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How to Say "pill" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pill” is “pastilla” — use 'pastilla' for a general, solid pill or tablet taken for medicinal purposes, especially for common ailments like headaches..

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pastilla

/pas-TEE-yah//pasˈtiʝa/

nounA1general
Use 'pastilla' for a general, solid pill or tablet taken for medicinal purposes, especially for common ailments like headaches.
A single round blue medicinal pill on a plain surface.

Examples

Tengo que tomar una pastilla para el dolor de cabeza.

I have to take a pill for my headache.

¿Cuántas pastillas te recetó el médico?

How many pills did the doctor prescribe you?

Gender and Articles

This word is feminine, so you should always use 'la' or 'una' with it (la pastilla, una pastilla).

Using 'Pillar' vs 'Tomar'

Mistake: “Yo pillo una pastilla.”

Correction: Always use 'tomar' (to take) when talking about medicine. Say 'tomo una pastilla'.

medicina

/meh-dee-SEE-nah//meðiˈsina/

nounA1general
Use 'medicina' when referring to medicine in a broader sense, like 'take your medicine,' which can include pills, liquids, or other forms.
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.

Gender Alert

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

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.

píldora

nounA2general
Use 'píldora' for a pill, often implying a smaller, more specific dosage or a particular type of medication, sometimes also used figuratively.

Examples

El médico me dijo que tomara una píldora después de cenar.

The doctor told me to take a pill after dinner.

cápsula

nounA2general
Use 'cápsula' specifically for a capsule, which is a type of pill where the medicine is enclosed in a gelatinous outer shell.

Examples

El doctor me recetó unas cápsulas para el dolor.

The doctor prescribed me some capsules for the pain.

Pastilla vs. Píldora

Learners often confuse 'pastilla' and 'píldora' as they both refer to solid pills. 'Pastilla' is generally more common for everyday medicines like pain relievers, while 'píldora' can sometimes suggest a specific type or dosage, though they are often interchangeable in casual speech.

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