Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'druggist' is typically expressed by referring to a pharmacist or a drugstore, depending on context. The most common and natural term is 薬剤師 (pharmacist), while 薬屋 can refer to a drugstore or, less commonly, a druggist. Note that direct translation of 'druggist' as a person who sells drugs is not common; instead, specify the role or the place.
Referring to a licensed professional who prepares and dispenses medications.
Referring to a shop where medicines are sold.
The English word 'druggist' can sound old-fashioned or ambiguous. In Japanese, it's better to specify whether you mean a pharmacist (薬剤師) or a drugstore (薬局/薬屋). Using 薬屋 for a person is possible but less precise.
The standard term for a pharmacist. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
彼は薬剤師です。
He is a pharmacist.
薬剤師に相談してください。
Please consult the pharmacist.
Can mean a drugstore or a person who sells drugs, but it's ambiguous and less formal. Often used in casual speech to refer to a pharmacy or the person working there.
薬屋 can refer to the store itself, so context is needed to clarify you mean the person.
あの薬屋さんは親切だ。
That druggist is kind.
A pharmacy or drugstore, often where prescriptions are filled. More formal than 薬屋.
薬局で薬をもらいました。
I got medicine at the pharmacy.
A casual term for a drugstore or pharmacy. Can also mean a person who sells drugs.
近所の薬屋に行ってくる。
I'm going to the local drugstore.
Loanword from English, commonly used for modern drugstores that also sell daily necessities.
ドラッグストアで日用品も買える。
You can also buy daily necessities at the drugstore.