Translation and Meaning of: 薬 - kusuri
The Japanese word 薬[くすり] is essential for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "medicine" or "medication," but it carries interesting nuances that go beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore everything from the origin of the term to its usage in daily life, including cultural curiosities and tips for memorization. If you want to understand how the Japanese perceive the concept of healing and treatment, keep reading.
Meaning and origin of 薬[くすり]
The word 薬[くすり] is written with the kanji 薬, which combines the radical for "grass" (艹) with the component 楽, associated with "comfort" or "relief." This composition already suggests a relationship between medicinal plants and well-being, reflecting the herbal tradition of Eastern medicine. Historically, Japan inherited much pharmaceutical knowledge from China, and the term 薬 was used for both natural remedies and chemical substances.
It is worth noting that, although くすり is the most common reading, the same kanji can be read as "yaku" in compounds, such as in 薬局[やっきょく] (pharmacy). This duality of readings is typical of Japanese and reinforces the importance of learning the context in which the word appears.
Everyday and cultural use
In Japan, 薬[くすり] is a common term in medical and home environments. Unlike in Western countries, where medications are often viewed with some distrust, the Japanese tend to resort to remedies more easily, whether for colds or minor pains. Pharmacies like ドラッグストア (drugstores) sell everything from pain relievers to cosmetic products, showcasing the broadness of the concept.
Culturally, the word also appears in expressions like 薬に頼る[くすりにたよる] (to rely on medicine), which can have a negative connotation. Furthermore, traditional Japanese medicine, such as kampo (漢方), uses herbs and ancestral formulas, keeping the connection between 薬 and nature alive.
Tips for memorization and curiosities
An effective way to memorize 薬[くすり] is to associate the kanji with its visual form: the grass radical (艹) on top resembles leaves, while the bottom part evokes the idea of relief. Another tip is to practice with simple phrases like 薬を飲む[くすりをのむ] (take medicine), common in everyday life.
Interestingly, in some regional dialects, such as that of Osaka, 薬 can be pronounced slightly differently, but the writing remains the same. Additionally, the term has been used in the past to refer to potions and mystical elixirs in folk tales, illustrating how its meaning has evolved over time.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 薬剤 (Yakuza) - Medicinal substance or chemical component used in medications.
- 医薬品 (Iyakuhin) - Pharmaceutical product, medication intended for the treatment of diseases.
- 薬物 (Yakubutsu) - Chemical substance used for therapeutic or recreational purposes, may imply controlled use.
- 薬剤師 (Yakuzaishi) - Pharmacist; professional responsible for dispensing and advising on medications.
- 薬局 (Yakkyoku) - Pharmacy; a commercial establishment that sells medications and health-related products.
Related words
Romaji: kusuri
Kana: くすり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5
Translation / Meaning: medicine
Meaning in English: medicine
Definition: A substance used to treat or prevent a disease or condition.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (薬) kusuri
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (薬) kusuri:
Example Sentences - (薬) kusuri
See below some example sentences:
Yakuhin wa chūi shite atsukatte kudasai
Please handle chemicals carefully.
Please be careful with chemicals.
- 薬品 - Noun meaning "chemical" or "medicine".
- は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "chemical product".
- 注意して - Verb "注意する" (pay attention, be careful) in the gerund, indicating the action of paying attention.
- 扱って - Verb "扱う" (handle, deal with) in the gerund, indicating the action of dealing with the chemical product.
- ください - Verb "くださる" (give, offer) in the imperative, indicating a request for the person to do something, in this case, to be careful when dealing with the chemical.
Kono kusuri no yōhō o yoku yonde kara shiyō shite kudasai
Please read the instructions for using this medicine carefully before using it.
Read the use of this medicine carefully before using it.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- 薬 - noun meaning "remedy" or "medicine"
- の - possessive particle indicating that the preceding noun is the owner or origin of something
- 用法 - noun meaning "how to use" or "instructions for use"
- を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
- よく - adverb meaning "well" or "properly"
- 読んで - verb form of "ler" in the imperative
- から - particle indicating the reason or motive for something
- 使用して - verb form of "use" in the imperative
- ください - verb meaning "please" or "do"
Kono kusuri no kouryoku wa hijou ni takai desu
The effect of this medicine is very high.
- この - this
- 薬 - medicine
- の - of
- 効力 - effectiveness
- は - is
- 非常に - very
- 高い - high
- です - is (politeness)
Kono kusuri no kikime wa sugoku tsuyoi desu
The effect of this medicine is very strong.
- この - this
- 薬 - medicine
- の - Possession particle
- 効き目 - effect
- は - Topic particle
- すごく - very
- 強い - strong
- です - Verb to be/estar
Kono kusuri no kouka wa subarashii desu
The effect of this drug is wonderful.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- 薬 - noun meaning "medicine"
- の - possessive particle indicating that the medicine is the object of the sentence
- 効果 - noun meaning "effect"
- は - topic particle indicating that the effect of the medicine is the subject of the sentence
- 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
- です - auxiliary verb indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative
- . - period indicating the end of the sentence
Kono kusuri no hannō wa dō desu ka?
How is the reaction of this medicine?
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- 薬 - noun meaning "remedy" or "medicine"
- の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
- 反応 - noun meaning "reaction" or "response"
- は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- どう - adverb meaning "how" or "in what way"
- です - Verb "to be" in polite form
- か - Particle that indicates a question
Yakkyoku de kusuri wo kaimashita
I bought a medicine from a pharmacy.
- 薬局 (yakkyoku) - pharmacy
- で (de) - in
- 薬 (kusuri) - medicine
- を (wo) - direct object
- 買いました (kaimashita) - I bought
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
