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Italian Phrase

Prendi qualche medicina?

/ˈprɛn.di ˈkwal.ke me.diˈtʃi.na/
Meaning"Do you take any medicine?"
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Meaning

This question asks whether the listener is currently taking any medication. It can be used by a doctor, pharmacist, or a caring friend to check health status. The tone is neutral and polite, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to know if someone is on medication – for example, during a medical consultation, at a pharmacy, or when checking on a sick relative. It works well in both casual conversation and more professional settings.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Prendiqualchemedicina?

1

Prendere (present 2nd person singular)

‘Prendi’ is the present indicative form of ‘prendere’, meaning ‘you take’ or ‘you are taking’.

2

Qualche (indefinite adjective)

‘Qualche’ is used before a singular noun to express ‘some’ or ‘any’, even when the idea is plural.

3

Medicina (noun)

‘Medicina’ means ‘medicine’ or ‘medication’; it stays singular even when referring to several pills.

🗨In Conversation

A

Prendi qualche medicina?

Do you take any medicine?

Sì, prendo un antinfiammatorio ogni giorno.

Yes, I take an anti‑inflammatory every day.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Prendi qualche medicine?

    ‘Medicine’ is the English plural; in Italian you must use the singular ‘medicina’ after ‘qualche’.

  • Assumi qualche medicina?

    When you want a more formal tone, use ‘assumi’ instead of ‘prendi’. ‘Prendi’ is fine for casual conversation.

  • Prendi qualche medicine?

    Do not use the plural form ‘qualche’ + plural noun (e.g., ‘qualche medicine’). ‘Qualche’ always pairs with a singular noun.

↔Alternatives

  • Stai assumendo qualche medicina?

    Are you taking any medicine?

  • Hai qualche medicina?

    Do you have any medicine?

  • Assumi dei farmaci?

    Do you take any drugs/medication?

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Cultural Tip

In Italy, ‘prendere’ is the everyday verb for ‘to take’ medication, while ‘assumere’ sounds more clinical and is common in hospitals. When speaking with a pharmacist, you might hear ‘farmaci’ instead of ‘medicina’, which is a slightly more formal term. Always keep a polite tone; adding ‘per favore’ (please) can make the request sound even gentler.