readGrammar · A2

Can and Could: Ability, Requests and Permission

Learn how to use can and could for ability, permission, requests, possibility and suggestions, with clear rules, examples and a practice quiz.

6 min read

More phrasebook topics

All phrasebook topics