φάρμακο
fármako/ˈfar.ma.ko/neuter
The Greek word for medicine is φάρμακο (fármako).
φάρμακο refers to a substance that promotes healing. When talking about consuming medicine, use the verb παίρνω (to take or receive) rather than verbs like 'eat' or 'drink'. For example, you would say you are taking the medicine (παίρνω το φάρμακο).
Meaning: substance which promotes healing (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
φάρμακο is a neuter noun. The plural form is τα φάρμακα (the medicines).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈfar.ma.ko/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: fármako.
Did you know?
- Historically, the Greek term φάρμακον was also used to describe a 'scapegoat' or a person cast out of a city to purify it.
- In Ancient Greece, φάρμακον had a double meaning: it could refer to a healing medicine or a deadly poison.
- The term 'pharmacy' in English actually tracks the Greek concept of a 'magical potion' more closely than the modern scientific concept of medicine.
Examples in context
- Το φάρμακο με ανακούφισε αμέσως.The medicine brought me immediate relief.This sentence shows how the medicine can provide relief.Tatoeba #2398894 by mululatv, translation #9395562 by Nylez
- Τον συμβούλεψε να πάρει το φάρμακο.She advised him to take the medicine.This sentence shows an advice to take the medicine.Tatoeba #5466162 by Zeus, translation #886925 by CK
- Να παίρνετε αυτό το φάρμακο όταν αισθάνεστε άσχημα.Take this medicine when you feel bad.This sentence shows how to use the word when giving instructions for taking medicine.Tatoeba #1603385 by glavkos, translation #8819289 by lucasmg123
- Έχετε το φάρμακο που χρειάζομαι;Do you have the medicine I need?
- Πήγες στο φαρμακείο για να πάρεις φάρμακα;Did you go to the pharmacy to get medicine?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dimitris and Anastasia are talking in their kitchen about a prescription.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΕίναι αυτό το φάρμακο για τον πόνο;Einai afto to pharmako gia ton pono;Is this medicine for the pain?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, το αγόρασα σήμερα στο φαρμακείο.Ne, to agorasa simera sto farmakeio.Yes, I bought it today at the pharmacy.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΠρέπει να πάρεις το φάρμακο κάθε πρωί.Prepei na pareis to pharmako kathe proi.You must take the medicine every morning.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΘα το θυμάμαι, ευχαριστώ πολύ.Tha to thymamai, efcharisto poli.I will remember, thank you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “medicine” translations and entries φάρμακο, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
