凝り
also: こり
Meanings
muscle stiffness; knot in the shoulder
Refers to physical stiffness or a knot in muscles, especially in the shoulders and neck. Often used in the context of massage or relaxation.
The stiffness in my shoulders was so bad that I went for a massage.
I got a knot in my neck from long hours of desk work.
lingering discomfort; uneasiness; bad aftertaste
Only with reading しこり
Metaphorical use describing a persistent feeling of unease, resentment, or dissatisfaction that remains after an event. Often used in the phrase 心のしこり.
Those words from back then still linger as a feeling of unease in my heart.
We cleared up our mutual bad feelings through discussion.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に凝りができるa knot/stiffness forms in (a body part)
A knot formed in my shoulder.
- 心にしこりが残るa lingering feeling of resentment/unease remains in one's heart
After the fight with him, a lingering unease stayed with me.
- 〈場所〉にしこりが見つかるa lump is found in (a body part)
A lump was found in her breast during the checkup.
- 凝りを解消するto relieve/get rid of stiffness
I got rid of my shoulder stiffness with a massage.