pharmacien
/faʁ.ma.sjɛ̃/masculine
The English word pharmacist is translated into French as pharmacien. Wiktionary also lists apothicaire.
Meaning: professional who dispenses prescription drugs (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pharmacien | /faʁ.ma.sjɛ̃/ | masculine |
| apothicaire | /a.pɔ.ti.kɛʁ/ | obsolete |
A pharmacist is a professional who dispenses prescription drugs.
Which one should you use?
While apothicaire is a historical term for a pharmacist, it is no longer used in modern professional contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of pharmacien is pharmacienne.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /faʁ.ma.sjɛ̃/ and consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word pharmacien shares a common root with the English word 'pharmacy', as both stem from the Greek 'pharmakon', which can mean both 'medicine' and 'poison'.
- In many French-speaking regions, you might see a 'pharmacie' sign that is not just a text, but a glowing green cross, which is a standardized visual symbol for the profession.
- The profession is so prestigious in France that the title docteur en pharmacie is used, reflecting a university degree equivalent to a PhD.
Examples in context
- Tom est un pharmacien.Tom is a pharmacist.Tatoeba #6820787 by Rockaround, translation #6662378 by CK
- Ziri est un pharmacien.Ziri is a pharmacist.Tatoeba #11682249 by Amastan, translation #10210098 by Amastan
- Il s'est installé comme pharmacien.He set up as a pharmacist.Tatoeba #131541 by sacredceltic, translation #10773632 by sundown
- J'ai rendez-vous avec mon pharmacien demain matin.I have an appointment with my pharmacist tomorrow morning.
- Mon fils souhaite devenir docteur en pharmacie afin d'aider les gens.My son wants to become a Doctor of Pharmacy to help people.
- Hier, je suis allé chez mon pharmacien pour acheter des médicaments.Yesterday, I went to my pharmacist to buy some medication.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo is asking Léa where to get his medication.
- HugoOù est le pharmacien ?Where is the pharmacist?
- LéaIl est juste au coin de la rue.He is just around the corner.
- HugoLe pharmacien peut m'aider avec mon ordonnance ?Can the pharmacist help me with my prescription?
- LéaOui, il est très gentil.Yes, he is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pharmacist” translations and entries pharmacien, apothicaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apothicaire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
