| Feeling under the weather in China? Don't let a headache or sniffles slow down your amazing adventure! Knowing how to navigate a local 药房 (yàofáng) - Pharmacy is a crucial life skill, and a fantastic way to practice your Chinese. Here’s your quick guide to getting the help you need.  Finding Your Medicine Walk into a typical 药房 (yàofáng), and you’ll find shelves packed with everything from vitamins to bandages. The key is clearly explaining your symptoms to the friendly 药师 (yàoshī) - Pharmacist. Describe Your Problem: Start simple: "我感冒了。(Wǒ gǎnmào le.) - I have a cold." "我头疼。(Wǒ tóuténg.) - I have a headache." "我嗓子疼。(Wǒ sǎngzi téng.) - I have a sore throat." "我拉肚子。(Wǒ lā dùzi.) - I have diarrhea." "我过敏。(Wǒ guòmǐn.) - I have an allergy." (Pointing helps!) Specify What You Need: Ask directly: "我需要感冒药。(Wǒ xūyào gǎnmào yào.) - I need cold medicine." "有止痛药吗？(Yǒu zhǐtòng yào ma?) - Do you have painkillers?" "请给我创可贴。(Qǐng gěi wǒ chuāngkětiē.) - Please give me band-aids." "我需要眼药水。(Wǒ xūyào yǎnyàoshuǐ.) - I need eye drops." Important Considerations at the 药房 (yàofáng) 处方药 (chǔfāng yào) vs. 非处方药 (fēi chǔfāng yào): Understand the difference! 处方药 (chǔfāng yào): Prescription Medicine. For stronger medications like certain antibiotics, you will need a doctor's 处方 (chǔfāng) - Prescription. 非处方药 (fēi chǔfāng yào): Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicine. These you can buy directly. Common examples include pain relievers like 布洛芬 (Bùluòfēn) - Ibuprofen, basic cold tablets 感冒药 (gǎnmào yào), or antacids. Traditional Options: The pharmacist might suggest 中药 (zhōngyào) - Traditional Chinese Medicine options alongside Western medicine. Popular items include 板蓝根 (bǎnlángēn) (for colds/flu) or 夏桑菊颗粒 (xiàsāngjú kēlì) (for heat relief). Feel free to ask: "这是中药吗？(Zhè shì zhōngyào ma?) - Is this Chinese medicine?" Dosage & Instructions: Always ask: "怎么吃？(Zěnme chī?) - How do I take this?" or "一天吃几次？(Yì tiān chī jǐ cì?) - How many times a day?". Listen for 一次 (yī cì) - once, 两次 (liǎng cì) - twice, 饭前 (fàn qián) - before meals, or 饭后 (fàn hòu) - after meals. Alternatives: If they don't have the specific brand you know, ask: "有类似的药吗？(Yǒu lèisì de yào ma?) - Do you have a similar medicine? A trip to the 药房 (yàofáng) doesn’t have to be daunting. With these key phrases in your pocket, you can effectively communicate your needs. It’s practical language practice that keeps you healthy and exploring. Remember, your 药师 (yàoshī) is there to help! |
| FOLLOW US： |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |