Inklingo

How to Say "medicine" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “medicine” is “medicina” — use 'medicina' when referring to a substance or drug used to treat illness, or for the broader field of study and practice of healing..

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medicina

/meh-dee-SEE-nah//meðiˈsina/

nounA1general
Use 'medicina' when referring to a substance or drug used to treat illness, or for the broader field of study and practice of healing.
A small, transparent glass bottle filled with bright red liquid medicine, next to a small measuring spoon.

Examples

Necesitas tomar esta medicina dos veces al día.

You need to take this medicine twice a day.

¿Dónde puedo comprar la medicina para el dolor de cabeza?

Where can I buy the medicine for the headache?

Esta medicina tiene un sabor muy amargo.

This medication has a very bitter taste.

Estudiar medicina es una carrera muy exigente.

Studying medicine is a very demanding career.

Gender Alert

Remember that 'medicina' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' (la medicina) and feminine adjectives (medicina buena).

Using the definite article

When talking about the field of study in general, Spanish usually uses 'la' before 'medicina' ('La medicina es importante').

Using the wrong synonym

Mistake: “Using 'doctor' instead of 'medicina' when referring to a drug. ('Necesito un doctor para la tos' instead of 'una medicina para la tos')”

Correction: Use 'medicamento' or 'medicina' for the substance, and 'médico' or 'doctor' for the person.

medicamento

/meh-dee-kah-MEN-toh//meðikaˈmento/

nounA2general
Use 'medicamento' as a general term for any health remedy or prescribed drug, often emphasizing the physical item you take.
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.

remedio

reh-MEH-dyoh/reˈmeðjo/

nounA2general
Use 'remedio' for a medication or drug, often implying a cure or relief for a specific ailment, sometimes with a more informal or traditional feel.
A simple brown medicine bottle with a cork stopper, standing next to a small silver spoon containing a dose of clear liquid.

Examples

El doctor me dio un remedio muy fuerte para la gripe.

The doctor gave me a very strong medicine for the flu.

Dicen que el ajo es un remedio natural excelente para el resfriado.

They say that garlic is an excellent natural remedy for a cold.

¿Conoces algún remedio casero para las quemaduras?

Do you know any home remedies for burns?

Gender Rule

Even though it ends in '-o', 'remedio' is a masculine noun, so you use 'el remedio' or 'un remedio'.

Remedio vs. Medicina

Mistake: “Usando 'remedio' para referirse a la ciencia médica.”

Correction: 'Remedio' is usually a specific substance or action (like a pill or a treatment). If you mean the general field of study, use 'medicina' (medicine/the field).

medicación

nounA1formal
Use 'medicación' to refer to the act of prescribing or administering drugs, or the course of treatment itself, rather than a specific substance.

Examples

La doctora me recetó una medicación muy fuerte.

The doctor prescribed me very strong medication.

Medicina vs. Medicamento

The most common confusion is between 'medicina' and 'medicamento'. While both can mean 'medicine', 'medicina' also refers to the field of study, whereas 'medicamento' is typically a specific health product. When referring to the physical substance you consume, 'medicamento' is often a safer, more specific choice, though 'medicina' is also correct in that context.

Related Translations

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