English at the doctor and pharmacy: 15 phrases to describe symptoms
Being ill abroad is stressful enough without searching for words. You don't need medical vocabulary – you need a few clear sentences about where it hurts, since when and what you have already taken.
This page is about language, not medical advice. In an emergency call the local emergency number (for example 112 in the EU, 911 in the US, 999 in the UK) – the operators speak English.
What the doctor needs to know
Doctors and pharmacists ask about the same things in any language: what the problem is, where, since when, how bad, and what you take already. Prepare one sentence for each before you go in, and the appointment becomes much easier.
15 phrases for the doctor and pharmacy
| Phrase | When to use it |
|---|---|
| “I'd like to make an appointment, please.” | Calling or at reception |
| “I don't feel well.” | A general start |
| “I have a headache / a sore throat / a cough.” | Common symptoms |
| “I have a temperature.” / “I have a fever.” | Fever |
| “It hurts here.” | Showing the place |
| “It started two days ago.” | Since when |
| “It's getting worse.” / “It's a bit better.” | How it's changing |
| “It's a sharp pain.” / “It's a dull ache.” | What kind of pain |
| “I feel dizzy.” / “I feel sick.” | Dizziness, nausea |
| “I'm allergic to penicillin.” | Allergies – always mention them |
| “I take medication for blood pressure.” | Medicines you already take |
| “Do I need a prescription for this?” | At the pharmacy |
| “How many times a day should I take it?” | Dosage |
| “Should I take it with food?” | How to take it |
| “Could you write that down, please?” | Any important instruction |
A sample dialogue at the pharmacy
Pharmacist: Hi, how can I help?
You: I have a sore throat and a bit of a temperature.
Pharmacist: How long have you had it?
You: Since yesterday evening. It's getting worse.
Pharmacist: Any cough?
You: A little, but mostly it hurts when I swallow.
Pharmacist: Are you taking any other medication? Any allergies?
You: No other medication. I'm allergic to penicillin.
Pharmacist: OK. These lozenges help with the pain – one every three hours. If the fever goes over 38.5 or it isn't better in three days, see a doctor.
You: Could you write that down, please?
Pharmacist: Of course.
Common mistakes
- “I have pain in my head.” Understandable, but English usually uses -ache words: headache, stomachache, toothache, backache. For other places: “My knee hurts.”
- “I am sick since Monday.” With since you need the present perfect: “I've been sick since Monday” or simply “It started on Monday”.
- “Recipe” for prescription. A recipe is for cooking. From a doctor you get a prescription.
How to practise
- Write five sentences about one imaginary illness: what, where, since when, how bad, what you take.
- Say them out loud without reading. Then answer “Any allergies?” and “Are you taking anything?”
- Rehearse once with someone asking follow-up questions in a different order.
Related: making phone calls in English – booking an appointment is often a call.
Practising it with Ling
Ling AI is an iPhone and iPad app for spoken English. Each lesson is a live 3–4 minute voice scene with Sophia, an AI speaking partner, chosen for your goal and level. If you don't know a word, tap Hint; if it's too hard, switch to your language for a moment. At the end you get your one main mistake and say it again correctly.
About 5 minutes of voice every day are free. iPhone and iPad with iOS 17 or later; no Android version yet.