Telling pharmacist stomach hurts: Asking for recommendations

💬 Super versatile! Use [すみません] to get attention, to apologize, or even as a soft “thank you” when someone helps you.

🇯🇵 In pharmacies, starting with [すみません] is the polite “doorbell” to begin the conversation.

💬 [おなか] is everyday and slightly softer than the more “medical” word [胃] (stomach).

🇯🇵 Pointing lightly to your belly while saying [おなか] is totally normal and helps avoid confusion.

💬 [いたい] is the i-adjective “painful.” In conversation it often pairs with a body part: [おなかがいたい].

🇯🇵 Japanese often describe symptoms plainly rather than giving a diagnosis, especially at pharmacies.

💬 Pattern: [body part] + [が] + [いたい]. Think “My ___ hurts.”

🇯🇵 This direct symptom statement is exactly what staff expect when choosing over-the-counter medicine.

💬 [です] makes your sentence polite and “customer-friendly.” You can often add it to casual phrases.

🇯🇵 Using [です] with staff is standard in shops and pharmacies; it helps keep the tone respectful but easy.

💬 A very natural pharmacy line. You can also say [おなかが痛いです] using the kanji [痛い] if you see it written.

🇯🇵 Staff may ask follow-up questions right away (fever, nausea, since when) to decide what to recommend.

💬 [だいじょうぶ？] is casual. In a pharmacy you’ll more often hear [だいじょうぶですか？].

🇯🇵 Pharmacists may still use friendly casual speech if the vibe is relaxed, but you can answer politely.

💬 [いつ] asks “when?” by itself, but it often combines with words like [から] to mean “since when.”

🇯🇵 Time questions are common in Japan’s symptom-check style: they’re narrowing down causes and urgency.

💬 [いつ] + [から] = “since when.” Handy for illnesses and problems: [いつからですか。]

🇯🇵 Expect this question at pharmacies and clinics—it’s a standard part of the quick interview.