Inklingo

How to Say "drug" in Spanish

English → Spanish

droga

/DROH-gah//ˈdɾoɣa/

nounB1illicit substance
Use 'droga' when referring to illegal or illicit substances, often associated with recreational use or crime.
A small, plain white rectangular package resting on the ground, partially covered by yellow and black caution tape, symbolizing an illicit substance.

Examples

La policía incautó tres kilos de droga en el aeropuerto.

The police seized three kilos of drugs at the airport.

El consumo de droga puede arruinar vidas.

Drug use can ruin lives.

Mi serie favorita es una droga; no puedo parar de verla.

My favorite series is like a drug; I can't stop watching it.

Gender and Number

'Droga' is a feminine noun, so you always use feminine articles: 'la droga' (the drug) or 'las drogas' (the drugs).

medicamento

/meh-dee-kah-MEN-toh//meðikaˈmento/

nounA2pharmaceutical substance
Use 'medicamento' when talking about a legal pharmaceutical substance prescribed or recommended by a doctor to treat an illness.
A small orange bottle of medicine sitting next to a spoon and a few colorful capsules on a clean surface.

Examples

Tengo que tomar mi medicamento cada ocho horas.

I have to take my medication every eight hours.

El médico me recetó un medicamento para el dolor.

The doctor prescribed me a medicine for the pain.

¿Este medicamento tiene efectos secundarios?

Does this medication have side effects?

Masculine Noun Ending in -o

Since it ends in -o, it is almost always masculine. You should use 'el' or 'un' with it (el medicamento).

Using 'droga' instead

Mistake: “Using 'droga' to mean medicine.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'droga' usually refers to illegal substances. Use 'medicamento' or 'medicina' for health related items.

Droga vs. Medicamento

The most common mistake is using 'droga' to refer to legitimate medicine. Remember that 'droga' almost always implies an illegal substance, while 'medicamento' is the correct term for prescribed or over-the-counter drugs.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.