A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Where is a pharmacy" in Italian
Ask for a pharmacy in Italy with this essential emergency phrase.
Dov'è la farmacia?
doh-VEH lah far-MAH-chahneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need to find a pharmacy quickly, perhaps for a sudden illness or to buy over-the-counter medication. It's a direct and clear way to get directions.
Alternatives
- Scusi, dov'è una farmacia?Adding 'Scusi' (excuse me) makes it slightly more polite when approaching someone.
- Mi serve una farmacia.This means 'I need a pharmacy' and is also perfectly understood.
Ways to get it wrong
Farmacia vs. Farmacista
'Farmacia' is the place (pharmacy), while 'farmacista' is the person (pharmacist).
Pronouncing 'ci'
The 'ci' in 'farmacia' sounds like the 'ch' in 'cheese', not like 'see'.
A small cultural note
Pharmacies (farmacie) are clearly marked with a green cross, often illuminated. They are reliable places to get basic medical advice and over-the-counter remedies.
Frequently asked
how to say pharmacy in italian
The most common way to say 'pharmacy' in Italian is 'farmacia'. Remember to pronounce the 'ci' like 'ch' in 'cheese'.
what is the italian word for chemist
While 'chemist' can sometimes refer to the person, in Italian, 'farmacia' is the place (pharmacy) and 'farmacista' is the person (pharmacist).
how to ask for medicine in italian
You can ask 'Dov'è la farmacia?' to find a pharmacy, and then ask for specific medicine. For general pain relief, you might ask for 'un antidolorifico'.
