1.
drug, pharmaceutical, chemical substance
A chemical substance used for medical treatment or one that affects the body physiologically. In modern usage, frequently associated with illegal or controlled substances and drug abuse.
薬物の乱用は体を壊す。
Drug abuse destroys the body.
薬物検査で陽性反応が出た。
The drug test came back positive.
学校では薬物の危険性について啓発活動が行われている。
Schools are conducting awareness activities about the dangers of drugs.
USAGE:
While technically neutral (meaning any pharmaceutical substance), in practice 薬物 often carries a negative connotation and is strongly associated with illegal drugs and substance abuse. For everyday medicine, 薬 is more common.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 薬: medicine (everyday word)
- 薬物: drug/substance (often implies illegal or controlled substances)
- 薬剤: pharmaceutical, medication (technical/professional)
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 薬物乱用: drug abuse
- 薬物依存: drug dependence/addiction
- 薬物検査: drug test
- 薬物犯罪: drug crime