中药

• Pinyin: zhōng yào
• Hanzi breakdown: 中 = China/middle; 药 = 艹 (grass) + 约, meaning medicine

Meaning

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); Chinese herbal medicine. Medicine based on traditional Chinese medical theory.

Distinct from 西药 (Western medicine). Includes herbs, minerals, and animal products. Common phrases: 中药材 (TCM ingredients), 中药房 (TCM pharmacy), 喝中药 (take Chinese medicine, often as decoction).

Examples

1. 这种病用中药调理效果更好。 Traditional Chinese medicine works better for treating this condition.
2. 中药虽然苦，但对身体有好处。 Although Chinese medicine is bitter, it's good for the body.
3. 他在一家中药店工作了三十年。 He has worked in a Chinese medicine shop for thirty years.

Usage Guide

Context: health, medicine, culture

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我正在吃中药调理身体。(I'm taking Chinese medicine to regulate my body.)
• 中药需要煎煮。(Chinese medicine needs to be boiled.)

Don't Say

• 喝中药片 (中药 as pills should be 吃 not 喝 — 喝 is for liquid decoctions)

Origin & History

Compound of 中 (Chinese) and 药 (medicine). Chinese medicine.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal