Bolivia situation guide
Understanding the instructions
The aim here is to understand instructions from the pharmacist or doctor, not to decide them yourself. Spanish directions are built from a few small words: cada (every), antes de and después de (before/after), con comida (with food), and how it is taken (tomar, gotas). Ask how often, when, and whether to take it with food, and if anything is unclear, ask the pharmacist to repeat it or write it down. You follow the indicaciones; you do not set your own dose or schedule.
Essential vocabulary
- indicaciones: instructions The directions you need to understand and follow.
- cada: every Used for timing, e.g. 'cada ocho horas'.
- antes de: before Marks timing relative to meals or sleep.
- después de: after The other half of meal-timing directions.
- con comida: with food A common condition printed on instructions.
- horario: schedule Helps you keep to the timing you were given.
Bolivian Spanish terms
Useful phrases
- ¿Cómo se toma?: How is it taken? Ask the basic way to take it.
- ¿Cada cuántas horas?: Every how many hours? Clarify the timing you were given.
- ¿Antes o después de comer?: Before or after eating? Confirm timing around meals.
- ¿Me lo puede escribir?: Can you write it down for me? Get the instructions in writing to follow them.
- ¿Me lo puede repetir, por favor?: Can you repeat that, please? Make sure you heard the directions right.
Learn this in the app
At the Pharmacy in Bolivia, Practical Spanish