Italian · Body & Health
"Medicine" in Italian: medicina
la medicina
Note: also: il farmaco
Medicine in Italian is la medicina (meh-dee-CHEE-nah), feminine: prendere una medicina. A specific drug is often il farmaco; medicina also means the field of medicine.
At home sick
Hai già preso la medicina stamattina?Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce medicina
Say it
meh-dee-CHEE-nah
/mediˈtʃi.na/
Medicina stresses CHEE: meh-dee-CHEE-nah. Soft c before i.
"Medicine" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la medicina | the medicine / medical science Pills or the profession. | Pills or the profession. |
| prendere una medicina | to take medicine Daily dose talk. | Daily dose talk. |
| il farmaco | the drug / medication More technical label. | More technical label. |
| senza ricetta | over the counter Pharmacy shelves. | Pharmacy shelves. |
How to use medicina in real life
- 1At home sick
Hai già preso la medicina stamattina?
Have you already taken the medicine this morning?
Prendere la medicina.
- 2Pharmacy counter
Mi serve una medicina per la tosse.
I need a medicine for the cough.
Una medicina + per.
- 3Travel kit
Metto la medicina nell'astuccio del beauty.
I'm putting the medicine in the toiletry case.
La medicina as the bottle/pack.
Mistakes English speakers make with medicina
Incorrect: Il medicina è amaro.
Correct: La medicina è amara.
Medicina is feminine.
Incorrect: Bevo la medicine.
Correct: Prendo la medicina.
Use medicina and usually prendere, not the English plural.
Good to know
Italian pharmacies (farmacie) advise on medicina without always needing a doctor first for mild cases. Keep the receipt and ask about orari—many close for lunch.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Checking a cold remedy at home
ChatPal
Dove hai messo la medicina per la febbre?
Where did you put the fever medicine?
You
È sul tavolo. Prendo la medicina dopo pranzo.
It's on the table. I'll take the medicine after lunch.
ChatPal
Leggi bene la dose sulla scatola.
Read the dose on the box carefully.
You
Sì, non esagero.
Yes, I won't overdo it.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Medicine" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Medicine" in Italian
Medicina or farmaco?
Medicina is everyday; farmaco is more formal or label language.
How do I say take your medicine?
Prendi la medicina.
Does medicina also mean medical school?
Yes—studiare medicina is studying medicine.
Is it feminine?
Yes: la medicina, una medicina.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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