Translation guide
The English word "pains" can refer to physical discomfort, emotional distress, or the effort taken to do something. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing bodily pain, aches, or soreness
General term for physical pain. Can be used for various types of pain.
I have a pain in my lower back.
This medicine relieves pain.
More intense or prolonged physical pain, often with a sense of suffering.
He is enduring severe pain.
Adjective meaning 'painful' or 'sore'. Commonly used in everyday speech.
Verb meaning 'to ache' or 'to hurt'. Often used for ongoing pain.
My tooth aches.
Expressing mental suffering, heartache, or anguish
Broad term for suffering, both physical and emotional. Often implies deep distress.
I understand her emotional pain.
Literally 'heart pain', used for mental anguish or worry.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'one's heart aches', used for emotional pain or guilt.
Hearing his story pained my heart.
Referring to the effort, care, or trouble someone takes to do something
Hardship, trouble, or effort. Often used to acknowledge someone's hard work.
He took great pains to finish the work.
Thank you for your hard work.
Time and effort, often for a task. '手間をかける' means to take pains over something.
Literally 'bone-breaking', meaning strenuous effort. Often used in set phrases like '骨折り損' (wasted effort).
Describing the act of being very careful or thorough
English often uses 'pains' in phrases like 'take pains'. Japanese does not use a plural form; instead, use verbs or nouns that convey effort or care. Do not try to directly translate 'pains' as a countable noun.
痛み (itami) is the general word for physical pain, while 苦痛 (kutsuu) implies more severe or prolonged suffering. For everyday aches, use 痛み or the adjective 痛い.
その知らせは彼に大きな心痛を与えた。
The news caused him great mental pain.
He took pains to prepare the meal.
The pains were worth it.