Translation guide
The sensation of itch and the act of scratching. Japanese distinguishes between the feeling (itchy) and the action (to scratch). The most common way to say something is itchy is かゆい. To scratch an itch is かく.
My skin itches.
Don't scratch!
Expressing that a part of the body feels itchy.
The standard adjective for 'itchy'. Used for skin, bug bites, rashes, etc.
My back itches.
The mosquito bite is itchy.
Noun form meaning 'itchiness' or 'an itch'. Often used in medical or formal contexts.
Describes a tickling, creeping itch, often from allergies or something crawling on the skin. Also used figuratively for a restless urge.
My nose is tickly/itchy.
Expressing the action of scratching to relieve an itch.
The most common verb for 'to scratch' an itch. Transitive verb; the object is the itchy body part.
Please scratch my back.
Don't scratch the mosquito bite.
To scratch, often with nails, sometimes implying harder or more vigorous scratching. Can also mean to claw or scratch a surface.
Expressing a restless urge or strong desire to do something, similar to 'itch to do something'.
Expresses an impatient, itching desire to do something. うずうず is an onomatopoeia for restlessness.
I'm itching to go on a trip.
Similar to うずうず, but with a nuance of a tickling, creeping urge. Less common for desire.
I was itching to say something.
In English, 'itch' can be a verb meaning 'to feel itchy' or 'to scratch'. In Japanese, these are distinct: かゆい (itchy) vs. かく (scratch). Saying かゆいをかく is incorrect; use かゆいところをかく.
To scratch an itchy spot.
かく is the general verb for scratching an itch. ひっかく implies scratching with nails or claws, often leaving marks, and can be used for animals scratching or for scratching a surface. For a simple itch, かく is more natural.
I scratched my arm because it was itchy.
The cat scratched the sofa.
かゆみがひどいです。
The itching is severe.
This medicine relieves itching.
猫にひっかかれた。
I got scratched by a cat.
It was so itchy that I scratched my skin.