Translation guide
The English word 'injury' covers a wide range of physical harm. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is けが, but the best choice depends on context: whether it's a wound, a fracture, an internal injury, or a sports injury. This guide helps you pick the right word.
To refer to an injury in everyday conversation, such as a cut, bruise, sprain, or wound from an accident.
The most general and common word for injury. Covers cuts, bruises, sprains, etc. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
昨日、けがをしました。
I got injured yesterday.
けがは大丈夫ですか。
Is your injury okay?
Refers specifically to a visible wound, cut, or scar. More concrete than けが.
To describe a severe injury, often from an accident or disaster, requiring medical attention.
To refer to injury inside the body, such as organ damage or internal bleeding.
Specifically means 'internal organ injury'. Used in medical or emergency contexts.
内臓損傷の可能性があります。
There is a possibility of internal injuries.
To talk about injuries sustained during sports or exercise, like sprains, strains, or fractures.
Refers to chronic or overuse injuries from sports. Common in athletic contexts.
スポーツ障害で練習を休んだ。
I took a break from practice due to a sports injury.
To describe a small, superficial injury like a scratch or scrape.
To refer to an injury caused by a sharp object, like a knife or glass.
けが is a general term for injury, including internal and external. 傷 specifically refers to a visible wound or cut. Use けが when the nature of the injury is unclear or broad, and 傷 when you can see a cut or scar.
けがはないけど、傷が痛む。
I don't have a serious injury, but the wound hurts.
傷害 (しょうがい) is a legal/formal term for 'injury' often used in contexts like 'bodily injury' in law. It sounds unnatural for casual conversation about a sprained ankle.
I fell and got a cut on my knee.
Means 'serious injury'. Often used in news reports or medical contexts.
事故で重傷を負った。
He suffered serious injuries in the accident.
Medical term for 'trauma' or 'external injury'. Used in clinical settings.
外傷はありませんか。
Do you have any external injuries?
More general term for 'internal damage', not limited to organs.
内部損傷が確認された。
Internal damage was confirmed.
Also used for acute sports injuries like sprains or fractures.
サッカーでけがをした。
I got injured playing soccer.
Means 'scratch' or 'graze'. A very minor injury.
かすり傷だから大丈夫。
It's just a scratch, so I'm fine.
Specifically a 'scrape' or 'abrasion', like from falling on pavement.
転んで擦り傷ができた。
I fell and got a scrape.
Means 'cut' or 'incised wound'. Used for injuries from knives, paper, etc.
包丁で指に切り傷を作った。
I cut my finger with a kitchen knife.
Means 'stab wound' or 'puncture wound'.
刺し傷から血が出ている。
Blood is coming from the stab wound.
assault case (lit. injury incident)