Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pain" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pain", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
苦痛
くつう (kutsuu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
痛み
いたみ (itami)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pain" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 苦痛 and 痛み.
In Japanese, 苦痛 (くつう (kutsuu)) is typically associated with "pain; agony; distress; suffering" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 精神的、肉体的な苦しみや痛みを表す言葉です。強い不快感や耐え難い状況で使われます。It expresses mental or physical suffering or pain. Used in situations of strong discomfort or unbearable conditions..
On the other hand, 痛み (いたみ (itami)) maps to "pain, ache, hurt" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Noun form of 痛い. A literal translation of "pain" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "苦痛"
彼は失恋の苦痛からなかなか立ち直れなかった。
He couldn't easily recover from the pain of heartbreak.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は失恋の ＿＿＿ からなかなか立ち直れなかった。" (Meaning: "He couldn't easily recover from the pain of heartbreak.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "苦痛" fits here because it means "pain; agony; distress; suffering" in the context of: "He couldn't easily recover from the pain of heartbreak.". "痛み" represents "pain, ache, hurt".