Refers to a dull, persistent, or throbbing pain, often internal or emotional. Commonly used for toothaches, headaches, or heartache.
The throbbing pain from my cavity is so bad I can't sleep.
The ache of heartbreak doesn't go away easily.
Kanji form; learners may encounter it but kana is preferred.
Derived from the verb 疼く (うずく, 'to ache, throb'), of native Japanese origin. The kanji 疼 is a phono-semantic compound with 疒 (sickness) and 冬 (winter), suggesting a lingering, cold-like pain.