Bolivia situation guide
Names and active ingredients
This mission is about reading and verifying labels, not deciding what to take. The same medicine can appear under a nombre comercial (brand name) and as a genérico, but the principio activo (active ingredient) and concentración (strength) are what really match them up. Learn to ask which is which and to request the etiqueta so you can read the details. Whether a given product is right for you is a question for the pharmacist or a doctor, not something to settle from the box alone.
Essential vocabulary
- nombre comercial: brand name The marketed name printed big on the box.
- principio activo: active ingredient The actual substance, key to compare products.
- genérico: generic Same ingredient under a non-brand name.
- concentración: strength The amount per unit, e.g. 500 mg on the label.
- presentación: form / format Tablets, syrup, drops, how it comes.
- etiqueta: label Where all this information is printed.
Bolivian Spanish terms
Useful phrases
- ¿Cuál es el principio activo?: What is the active ingredient? Identify the real substance, not just the brand.
- ¿Tiene genérico?: Do you have a generic? Ask about a non-brand version.
- ¿Es la misma concentración?: Is it the same strength? Check two products match before comparing.
- ¿Qué presentación tiene?: What form does it come in? Find out if it is tablets, syrup, or drops.
- ¿Me puede mostrar la etiqueta?: Can you show me the label? Read the printed details yourself.
Learn this in the app
At the Pharmacy in Bolivia, Practical Spanish