Definition

1. Verb (archaic):
   • To take medicine: To ingest or consume medicinal substances, typically in the context of following a doctor's prescription or a treatment regimen. This term is now considered old-fashioned.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Bệnh nhân phải phục thuốc đúng giờ. (The patient must take the medicine on time.)
  • Cụ ấy đã phục thuốc nam suốt một tháng. (He took traditional Vietnamese medicine for a whole month.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily found in historical texts, classic literature, or when deliberately using archaic language. In modern Vietnamese, the verbs uống thuốc (to drink/take medicine) or dùng thuốc (to use medicine) are universally preferred.

Variants and Related Words

• Uống thuốc (v): The modern, standard term for "to take medicine" (usually orally).
• Dùng thuốc (v): To use medicine; a more formal or general term that can include topical or injectable medicines.

Synonyms

• Take medicine: To ingest medication.
• Use medicine: To employ a substance for medical treatment.

Notes on Usage

• The word phục in this compound is an archaic verb meaning "to submit to" or "to follow," hence phục thuốc implies submitting to or following a course of medicine. It is important to recognize this term as historical and not use it in contemporary speech or writing when referring to taking medicine.

1. (từ cũ) Take medicine