Inklingo

How to Say "tablets" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pastillas

/pah-STEE-yahs//pasˈtiʎas/

nounA1general
Use 'pastillas' when referring to general medication in pill or tablet form, including over-the-counter remedies or supplements.
A small cluster of white and orange round medical pills resting on a surface.

Examples

Tengo que tomar dos pastillas después de cada comida.

I have to take two pills after every meal.

¿Dónde guardas las pastillas para el dolor de cabeza?

Where do you keep the headache tablets?

Always Plural in Context

Even if you are talking about medication in general, you usually use the plural 'pastillas' instead of the singular 'pastilla'.

Confusing 'Pastilla' and 'Píldora'

Mistake: “Using 'píldora' for general medication.”

Correction: While 'píldora' means 'pill,' 'pastilla' is far more common for all types of tablets and capsules. Save 'píldora' for contraceptive pills.

píldoras

nounA1general
Use 'píldoras' specifically for prescription medications or drugs, often implying a more potent or regulated substance.

Examples

Necesito ir a la farmacia a comprar mis píldoras para la presión.

I need to go to the pharmacy to buy my pills for my blood pressure.

General vs. Specific Medication

Learners often use 'píldoras' for any type of pill, but 'pastillas' is more common for general medication. Reserve 'píldoras' for prescription drugs or when you want to emphasize that it's a specific, often regulated, medication.

Related Translations

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