Quick answer
薬 is the kanji for "Medicine". A common reading is くすり (kusuri). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Medicine
Also : Chemical · Benefit
Learn 薬 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
16 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 薬 represents 'MEDICINE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of medicine.
On-reading: やく — remember this sound by associating it with medicine. Kun-reading: くすり.
Example Sentences
風邪の薬を飲みました。
かぜのくすりをのみました。
I took cold medicine.
薬局でビタミン剤を買いました。
やっきょくでびたみんざいをかいました。
I bought vitamins at the pharmacy.
Vocabulary using 薬
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
Learn 薬 with Spaced Repetition
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