処方する

• Reading: しょほうする
• Romaji: shohousuru
• Kanji breakdown: 処 (sho) — deal with, handle; 方 (hou) — method, way, direction
• Pronunciation: /ɕo.hoː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To prescribe medication or treatment; to write a prescription.

A する verb used almost exclusively in medical contexts, meaning to prescribe medicine or a course of treatment. The doctor 処方する the medicine, and the patient receives a 処方箋 (prescription). A fundamental term for anyone navigating the Japanese healthcare system.

Examples

1. 医師が風邪薬を処方してくれた。 The doctor prescribed cold medicine for me.
2. アレルギーの症状に合わせて薬を処方する。 The doctor prescribes medication suited to the allergy symptoms.
3. 処方された薬は必ず指示通りに飲んでください。 Please make sure to take the prescribed medication exactly as directed.

Usage Guide

Context: medical, pharmacy, healthcare

Tone: professional

Origin & History

Compound of 処 (sho, deal with/handle) + 方 (hou, method/way). Literally 'the method of dealing with,' referring to a physician's systematic approach to treating illness through medication.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal