Italian · Real conversations

Appointments and pharmacies: useful Italian 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 farmacia
Pharmacy
Medicine
la medicina
Medicine
I feel sick
mi sento male
I feel sick
I need a doctor
ho bisogno di un medico
I need a doctor

Make the conversation more specific

Useful Italian expressions for appointments and pharmacies
What you want to say	Italian
Pharmacy	la farmacia Pharmacy
Medicine	la medicina Medicine
I feel sick	mi sento male I feel sick
I need a doctor	ho bisogno di un medico I need a doctor
Do I need a prescription?	Serve la ricetta? Show English translation Do I need a prescription?
How often should I take it?	Ogni quanto devo prenderlo? Show English translation How often should I take it?
I'd like to make an appointment.	Vorrei prendere un appuntamento. Show English translation I'd like to make an appointment.
Is there anything available today?	C'è qualche posto libero oggi? Show English translation Is there anything available today?
I've had this for ... days.	Ce l'ho da … giorni. Show English translation I've had this for … days.

Read the other side of the exchange

Partner
Buongiorno. Vuole informazioni su questa medicina?
Hello. Are you asking about this medicine?
You
Serve la ricetta?
Do I need a prescription?
Partner
Sì, serve la ricetta. Il farmacista può spiegare l'etichetta.
Yes, a prescription is required. The pharmacist can explain the label.
You
Ogni quanto devo prenderlo?
How often should I take it?

Appointments and pharmacies in other languages

A note on speaking Italian

Use tu with friends and Lei with someone you address formally. A request with vorrei or potrebbe can soften the tone; it still helps to say what you need clearly. The examples label the situation so you can choose the appropriate relationship.

Read doubled consonants distinctly and keep the written accents. The English translation explains the intended message; Italian often chooses a different construction rather than matching each English word.