French · Real conversations

Appointments and pharmacies: useful French phrases

Arrange a visit and clarify medicine instructions.

Start with the essentials

Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.

Pharmacy
la pharmacie
Pharmacy
Medicine
le médicament
Medicine
I feel sick
je ne me sens pas bien
I feel sick
I need a doctor
j'ai besoin d'un médecin
I need a doctor

Make the conversation more specific

Useful French expressions for appointments and pharmacies
What you want to say	French
Pharmacy	la pharmacie Pharmacy
Medicine	le médicament Medicine
I feel sick	je ne me sens pas bien I feel sick
I need a doctor	j'ai besoin d'un médecin I need a doctor
Do I need a prescription?	Il faut une ordonnance ? Show English translation Do I need a prescription?
How often should I take it?	À quelle fréquence dois-je le prendre ? Show English translation How often should I take it?
I'd like to make an appointment.	Je voudrais prendre rendez-vous. Show English translation I'd like to make an appointment.
Is there anything available today?	Il reste une place aujourd'hui ? Show English translation Is there anything available today?
I've had this for ... days.	Ça fait … jours que j'ai ça. Show English translation I've had this for … days.

Read the other side of the exchange

Partner
Bonjour. Vous voulez des renseignements sur ce médicament ?
Hello. Are you asking about this medicine?
You
Il faut une ordonnance ?
Do I need a prescription?
Partner
Oui, une ordonnance est nécessaire. Le pharmacien peut expliquer l'étiquette.
Yes, a prescription is required. The pharmacist can explain the label.
You
À quelle fréquence dois-je le prendre ?
How often should I take it?

Appointments and pharmacies in other languages

A note on speaking French

Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.

Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.