Translation guide
The English word "pain" covers physical suffering, emotional distress, and can be used informally to describe an annoying person or thing. Japanese uses different words depending on the type of pain and context.
To describe bodily pain, aches, or soreness.
The most general word for physical pain. Can be used for acute or chronic pain.
I have pain in my lower back.
This medicine relieves pain.
Adjective meaning 'painful' or 'hurt'. Used to describe a part of the body that hurts.
More formal or intense physical pain, often implying suffering or agony.
He endured intense pain.
To describe mental or emotional suffering, heartache, or distress.
General word for suffering, anguish, or distress, both physical and emotional.
I understand her emotional pain.
Specifically sadness or sorrow, often used for grief.
Literally 'heart pain', meaning mental anguish or worry.
To call someone or something a 'pain' in the sense of being troublesome or irritating.
Adjective meaning 'troublesome', 'bothersome', or 'a pain'. Very common in casual speech.
This task is a real pain.
Means 'troublesome', 'burdensome', or 'a nuisance'. Can be used for people or situations.
Literally 'seed of headache', meaning a source of worry or annoyance.
To express taking great care or effort to do something.
The English idiom 'pain in the neck' does not translate directly. Use 面倒くさい人 (めんどうくさいひと) or 厄介な人 (やっかいなひと) instead.
痛み (いたみ) is the everyday word for physical pain. 苦痛 (くつう) is stronger, often implying prolonged suffering or agony, and is more formal.
The news caused him great pain.
深い悲しみに沈んでいる。
I am sunk in deep sorrow.
その問題で心痛している。
I am distressed over that problem.
He's always complaining; he's such a pain.
それは厄介な問題だ。
That's a pain of a problem.
A troublesome customer came.
His chronic lateness is a real pain.
彼はその仕事に骨を折った。
He took pains with that work.