💊 French phrase guide
How to ask for help at a pharmacy in French
Feeling under the weather abroad is no fun, but pharmacists are some of the most helpful people you'll meet. These phrases help you explain what's wrong and understand how to take what they give you.
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key French phrases
| French | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| J'ai besoin de quelque chose contre le mal de tête. | I need something for a headache. | |
| J'ai un rhume. | I have a cold. | |
| Je tousse. | I have a cough. | |
| Quelque chose pour le mal de gorge | Something for a sore throat | |
| Il faut une ordonnance pour ça ? | Do I need a prescription for this? | |
| Combien de fois par jour ? | How many times a day? | |
| Avant ou après les repas ? | Before or after meals? | |
| Ça fait dormir ? | Does it make you drowsy? | |
| De la crème solaire | Sunscreen | |
| Où est la pharmacie la plus proche ? | Where is the nearest pharmacy? |
Example conversation
Pharmacist
Bonjour, qu'est-ce que je peux faire pour vous ?
Hello, what can I do for you?
You
J'ai un rhume et très mal à la tête.
I have a cold and a bad headache.
Pharmacist
Vous êtes allergique à des médicaments ?
Are you allergic to any medication?
You
Non, aucun.
No, none.
Pharmacist
Prenez-en un toutes les huit heures, après les repas.
Take one of these every eight hours, after meals.
You
Très bien, merci beaucoup.
Great, thank you very much.
Good to know
💡 Look for the green cross. French pharmacists give real advice, so describing your symptoms is normal. The "pharmacie de garde" is the one open at night and on Sundays.
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
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Practice "At the pharmacy" in French →More French situations
☕ How to order coffee🍽️ How to order at a restaurant🧭 How to ask for directions🏨 How to check into a hotel🙋 How to introduce yourself🩺 How to make a doctor's appointment🚆 How to buy a train ticket👕 How to shop for clothes📞 How to book a table🌤️ How to make small talk