When travelling in a French-speaking country, you might need to visit a pharmacy for medical assistance or to purchase medication. Knowing how to communicate your needs and describe symptoms in a pharmacy in French is crucial. 

This blog post will guide you through key phrases and vocabulary that will help you get the help you need during your visit to the pharmacy.

Starting the conversation

When you enter a pharmacy, the pharmacist may greet you with a polite question such as:

• Bonjour, je peux vous aider ? Hello, can I help you?

You can then explain your situation by describing your symptoms:

• Ma copine ne se sent pas très bien. My friend is not feeling well.
• J’ai mal à la gorge. I have a sore throat.

Describing symptoms

Being able to describe your symptoms accurately is essential when seeking help at a pharmacy in French. These phrases ensure that the pharmacist can understand your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment or medication. In previous episodes, we covered in more detail body aches and symptoms in French.

Here are some common ways to express how you’re feeling:

• J’ai des étourdissements. I feel dizzy.
• J’ai une allergie sur le bras. I have a rash on my arm.
• J’ai mal à la gorge depuis deux jours. I’ve had a sore throat for two days.

Asking for recommendations

After explaining your symptoms, you may need to ask the pharmacist for recommendations. If you’re unsure about what might have caused your symptoms, the pharmacist may suggest that something you ate, such as seafood or exposure to the sun, could be the issue. Here are some of these phrases that you can use at the pharmacy in French. 

• Est-ce qu’il y a quelque chose qui est mal passée ? Has something you’ve eaten disagreed with you?
• Je ne pense pas que ce soit sérieux. I don’t think it’s anything serious.
• Je vais vous donner des comprimés. I’m going to give you some tablets.

Would you like to learn the pronunciation of these phrases? In episode 38 of Season 1 of the Coffee Break French podcast, you can get more insight into them and also learn other useful phrases. Listen to it now:

Receiving medication and instructions

Once the pharmacist has assessed your symptoms, they will likely provide you with medication. It’s important to understand how and when to take it:

• Prenez-les deux fois par jour avant de manger. Take them twice a day before eating.
• Vous ne devez surtout pas boire d’alcool. Above all, you must not drink alcohol.

Asking for additional products

In addition to medication, you may need to ask for other products such as creams or lotions. Here’s how to request them at the pharmacy in French:

• Est-ce que vous avez une crème pour l’allergie ? Do you have a cream for the allergy?
• Je voudrais une crème pour les coups de soleil. I would like a cream for sunburn.

Visiting a pharmacy in a foreign country can be daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the language, but knowing these essential phrases and vocabulary will help you navigate the experience with confidence. Whether you’re describing symptoms, asking for recommendations, or receiving medication, these key phrases will ensure that you get the help you need when seeking help at the pharmacy in French. 

Remember to stay calm and communicate clearly, and the pharmacist will be able to assist you effectively. Bon rétablissement !

Do you want to keep improving your French skills and revise useful vocabulary to introduce yourself and ask questions to people during a party? Then check the article we prepared to help you make new acquaintances during a birthday party in French.