Translation guide
In Japanese, powdered medicine is most commonly referred to as 粉薬 (こなぐすり). This is the standard term used in pharmacies and everyday conversation. There are also more specific or technical terms depending on the context, such as traditional Kampo powders or granule forms.
The most common way to refer to powdered medicine in everyday and medical contexts.
The standard, widely understood term for powdered medicine. Used in pharmacies, hospitals, and daily conversation.
粉薬を水で飲みました。
I took the powdered medicine with water.
この粉薬は苦いです。
This powdered medicine is bitter.
A more technical or formal term for powdered medicine, often used in medical or pharmaceutical contexts.
医師が散薬を処方しました。
The doctor prescribed a powdered medicine.
Referring specifically to powdered herbal medicine used in Kampo (traditional Japanese medicine).
Literally 'powder of Kampo medicine'. Used when you need to specify that the powder is a traditional herbal remedy.
漢方薬の粉末をお湯に溶かして飲みます。
Dissolve the Kampo medicine powder in hot water and drink it.
A pharmaceutical term for powder preparations, including Kampo powders. Very technical.
この散剤は食前に服用してください。
Take this powder preparation before meals.
In Japanese pharmacies, granulated medicine is sometimes loosely called 'powdered medicine' by English speakers, but there is a distinct term.
Technically means 'granules', but often used for granulated medicine that resembles coarse powder. Common in prescriptions.
顆粒の薬は粉薬より飲みやすいです。
Granulated medicine is easier to take than powdered medicine.
When asking for powdered medicine at a Japanese pharmacy, you can say 粉薬はありますか？ (こなぐすりはありますか？). If you need a specific type, like Kampo, you can say 漢方の粉薬 (かんぽうのこなぐすり).
The word 粉 (こな) alone means 'powder' in general (e.g., flour, baby powder). To specify medicine, always use 粉薬 or 薬の粉 (くすりのこな).