Translation guide
The English word 'wound' refers to a physical injury, especially one where the skin is broken. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 傷 (kizu), but the best translation depends on the type, severity, and context. This guide covers physical wounds, emotional wounds, and related expressions.
To refer to a cut, scrape, or other break in the skin, from minor to serious.
The most common and versatile word for a wound, injury, or cut. Can be used for anything from a paper cut to a deep gash.
転んでひざに傷ができた。
I fell and got a wound on my knee.
The wound isn't deep.
Refers to an injury in general, often used for accidents. Can include wounds but also sprains, fractures, etc. More about the state of being injured.
I was seriously wounded in the accident.
Specifically a cut or incised wound. Used when the cause is a sharp object.
I got a cut from a knife.
To express emotional pain, trauma, or a deep hurt.
To describe the act of causing a wound, physically or emotionally.
To describe the state of being wounded, often used in passive or descriptive contexts.
傷 (kizu) specifically refers to a visible wound or cut on the skin, or metaphorically an emotional scar. けが (kega) is a broader term for injury, including internal injuries, fractures, etc. Use 傷 for cuts and wounds, けが for general injuries.
The English word 'wound' can be the past tense of 'wind' (e.g., 'I wound the clock'). This is completely unrelated to injury. In Japanese, 'wind' is 巻く (maku), and its past tense is 巻いた (maita). Do not confuse these.
その経験はトラウマになった。
That experience became a trauma.
Those words wounded her.
彼の言葉に傷ついた。
I was wounded by his words.