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.
腰に痛みがあります。
I have pain in my lower back.
この薬は痛みを和らげます。
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.
彼は激しい苦痛に耐えた。
He endured intense pain.
To describe mental or emotional suffering, heartache, or distress.
General word for suffering, anguish, or distress, both physical and emotional.
彼女の心の苦しみがわかる。
I understand her emotional pain.
その知らせは彼に大きな苦しみを与えた。
The news caused him great 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.
この作業、本当に面倒くさい。
This task is a real pain.
彼はいつも文句ばかりで面倒くさいやつだ。
He's always complaining; he's such a 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.
To take pains, to go to trouble, to work hard at something.
彼はその計画に大変苦労した。
He took great pains over the project.
Idiom meaning 'to take pains', literally 'to break one's bones'.
彼はその仕事に骨を折った。
He took pains with that work.
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.
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.
それは厄介な問題だ。
That's a pain of a problem.
厄介な客が来た。
A troublesome customer came.
彼の遅刻癖が頭痛の種だ。
His chronic lateness is a real pain.