Translation and Meaning of: 痛める - itameru

If you've ever wondered how to say "to hurt" or "to cause pain" in Japanese, the word 痛める (いためる, itameru) is one of the most useful in everyday vocabulary. But it goes beyond physical meaning – it can also express concern, sadness, or emotional distress. In this article, you will discover the origin of this kanji, how it is used in daily life, and even tips for memorizing it effortlessly. Additionally, if you use Anki or another spaced repetition system, get ready to jot down practical phrases that will boost your studies.

The verb 痛める frequently appears in dialogues, songs, and even manga, often carrying an interesting duality: it can mean both pain in the knee and a hurt in the heart. Is there a connection between these meanings? And why does the kanji 痛 have this form? Let's unravel all of this now.

The Kanji 痛 and Its Curious Origin

The character 痛 is composed of two parts: 疒, which represents an "illness" or "medical condition," and 甬, which used to suggest the sound of moans of pain. Together, they create the idea of something that hurts either physically or emotionally. It is no wonder that this same kanji appears in words like 痛み (itami, "pain") and 頭痛 (zutsū, "headache").

A fascinating curiosity: in traditional Chinese medicine, from which Japan inherited many terms, it was believed that physical and emotional pains were interconnected. That's why 痛める eventually acquired this double meaning. Who has never felt a "tightness in the chest" after a heartbreak? The ancients already knew that the body and mind are not so easily separated.

How to Use 痛める in Daily Life

In practice, you will hear 痛める in contexts such as: "転んで足を痛めた" (Koronde ashi o itameta, "I fell and hurt my foot"). But also in sentences like "彼の言葉が心を痛めた" (Kare no kotoba ga kokoro o itameta, "His words hurt my heart"). Do you notice how the verb adapts?

A valuable tip: in colloquial Japanese, the direct object is often omitted when the context is already clear. For example, if you arrive limping at work, you can simply say "痛めちゃった" (Itamechatta), and everyone will understand that something in your body is hurting. It saves time and sounds natural!

Memorization and Common Mistakes

To avoid confusing 痛める with similar verbs, remember this mental image: the radical 疒 looks like an inclined hospital bed – perfect for associating with "something that needs care." On the other hand, 甬 can be imagined as a tunnel (甬路 means corridor), symbolizing that the pain "passes through" you.

Be cautious of a common mistake among students: using 痛める for inanimate objects. Saying "I damaged my smartphone" (スマホを痛めた) sounds strange – in this case, the correct term would be 壊す (kowasu, "to break"). Reserve 痛める for living beings or, metaphorically, for feelings. By the way, have you ever tried creating flashcards with images that represent both situations? It works surprisingly well!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 痛める

痛める - dictionary form
痛めた - Past form
痛めて - Te-form 連用形
痛めます - polite form
痛めない - negative form

Synonyms and similar words

傷つける (kizutsukeru) - hurt, injure (physically or emotionally)
損なう (sonanau) - to harm, to damage (usually related to causes or effects)
害する (gaisuru) - threaten, cause harm (often in a more serious or negative context)
苦しめる (kurushimeru) - make suffer, torment (emphasizes emotional or mental suffering)
疲れさせる (tsukaresaseru) - tire, exhaust (physical or emotional)