Arabic Daily Life Part 3: Essential Pharmacy & Health Phrases

Daily Life Series: Part 3

At the Pharmacy (فِي الصَّيْدَلِيَّة)

In Part 2, we enjoyed a meal. Today, we cover the essentials of health. Knowing these terms ensures you can take care of yourself and others while in an Arabic-speaking country.

1. Medical Essentials (مُصْطَلَحَاتٌ طِبِّيَّة)

دَوَاء (Dawa') - Medicine
Example: أُرِيدُ هَذَا الدَّوَاءَ، مِنْ فَضْلِك.
(I want this medicine, please.)

صُدَاع (Suda') - Headache
Example: عِنْدِي صُدَاعٌ شَدِيدٌ مُنْذُ الصَّبَاح.
(I have a severe headache since the morning.)

وَصْفَة (Wasfah) - Prescription
Example: هَلْ تَحْتَاجُ هَذِهِ الأَدْوِيَةُ إِلَى وَصْفَة؟
(Does this medication require a prescription?)

2. Describing Symptoms (وَصْفُ الأَعْرَاض)

English	Arabic	Example Sentence
Pain	أَلَم	أَشْعُرُ بِأَلَمٍ فِي الْمَعِدَة.
Pharmacy	صَيْدَلِيَّة	أَيْنَ أَقْرَبُ صَيْدَلِيَّةٍ هُنَا؟
Fever	حُمَّى	الْوَلَدُ لَدَيْهِ حُمَّى عَالِيَة.

🩺 Cultural Note: Get Well Soon

When someone is sick, the most common Arabic phrase to say is "سَلَامَتُك" (Salamtuk) – meaning "Your safety/wellness." The sick person will respond with "اللَّهُ يُسَلِّمُك" (Allah yusallimuk) – "May God keep you safe."

Coming Up in Part 4: At the Post Office & Bank (فِي الْمَصْرِف)!

Handling administrative and financial tasks in Arabic.