Translation guide
Anguish is intense emotional pain or suffering. In Japanese, it is expressed through nouns, verbs, and adjectives that convey deep distress, torment, or agony. The choice depends on the nuance: mental vs. physical, acute vs. chronic, and the level of formality.
Express deep psychological pain, often ongoing or existential.
The most common and general term for mental anguish or distress. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼は深い苦悩に沈んでいる。
He is sunk in deep anguish.
その知らせは彼女に大きな苦悩をもたらした。
The news brought her great anguish.
A broader term for suffering, pain, or hardship. Can refer to both mental and physical anguish, but often implies emotional distress.
彼の心の苦しみは計り知れない。
His mental anguish is immeasurable.
Literary or intense term for agony or writhing in pain, often used in poetic or dramatic contexts.
失恋の悶えに苦しむ。
Suffering from the anguish of a broken heart.
Describe severe, often unbearable pain that may be physical or emotional.
Refers to acute pain or agony, both physical and mental. Common in medical or serious contexts.
彼は耐え難い苦痛に叫んだ。
He screamed in unbearable anguish.
Specifically means 'severe pain', often physical, but can metaphorically describe emotional anguish.
Express the action or state of experiencing anguish.
The most common verb for 'to suffer' or 'to be in anguish'. Can be used for both mental and physical pain.
彼は罪悪感に苦しんでいる。
He is anguished by guilt.
彼女は孤独に苦しんだ。
She anguished over her loneliness.
Means 'to worry' or 'to be troubled', often implying mental anguish over a problem or decision.
Literary verb meaning 'to writhe in agony' or 'to be in anguish'. Strong emotional or physical connotation.
Describe someone or something as full of anguish.
A common phrase meaning 'filled with anguish/suffering'. Modifies nouns.
苦しみに満ちた表情
an anguished expression
Similar to above but specifically 'filled with mental anguish'.
苦悩に満ちた日々
anguished days
Na-adjective meaning 'heartbreaking' or 'anguished', often used for cries, expressions, or news.
悲痛な叫び声
an anguished cry
苦悩 (くのう) is specifically mental anguish or torment. 苦しみ (くるしみ) is broader suffering, both mental and physical. 苦痛 (くつう) emphasizes acute pain or agony, often physical but can be emotional. For general 'anguish', 苦悩 is the best fit.
English often uses 'anguish' as a verb (e.g., 'I anguished over...'), but Japanese does not have a direct equivalent. Use 苦しむ or 悩む with appropriate particles (に苦しむ, について悩む).
彼女は苦痛に叫んだ。
She cried out in anguish.
子供を失う苦悩は想像を絶する。
The anguish of losing a child is unimaginable.
心の激痛に耐える。
Endure the anguish of the heart.
I am anguishing over my future.
彼は失意のあまり悶えた。
He anguished in despair.