Inklingo

How to Say "medicines" in Spanish

English → Spanish

medicamentos

meh-dee-kah-MEN-tohs/me.ði.kaˈmen.tos/

nounA1general
Use 'medicamentos' when referring to pharmaceutical products or drugs in a general sense, especially when purchasing them from a pharmacy.
A high quality storybook illustration showing a simple white plastic bottle next to a small collection of colorful pills and capsules.

Examples

Necesito ir a la farmacia a comprar mis medicamentos.

I need to go to the pharmacy to buy my medicines.

El doctor me recetó unos medicamentos muy fuertes.

The doctor prescribed me some very strong drugs (medication).

Es importante seguir las instrucciones de los medicamentos al pie de la letra.

It is important to follow the medication instructions exactly.

Always Plural

When talking about medicine in general, or multiple types of pills, we usually use the plural 'medicamentos,' even when English might use the singular 'medicine'.

The Singular Form

If you are referring to a single type of medicine or drug, the singular is 'el medicamento' (which means 'the medicine').

Confusing Medicine

Mistake: “Me siento mal y necesito una medicina.”

Correction: Me siento mal y necesito medicamentos.

medicinas

meh-dee-SEE-nahs/meðiˈsinas/

nounA1general
Use 'medicinas' as the plural of 'medicina', often implying a specific course of treatment or a more general concept of remedies or drugs.
A high quality simple storybook illustration showing a collection of various colorful medications, including several round pills, capsules, and a small bottle of liquid medicine.

Examples

Necesito comprar mis medicinas en la farmacia.

I need to buy my medicines at the pharmacy.

El doctor me recetó unas medicinas muy fuertes.

The doctor prescribed me some very strong drugs.

¿Dónde guardas todas las medicinas para los niños?

Where do you keep all the medicines for the children?

Plural Form

This word is the plural form of 'medicina' (medicine). You use it when talking about multiple types of medication or a general supply of drugs.

English Singular vs. Spanish Plural

Mistake: “Using 'medicina' when referring to multiple pills or doses, like 'Tomo mi medicina.'”

Correction: Spanish often uses the plural 'medicinas' even when English might use the singular 'medicine' for a general treatment: 'Tomo mis medicinas.' (I take my medicine/drugs.)

Medicamentos vs. Medicinas

Learners often get confused because both 'medicamentos' and 'medicinas' can translate to 'medicines'. However, 'medicamentos' is more common for specific pharmaceutical products bought at a pharmacy, while 'medicinas' can sometimes feel broader, referring to a treatment or a set of remedies.

Related Translations

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