A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Where is a pharmacy" in French
Ask for a pharmacy in France. Essential for finding medication or first aid.
Où est la pharmacie ?
oo eh lah far-mah-SEEneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need to find a pharmacy, perhaps because you need to buy medication, find a doctor's office, or if there's a minor emergency.
Alternatives
- Je cherche une pharmacie.Slightly softer, meaning 'I am looking for a pharmacy.'
- Une pharmacie, s'il vous plaît ?More direct, like 'A pharmacy, please?'
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'h'
The 'h' in 'où' is silent, so don't try to pronounce it.
Forgetting 'la'
Always use the definite article 'la' before 'pharmacie' in this question.
The French 'r'
The 'r' sound in 'où' and 'pharmacie' is made in the back of your throat, not with your tongue tip.
A small cultural note
Pharmacies are easily identifiable by a green cross, which may be flashing or steady.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
what to say if pharmacy closed
Look for a sign on the door indicating the nearest 24-hour pharmacy or a rotating schedule. You can also ask a local for help.
how to ask for medicine in french
Once at the pharmacy, you can say 'Je voudrais...' followed by the name of the medicine, or describe your symptoms.
difference between pharmacie and droguerie
A 'pharmacie' sells prescription and over-the-counter medicines, while a 'droguerie' sells cleaning supplies and hardware, though some may have a small selection of health products.
