Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'stiff shoulders' is most commonly expressed with the noun 肩こり (katakori), literally 'shoulder stiffness.' The verb phrase 'have stiff shoulders' is typically rendered as 肩がこる (kata ga koru) or 肩こりがある (katakori ga aru). This is a very common complaint in Japanese culture, often associated with stress, desk work, or fatigue.
肩がこっています。
I have stiff shoulders.
Expressing that one's shoulders feel stiff or tense, usually from physical strain or stress.
The most natural and common way to say 'have stiff shoulders.' Literally 'shoulders get stiff.' Used as a verb phrase.
最近、肩がこるんです。
Lately, I've been having stiff shoulders.
パソコン作業で肩がこった。
My shoulders got stiff from computer work.
Literally 'have shoulder stiffness.' Uses the noun 肩こり. Slightly more formal or clinical than 肩がこる.
慢性的な肩こりがあります。
I have chronic stiff shoulders.
Means 'shoulders feel tense/tight.' Often used when the stiffness is more about muscle tension than dull ache.
The noun form meaning 'stiff shoulders.' Used in medical contexts or when discussing the condition itself.
肩こり (stiff shoulders) is a very common complaint in Japan, often discussed in daily conversation. It's associated with long working hours, stress, and poor posture. Many products and remedies are marketed specifically for 肩こり.
ストレスで肩が張っています。
My shoulders are tense from stress.
肩こりに効くストレッチを教えてください。
Please tell me stretches that work for stiff shoulders.