💊 Italian phrase guide
How to ask for help at a pharmacy in Italian
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 Italian phrases
| Italian | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Ho bisogno di qualcosa per il mal di testa. | I need something for a headache. | |
| Ho il raffreddore. | I have a cold. | |
| Ho la tosse. | I have a cough. | |
| Qualcosa per il mal di gola | Something for a sore throat | |
| Ci vuole la ricetta per questo? | Do I need a prescription for this? | |
| Quante volte al giorno? | How many times a day? | |
| Prima o dopo i pasti? | Before or after meals? | |
| Fa venire sonno? | Does it make you drowsy? | |
| Crema solare | Sunscreen | |
| Dov'è la farmacia più vicina? | Where is the nearest pharmacy? |
Example conversation
Pharmacist
Buongiorno, cosa posso fare per lei?
Hello, what can I do for you?
You
Ho il raffreddore e un forte mal di testa.
I have a cold and a bad headache.
Pharmacist
È allergico a qualche farmaco?
Are you allergic to any medication?
You
No, a nessuno.
No, none.
Pharmacist
Ne prenda una ogni otto ore, dopo i pasti.
Take one of these every eight hours, after meals.
You
Va bene, grazie mille.
Great, thank you very much.
Good to know
💡 Italian pharmacies have a green cross, and most medicines, even simple ones, are only sold there. The "farmacia di turno" is the one open at night or on holidays.
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
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Practice "At the pharmacy" in Italian →More Italian situations
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