Expressing Pain Accurately in Japanese

If you ever experience visiting a hospital or clinic in Japan and try to express the nature of pain you might be feeling, then you need to be aware of the different pain expressions used by Japanese people.

Let's try a Japanese quiz!

A: 二日酔いで頭が（　　）するよ。

B: ゆっくり休んだ方がいいよ。

A: I have a throbbing headache from a hangover.

B: You should take it easy and get some rest.

Choose the correct word to fit into the missing space ( 　　　).

Select the answer from choices 1～ 3 below.

①　がりがり
②　どんどん
③　がたがた
④　ずきずき

◆Vocabulary Hint

二日酔い（ふつかよい）- a hangover

答えは・・・The answer is・・・

④　ずきずき

◆ Today's expression

ずきずきする　

This phrase can used in casual Japanese conversation and also in formal explanations to medical professionals. It expresses a thobbing or pulsating pain especiallay experienced during a headache.