Translation guide
The English word 'ache' refers to a dull, persistent pain, either physical or emotional. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on the type and location of the pain, as well as the nuance (physical vs. emotional). This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese expression.
To describe a dull, continuous physical pain in a body part.
A general verb meaning 'to ache' or 'to hurt' for body parts. Used for dull, continuous pain.
Specifically means a throbbing, dull ache, often used for wounds or toothaches.
傷がうずく。
The wound aches.
Literally 'there is a dull pain'. A descriptive phrase often used in medical contexts.
肩に鈍い痛みがあります。
I have a dull ache in my shoulder.
To express a deep emotional pain, such as heartache or yearning.
Literally 'chest aches', used for emotional pain, guilt, or heartache.
その話を聞いて胸が痛んだ。
Hearing that story made my heart ache.
Literally 'heart aches', similar to 胸が痛む but more directly about emotional pain.
彼の悲しみを思うと心が痛む。
My heart aches when I think of his sadness.
An adjective describing a painful, poignant feeling of longing or heartache, often used in romantic contexts.
To describe muscle soreness or stiffness after physical activity.
Noun meaning 'muscle pain' or 'sore muscles', commonly used after exercise.
昨日の運動で筋肉痛だ。
My muscles ache from yesterday's exercise.
General phrase meaning 'my body aches', often used when feeling sore all over.
風邪で体が痛い。
My body aches from the cold.
To express a strong desire or ache to do something.
Pattern meaning 'I'm dying to...' or 'I ache to...'. Attach to the stem of a verb.
彼女に会いたくてたまらない。
I'm aching to see her.
Similar to 〜たくてたまらない, meaning 'can't help but want to...'.
海外に行きたくてしょうがない。
I'm aching to go abroad.
痛む (itamu) is a verb meaning 'to ache' and describes a continuous state. 痛い (itai) is an adjective meaning 'painful' and is used for acute or sharp pain. For a dull ache, 痛む is more appropriate.
English 'ache' is often used for specific conditions like headache, stomachache. In Japanese, these are usually compound nouns: 頭痛 (zutsuu) for headache, 腹痛 (fukutsuu) for stomachache. Using 痛む is possible but less common for these specific terms.
切ない気持ちでいっぱいだ。
I'm filled with an aching feeling.