de venta libre
/de benta libɾe/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "over the counter" is translated as de venta libre.
The phrase is used to describe medications that do not require a medical prescription. You can specify that you are talking about an over-the-counter drug by using the phrase medicamento de venta libre.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de venta libre literally translates to "of free sale", where libre implies that the sale is not restricted by a prescription.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, particularly in Mexico, you may use the variation sin fórmula médica to mean "over the counter".
Did you know?
- The word libre in the phrase de venta libre is a distant relative of the English word 'liberated', but its ancient roots actually trace back to the concept of 'the people'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the 'counter' in a pharmacy is called a mostrador, but the phrase de venta libre ignores the furniture entirely to focus on the freedom of the transaction.
- Despite being a Spanish phrase, you may see the English acronym OTC on pharmaceutical labels in many Spanish-speaking countries due to global standardization.
Examples in context
- Puedes comprar este medicamento sin receta en cualquier farmaciaYou can buy this medicine over the counter at any pharmacy
- El medicamento está disponible sin necesidad de prescripciónThe medicine is available over the counter
- Este producto es de venta libre en todas las farmaciasThis product is over the counter in all pharmacies
- Puedes conseguir este medicamento sin receta médicaYou can get this medicine without a prescription
- Este jarabe se puede comprar sin fórmula médicaThis syrup can be bought over the counter
- ¿Tienen aspirinas de venta libre?Do you have over-the-counter aspirin?
- Este medicamento es de venta libre.This medicine is over the counter.
- Busco un analgésico de venta libre.I am looking for an over the counter painkiller.
- No necesitas receta para los productos de venta libre.You don't need a prescription for over the counter products.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking at a pharmacy.
- Alejandro¿Tienes algo para el dolor de cabeza que sea de venta libre?Do you have something for a headache that is over the counter?
- LucíaSí, tenemos estas pastillas de venta libre.Yes, we have these over the counter pills.
- AlejandroPerfecto, me llevaré estas.Perfect, I will take these.
- LucíaMuy bien, Alejandro. Aquí tienes.Very well, Alejandro. Here you go.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, libre, venta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
