farmacia
/far.maˈt͡ʃi.a/feminine
The Italian word for pharmacy is farmacia.
The word farmacia refers to the physical establishment or shop where prescription drugs are dispensed. If you are referring to the drug or medicine itself, you should use the word farmaco instead.
Meaning: a place where prescription drugs are dispensed (noun)
Which one should you use?
While farmacia refers to the establishment, farmaco refers to the drug or medicine itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of farmacia is farmacie.
How do you pronounce it?
/far.maˈtʃi.a/. There are 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
When do people say it?
If you need to find a pharmacy that is open during holidays or late at night, look for a farmacia di turno, which means an on-call pharmacy.
Did you know?
- In Italy, many pharmacies are marked by a bright, glowing neon green cross outside the building. This visual cue is the standard way to spot a farmacia from a distance at night.
- Because of the Greek root 'pharmakeia', the word farmacia carries a historical connection to the ancient practice of both healing and, in some historical contexts, the preparation of magical potions.
- When you visit a farmacia, you will often notice a section for 'cosmesi' which is much more prominent than in many English-speaking pharmacies, as skin care is a major part of their business.
Examples in context
- Lavoro in una farmacia.I work in a pharmacy.This sentence shows how to use farmacia when describing where you work.Tatoeba #819851 by Guybrush88, translation #819846 by PaulLambeth
- Tu possiedi una farmacia?Do you own a pharmacy?This sentence uses farmacia to ask about ownership.Tatoeba #2697101 by Guybrush88, translation #2697100 by CM
- Devo andare alla farmacia.I have to go to the pharmacy.This sentence uses farmacia to express the need to go to the establishment.Tatoeba #10739254 by Guybrush88, translation #8953591 by Nylez
- Mi scusi, dov'è la farmacia più vicina?Excuse me, where is the nearest pharmacy?
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are walking down a street looking for medication.
- LorenzoChiara, dove si trova la farmacia più vicina?Chiara, where is the nearest pharmacy?
- ChiaraC'è una farmacia proprio dietro l'angolo.There is a pharmacy right around the corner.
- LorenzoOttimo, dobbiamo comprare le medicine per mio padre.Great, we need to buy the medicine for my father.
- ChiaraAndiamo, la farmacia è ancora aperta.Let's go, the pharmacy is still open.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pharmacy” translations and entries farmacia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries farmacia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
