Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pain" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pain", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
痛み
いたみ (itami)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
痛痒
つうよう (tsūyō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pain" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 痛み and 痛痒.
In Japanese, 痛み (いたみ (itami)) is typically associated with "pain, ache, hurt" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Noun form of 痛い.
On the other hand, 痛痒 (つうよう (tsūyō)) maps to "pain and itchiness; (often used metaphorically in the negative: 痛痒を感じない - feel no pain, be unaffected, not care)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Literally "pain and itch." Most commonly used in the negative form「痛痒を感じない」to mean feeling no effect or not caring about criticism, damage, or others' suffering. It emphasizes a lack of sensitivity or concern.. A literal translation of "pain" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "痛み"
頭の痛みがひどくて、仕事に集中できません。
My headache is severe, and I can't concentrate on work.
Bilingual Context for "痛痒"
彼はどんな非難にも痛痒を感じないかのように振る舞った。
He behaved as if he felt no pain from any criticism.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "頭の ＿＿＿ がひどくて、仕事に集中できません。" (Meaning: "My headache is severe, and I can't concentrate on work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "痛み" fits here because it means "pain, ache, hurt" in the context of: "My headache is severe, and I can't concentrate on work.". "痛痒" represents "pain and itchiness; (often used metaphorically in the negative: 痛痒を感じない - feel no pain, be unaffected, not care)".