Translation and Meaning of: 薬局 - yakyoku
On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 薬局 (yakyoku) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.
Romaji: yakyoku
Kana: やっきょく
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n2
Translation / Meaning: pharmacy; medicine store
Meaning in English: pharmacy;drugstore
Definition: Store that sells and dispenses medications and carries out health consultations.
Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases
Explanation and Etymology - (薬局) yakyoku
The word 「薬局」 (yakyoku), composed of the characters 「薬」 (yaku) and 「局」 (kyoku), refers to a pharmacy or dispensary. 「薬」 means "medicine" or "medication," while 「局」 is usually translated as "station," "department," or "office." Thus, the combination of the two characters implies a place or establishment dedicated to the distribution of medicines. This term is commonly used to designate points of sale where medications are sold to the public.
The etymology of the word can be well interpreted by analyzing its characters. 「薬」 has a connection with the radicals related to healing and medicine. The herb radical 「艹」 refers to the tradition of using plants and herbs in medicine, while 「楽」 (raku) — which serves as part of the ideogram — can symbolize the harmony sought when treating illnesses. Meanwhile, 「局」 involves the radical 「尸」 which suggests a house or structure. Thus, the word provides a clear image of a place where health care is practiced.
Historically, the concept of 「薬局」 evolved as pharmaceutical practices were structured in Japan. During the Edo and Meiji periods, the influence of both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine shaped what we know today as pharmacy establishments. In large and small cities, these pharmacies serve as key access points to health treatments, where pharmacists play essential roles in guiding the correct use of medications.
In modern daily life, 「薬局」 are found not only as places for selling medicines but also offer beauty and personal care products, making them an integral part of the health and wellness experience for many. The term can sometimes be replaced or related to other terms, such as 「ドラッグストア」 (doraggusutoa) which also refers to stores that sell medicines and a variety of other products.
Synonyms and similar words
- 薬店 (やっきょく) - Drugstore; usually a pharmacy that can sell prescription medications.
- ドラッグストア (どらっぐすとあ) - Drugstore; a store that sells medications and health products, as well as consumer items, similar to a modern pharmacy.
- 薬売り場 (やくうりば) - Medication section; part of a store or pharmacy where medications are sold.
Words with the same pronunciation: やっきょく yakyoku
How to Write in Japanese - (薬局) yakyoku
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (薬局) yakyoku:
Example Sentences - (薬局) yakyoku
Below are some example sentences:
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 the same type: Noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Noun
