farmacia
/faɾˈmaθja/feminine
The English word 'pharmacy' is translated into Spanish as farmacia. Wiktionary also lists botica.
Meaning: a place where prescription drugs are dispensed (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| farmacia | /faɾˈmaθja/ /faɾˈmasja/ |
feminine |
| botica | /boˈtika/ | feminine |
A farmacia is a place where prescription drugs are dispensed. It is the most common and standard word for pharmacy in Spanish. You may also encounter the term farmacia de guardia, which refers to a 24-hour pharmacy or an on-call pharmacy that is open late or during holidays.
Which one should you use?
While farmacia is the standard modern term, botica refers to an apothecary or a more traditional, old-fashioned pharmacy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Peru, the term botica is used to refer to a pharmacy. Additionally, the formal term Oficina de Farmacia is more commonly used in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of farmacia is farmacias.
How do you pronounce it?
/faɾˈmaθja/
Did you know?
- The word botica is a linguistic sibling to the English word 'boutique'. Both descend from the Latin apotheca, meaning 'storehouse'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the farmacia is often the first point of contact for minor health advice, acting as a primary healthcare consultant before a doctor is visited.
- The term farmacia de guardia doesn't just mean a 24-hour store, but specifically those designated to be open during a rotation of holiday or night shifts.
Examples in context
- ¿Hay una farmacia cerca?Is there a pharmacy nearby?This sentence is useful for asking if there is a farmacia nearby.Tatoeba #1542238 by marcelostockle, translation #1078081 by keira_n
- Trabajo en una farmacia.I work in a pharmacy.This sentence is useful for stating that you work in a farmacia.Tatoeba #1712360 by teskmon, translation #819846 by PaulLambeth
- ¿Dónde hay una farmacia cerca?Where is a nearby pharmacy?This sentence is useful for asking where a nearby farmacia is located.Tatoeba #3276754 by cueyayotl, translation #1655533 by gleki
- Disculpe, ¿dónde puedo encontrar una farmacia por aquí?Excuse me, where can I find a pharmacy around here?
- Oye, ¿sabes dónde hay una farmacia cerca?Hey, do you know where there's a pharmacy nearby?
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are walking down a city street.
- MateoNecesito comprar medicinas en la farmacia.I need to buy medicines at the pharmacy.
- MaríaHay una farmacia en la esquina.There is a pharmacy on the corner.
- MateoPerfecto, ¿está abierta ahora, María?Perfect, is it open now, María?
- MaríaSí, esa farmacia abre las veinticuatro horas.Yes, that pharmacy is open twenty-four hours.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pharmacy” translations and entries farmacia, botica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries botica, farmacia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
