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A2 noun #4,000 am häufigsten 12 Min. Lesezeit

頭痛

zutsuu Top 4,000

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At the A1 level, learners typically focus on the most basic way to express physical pain. While 'zutsuu' might be introduced as a vocabulary word, the primary focus is often on the phrase 'atama ga itai' (my head hurts). At this stage, you are learning that 'atama' means head and 'itai' means painful. You might not yet use the kanji 頭痛, but you should recognize the sound 'zutsuu' in simple contexts like a doctor's office. You are learning to combine nouns with the particle 'ga' and the adjective 'itai'. For example, 'atama ga itai desu' is the gold standard for A1. You start to understand that in Japanese, you don't 'have' a pain in the same way as English; rather, the body part 'is painful'. Understanding 'zutsuu' as a noun is the first step toward more formal communication. You might also learn 'zutsuuyaku' (headache medicine) as a survival word for visiting a pharmacy in Japan. The goal at A1 is simply to be able to communicate that you are unwell so that someone can help you. You are not expected to know the different types of headaches or the metaphorical uses of the word yet. Just being able to point to your head and say 'atama ga itai' or 'zutsuu' is a great start.

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At the A2 level, you transition from simple descriptive phrases like 'atama ga itai' to using the noun '頭痛' (zutsuu) correctly in sentences. You learn the specific construction '頭痛がする' (zutsuu ga suru), where 'suru' acts as the verb indicating the experience of a symptom. This is a more 'adult' and professional way to speak compared to the A1 phrasing. You also begin to recognize the kanji 頭 (head) and 痛 (pain), which are very common. At A2, you should be able to describe the frequency or intensity of the headache using basic adverbs like 'tokidoki' (sometimes) or 'totemo' (very). You also start to learn related compound words like 'zutsuuyaku' (headache medicine) and might use them in a dialogue at a drugstore. For example, 'Zutsuuyaku o kudasai' (Please give me headache medicine). You are also becoming aware of the social context—using 'zutsuu' when talking to a teacher or a boss to sound more polite and objective. This level is about building the foundation for discussing health issues with more precision and following standard Japanese sentence patterns for symptoms.

By the B1 level, you are expected to use '頭痛' (zutsuu) with greater flexibility and in more complex sentence structures. You can now describe the *type* of headache you are experiencing by using modifiers. You might learn 'hen-zutsuu' (migraine) or 'hageshii zutsuu' (intense headache). You can also use the word in the passive voice or with causative structures, such as 'zutsuu ni nayamasareru' (to be plagued by headaches). At B1, you start to encounter the metaphorical use of 'zutsuu', specifically the phrase 'zutsuu no tane' (the source of a headache/worry). You can explain *why* you have a headache, perhaps linking it to 'teikiatsu' (low atmospheric pressure) or 'sutoresu' (stress). Your ability to navigate a medical consultation improves; you can answer questions about when the headache started, how long it lasts, and what makes it better or worse. You are also more comfortable with the kanji and can read it in newspapers or on medicine packaging without needing furigana. This level marks the shift from basic communication to being able to discuss the nuances of the condition and its impact on your daily life.

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At the B2 level, your understanding of '頭痛' (zutsuu) includes technical and formal nuances. You are familiar with different medical classifications like 'kin-kincho-gata zutsuu' (tension-type headache) and can discuss the physiological causes of these conditions in Japanese. You can read and understand health-related articles or news reports that discuss the prevalence of headaches in the modern workforce. Your use of the word becomes very natural, and you can switch between 'zutsuu' and 'atama ga itai' seamlessly depending on the social 'ba' (setting). You might also use 'zutsuu' in more sophisticated metaphorical contexts, such as describing a complex political or business issue as a 'zutsuu no tane' for a company. You can discuss treatments, including the pros and cons of certain 'zutsuuyaku' (headache medicines), and perhaps even alternative therapies like 'hari' (acupuncture). At this stage, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for discussing health, society, and complex problems with high fluency and precision.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep, nuanced grasp of '頭痛' (zutsuu) and its place in Japanese culture and literature. You can understand and participate in high-level discussions about public health, focusing on how 'zutsuu' affects productivity in the Japanese 'salaryman' culture. You are aware of the subtle differences in tone when 'zutsuu' is used in formal speeches versus colloquial dialogue. You can analyze literary texts where a character's 'zutsuu' might symbolize internal conflict or societal pressure. Your vocabulary includes very specific medical terms and archaic or literary synonyms for head pain. You can write detailed reports or essays on health topics, using 'zutsuu' and its related compounds with perfect grammatical accuracy. You also understand the cultural implications of 'gaman' (endurance) in relation to chronic pain like headaches and can discuss these concepts fluently. At this level, you can also catch subtle puns or wordplay involving the kanji for 'zutsuu' in media or advertising.

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At the C2 level, you possess a near-native or native-like command of '頭痛' (zutsuu). You can navigate any medical situation, including specialized neurological consultations, with total ease. You are familiar with the history of the word and its kanji, including their etymological roots in classical Chinese medical texts. You can understand complex medical journals that use 'zutsuu' in the context of advanced neurology or pharmacology. Metaphorically, you use 'zutsuu' and 'zutsuu no tane' with the same ease and frequency as a native speaker, applying them to intricate social, economic, or philosophical problems. You can interpret and translate the word in various contexts, capturing the exact nuance of the original Japanese. Whether it's a casual remark between friends, a clinical diagnosis, or a complex metaphor in a novel, you understand every layer of meaning, including the emotional and cultural weight the word carries in Japan. You are also aware of regional dialects or slang that might replace or modify the word 'zutsuu' in specific parts of Japan.

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頭痛 in 30 Sekunden

頭痛 (zutsuu) means 'headache'. It is a formal and common noun used to describe pain in the head.
The most common phrase is '頭痛がする' (zutsuu ga suru), meaning 'I have a headache'.
It is composed of the kanji for 'head' (頭) and 'pain' (痛).
Metaphorically, it refers to a source of worry or trouble (頭痛の種 - zutsuu no tane).

The Japanese word 頭痛 (zutsuu) is a fundamental medical and everyday term that translates directly to 'headache' in English. It is composed of two kanji characters: 頭 (atama), meaning 'head', and 痛 (tsuu/itai), meaning 'pain' or 'ache'. While the individual kanji can be read using their Kun-yomi (Japanese readings) as 'atama' and 'itai', when they are combined into this compound noun, they take their On-yomi (Sino-Japanese readings) to become 'zutsuu'. This word is used across all levels of Japanese society, from formal medical diagnoses to casual complaints among friends. Understanding when to use 'zutsuu' versus the more descriptive 'atama ga itai' (my head hurts) is a key milestone for A2-level learners.

Clinical Context: In a clinical or professional setting, 'zutsuu' is the standard term. Doctors will ask 'Zutsuu wa arimasu ka?' (Do you have a headache?) rather than using more colloquial phrasing. It sounds more objective and specific than saying your head simply hurts.

昨夜からひどい頭痛が続いています。 (I have been having a terrible headache since last night.)

Beyond the physical ailment, 'zutsuu' can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation that is causing significant stress or trouble, much like the English phrase 'this project is a real headache'. However, in Japanese, this figurative use often appears in the phrase 'zutsuu no tane' (the seed of a headache), referring to the source of the problem. For example, a rebellious child or a difficult financial situation might be called a 'zutsuu no tane'.

この問題は、私にとって大きな頭痛の種です。 (This problem is a major headache/source of worry for me.)

Japanese culture also places a strong emphasis on weather-related health issues. You will often hear the term 'teikiatsu zutsuu' (low-pressure headache), which refers to headaches caused by changes in barometric pressure, particularly during the rainy season (tsuyu). This shows how deeply the word is integrated into daily conversations about well-being and environmental factors.

Grammatical Function: 'Zutsuu' is a noun. To say you have a headache, you typically use the verb 'suru' (to do/experience) or 'aru' (to exist). 'Zutsuu ga suru' is the most common way to express the onset or experience of the pain.

風邪を引いて、頭痛がします。 (I caught a cold and have a headache.)

In summary, 'zutsuu' is a versatile word that bridges the gap between formal medicine and daily life. Whether you are at a pharmacy (yakkyoku) looking for 'zutsuuyaku' (headache medicine) or telling your boss why you need to leave early, 'zutsuu' is the precise and appropriate term to use. It carries a level of seriousness that 'atama ga itai' might lack in formal contexts, making it an essential part of an A2 learner's vocabulary.

慢性的な頭痛に悩まされています。 (I am suffering from chronic headaches.)

Social Nuance: Complaining about a headache in Japan is often seen as a valid reason for physical discomfort, but due to the culture of 'gaman' (endurance), people might not mention it unless it is severe. Using 'zutsuu' clearly communicates the symptom without sounding overly emotional.

薬を飲んだら、頭痛が治まりました。 (After taking medicine, the headache subsided.)

Using '頭痛' (zutsuu) correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and its interaction with specific verbs and particles. The most fundamental pattern is '頭痛がする' (zutsuu ga suru), which means 'to have/experience a headache'. This construction uses the particle 'ga' to identify the symptom and the verb 'suru' to indicate the manifestation of that symptom. It is the most natural way to tell someone you are currently feeling pain in your head.

Basic Pattern: [Subject] + は + 頭痛がする。 Example: 私は頭痛がします。 (I have a headache.)

朝からずっと頭痛がしています。 (I've had a headache since this morning.)

Another common pattern involves describing the severity of the headache using adjectives like 'hidoi' (terrible/severe) or 'karui' (light/mild). These adjectives precede 'zutsuu' directly. When discussing chronic issues, the verb 'nayamu' (to suffer from/be troubled by) is frequently used with the particle 'ni'. This expresses a long-term struggle with the condition.

多くの人が片頭痛に悩んでいます。 (Many people suffer from migraines.)

In medical contexts, you might see 'zutsuu' combined with other nouns to form compounds. For example, 'zutsuu-yaku' (headache medicine), 'zutsuu-gairai' (headache clinic), and 'kin-kincho-gata-zutsuu' (tension-type headache). These are essential for navigating healthcare in Japan.

Compound Nouns: Combining 'zutsuu' with 'yaku' (medicine) creates 'zutsuuyaku'. You can buy this over the counter at any drug store by asking: 'Zutsuuyaku wa arimasu ka?'

一番効く頭痛薬を教えてください。 (Please tell me which headache medicine works best.)

When the headache stops, you use the verb 'naoru' (to heal/get better) or 'osamaru' (to subside). 'Zutsuu ga naotta' means the headache is gone. If you want to say the medicine worked, you use the verb 'kiku' (to be effective). Figuratively, 'zutsuu' is used with 'tane' (seed) to describe a source of worry. 'Kore wa zutsuu no tane da' means 'This is a source of constant worry for me.' This is a higher-level usage but very common in business and family discussions.

赤字続きで、社長は頭痛を抱えています。 (With continuous deficits, the president is dealing with a 'headache' (major problem).)

Verb Collocations: - 頭痛がする (To have a headache) - 頭痛を伴う (To be accompanied by a headache) - 頭痛が和らぐ (The headache eases) - 頭痛を引き起こす (To cause a headache)

ストレスが頭痛の原因になることがあります。 (Stress can sometimes be the cause of headaches.)

By mastering these patterns, you can accurately describe your physical state and even discuss complex problems using 'zutsuu' as a metaphorical tool. Always remember that while 'atama ga itai' is a sentence, 'zutsuu' is a noun that provides more flexibility in complex sentence structures.

You will encounter '頭痛' (zutsuu) in a wide variety of environments in Japan, ranging from the very personal to the highly professional. One of the most common places is the local pharmacy (drugstore). In Japan, drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Welcia are ubiquitous, and the headache medicine section is always clearly labeled with the kanji '頭痛薬' (zutsuuyaku). You will hear pharmacists ask, 'Dono yona zutsuu desu ka?' (What kind of headache is it?) to determine if you need something for tension or a migraine.

In the Workplace: If a colleague looks unwell, someone might ask, 'Zutsuu desu ka?' (Is it a headache?). When taking a sick day or leaving early, 'zutsuu' is a standard, professional reason to give. It is considered more formal than saying 'atama ga itai'.

ひどい頭痛のため、本日は欠席させていただきます。 (I will be absent today due to a severe headache.)

Television commercials are another major source of this word. Japan has a massive market for over-the-counter pain relievers, and ads for brands like Bufferin, Loxonin, and EVE frequently repeat the word 'zutsuu'. These commercials often use onomatopoeia like 'zuki-zuki' (throbbing) or 'gan-gan' (pounding) alongside the word 'zutsuu' to vividly describe the pain. In the news or in weather reports, especially during typhoon season or the rainy season, announcers might warn viewers that 'teikiatsu' (low pressure) might cause 'zutsuu' for some people. This illustrates how the term is linked to broader environmental factors in the Japanese consciousness.

明日は気圧が下がるので、頭痛に注意してください。 (The pressure will drop tomorrow, so please be careful of headaches.)

Medical Consultations: At a 'naika' (internal medicine clinic), the doctor will likely use 'zutsuu' when documenting your symptoms. They might ask about the frequency: 'Zutsuu no hindo wa dore kurai desu ka?' (How frequent are the headaches?)

先生に頭痛の症状を詳しく説明しました。 (I explained my headache symptoms to the doctor in detail.)

Finally, in literature and drama, characters often use 'zutsuu' to signal stress or a moment of realization. If a character says 'Zutsuu ga shite kita...' (A headache is coming on...), it often implies they are overwhelmed by a complicated situation. This metaphorical usage is very common in office-themed dramas (dorama).

あまりの難題に、彼は頭痛を覚えた。 (He felt a headache (overwhelmed) by the sheer difficulty of the problem.)

Everyday Conversations: Friends might say, 'Zutsuu daijoubu?' (Is your headache okay?) after you've mentioned it earlier. It's a way to show concern using the specific name of the ailment.

頭痛がひどいので、今日は早く寝ます。 (My headache is bad, so I'm going to sleep early today.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning '頭痛' (zutsuu) is confusing it with the phrase 'atama ga itai'. While both refer to a headache, 'zutsuu' is a noun (Headache) and 'atama ga itai' is a full sentence (The head is painful). You cannot say '私は頭痛です' (I am a headache) in the same way you might say 'I have a headache' in English. Instead, you must use '頭痛がします' (I experience a headache) or '頭痛があります' (A headache exists/I have a headache).

Mistake: 'Watashi wa zutsuu desu': Correction: Use 'Zutsuu ga shimasu' or 'Atama ga itai desu'. Saying 'Zutsuu desu' literally translates to 'I am a headache,' which sounds strange unless you are the embodiment of a problem.

❌ 私は頭痛です。 ✅ 私は頭痛がします。

Another common error is the mispronunciation of the double 'u' at the end. In Japanese, 'zutsuu' (ずつう) has a long 'u' sound. Beginners often shorten it to 'zutsu', which can make the word harder to understand or even sound like another word. The 'tsu' sound followed by another 'u' requires a steady, elongated vowel. Learners also struggle with the difference between 'zutsuu' and 'hen-zutsuu'. 'Hen-zutsuu' (片頭痛) specifically means 'migraine' (literally 'one-sided headache'). Using 'zutsuu' for a migraine is technically correct as it's a type of headache, but if you have a clinical migraine, using the specific term 'hen-zutsuu' is much more accurate.

ただの頭痛ではなく、片頭痛のようです。 (It's not just a normal headache; it seems to be a migraine.)

Particle Confusion: Don't use 'o' with 'zutsuu'. You don't 'do' a headache (zutsuu o suru). You 'experience' it (zutsuu ga suru). The particle 'ga' is essential here because the headache is the thing manifesting.

❌ 頭痛をします。 ✅ 頭痛がします。

Lastly, be careful with the kanji. The second kanji 痛 (pain) is often confused with 病 (illness) by beginners. While they both share the 'sickness' radical (疒), they are different characters. 痛 has the 'yong' (use) radical inside, whereas 病 has 'hei' (third). Remembering that 痛 is for 'pain' specifically will help you avoid writing 'head-illness' instead of 'headache'.

漢字の書き間違いに注意してください。頭痛の「痛」は「痛い」の漢字です。 (Please be careful of kanji mistakes. The 'tsuu' in 'zutsuu' is the kanji for 'itai' (painful).)

Register Errors: Using 'zutsuu' in a childish way is also a mistake. Children almost exclusively use 'atama itai'. If a child says 'zutsuu ga suru', they sound like they are imitating an adult or a medical textbook.

子供は普通「頭痛」とは言わず、「あたまがいたい」と言います。 (Children usually don't say 'zutsuu'; they say 'atama ga itai'.)

When discussing head pain or general discomfort in Japanese, there are several alternatives to '頭痛' (zutsuu) that vary based on formality, specificity, and intensity. The most common alternative is '頭が痛い' (atama ga itai). While 'zutsuu' is a noun, 'atama ga itai' is a descriptive phrase meaning 'my head hurts'. In casual conversation, 'atama ga itai' is much more frequently used.

Comparison: Zutsuu vs. Atama ga itai: 'Zutsuu' is formal/clinical, used in medical contexts or when reporting an illness professionally. 'Atama ga itai' is personal/casual, used to express current physical sensation to friends or family.

友達には「あたまがいたい」と言い、医者には「頭痛があります」と言います。 (You say 'atama ga itai' to friends and 'zutsuu ga arimasu' to doctors.)

Another related term is '片頭痛' (hen-zutsuu), which refers specifically to migraines. This is a vital word if you suffer from chronic one-sided headaches, as the treatment and perception are different from a standard tension headache. For throbbing pain, Japanese often uses onomatopoeia such as 'zuki-zuki' or 'gan-gan'. You can say 'atama ga gan-gan suru' (my head is pounding) or 'atama ga zuki-zuki itai' (my head is throbbing with pain). These expressions are very common and add a layer of descriptive detail that 'zutsuu' alone lacks.

二日酔いで頭がガンガンする。 (I have a pounding headache from a hangover.)

Synonyms for Discomfort: - 頭重感 (Zujuukan): A feeling of heaviness in the head. - 目眩 (Meimai): Dizziness, often occurring with headaches. - 不快感 (Fukaikan): General discomfort.

頭痛だけでなく、めまいもします。 (I have not only a headache but also dizziness.)

In summary, while 'zutsuu' is the standard noun, knowing when to use 'atama ga itai' for personal feeling, 'hen-zutsuu' for migraines, and onomatopoeia for specific sensations will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise. Each word has its own 'basho' (place) in the language.

症状に合わせて「頭痛」や「頭が痛い」を使い分けましょう。 (Choose between 'zutsuu' and 'atama ga itai' depending on the symptoms and context.)

Formal Alternatives: In very formal reports, you might see 'tou-tsuu' (頭痛), which is a more technical reading of the same kanji, though 'zutsuu' remains the standard even in medical papers.

専門的な文書では、より詳細な「緊張型頭痛」などの用語が使われます。 (In professional documents, more detailed terms like 'tension-type headache' are used.)

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji for 'pain' (痛) contains the 'sickness' radical (疒) and the character for 'use' (甬). In ancient times, it suggested a pain that was 'useful' as a signal of illness.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /dzɯ.tsɯː/

US /zu.tsu/

Heiban (Flat) pitch accent. The pitch stays relatively level throughout the word.

Reimt sich auf

Kutsuu (Pain) Futsuu (Normal) Ryutsuu (Distribution) Koutsuu (Traffic) Yutsuu (Melancholy) Kantsuu (Penetration) Goutsuu (Lamentation) Chutsuu (Middle pain - rare)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it as 'zutsu' (short 'u').
Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su'.
Misplacing the pitch accent on the first syllable.
Confusing 'zu' with 'ju'.
Failing to elongate the final vowel.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The kanji 頭 and 痛 are intermediate but very common. The reading 'zutsuu' is irregular but essential.

Schreiben 4/5

Writing the kanji 頭 (16 strokes) and 痛 (12 strokes) requires practice.

Sprechen 2/5

The pronunciation is easy, but the long 'uu' must be maintained.

Hören 2/5

Easily recognizable in medical and weather-related contexts.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

頭 (Head) 痛い (Painful) 薬 (Medicine) 病気 (Illness) 体 (Body)

Als Nächstes lernen

腹痛 (Stomach ache) 腰痛 (Back pain) 熱 (Fever) 風邪 (Cold) 診察 (Medical exam)

Fortgeschritten

神経痛 (Neuralgia) 鎮痛剤 (Analgesic) 副作用 (Side effect) 処方箋 (Prescription) 脳梗塞 (Cerebral infarction)

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun + がする (Experiencing a sensation)

頭痛がする、においがする、音がする。

Noun + に悩む (To suffer from something)

頭痛に悩む、騒音に悩む。

Adjective + Noun (Describing a symptom)

ひどい頭痛、激しい頭痛。

Noun + の種 (Source of something)

頭痛の種、悩みの種。

Compound Nouns (Sino-Japanese structure)

頭痛薬、腹痛、腰痛。

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Beispiele nach Niveau

あたまがいたいです。

My head hurts.

Basic 'body part + ga + itai' pattern.

ずつうやくをください。

Please give me headache medicine.

Requesting an object using 'o kudasai'.

きのう、あたまがいたかったです。

Yesterday, my head hurt.

Past tense of the adjective 'itai' (itakatta).

ずつうですか。

Is it a headache?

Simple noun + desu ka question.

すこし、あたまがいたいです。

My head hurts a little.

Using the adverb 'sukoshi' (a little).

だいじょうぶですか。あたまがいたいですか。

Are you okay? Does your head hurt?

Asking about someone's condition.

あたまがいたいから、ねます。

Because my head hurts, I will sleep.

Using 'kara' to show reason.

ここは、ずつうのくすりです。

Here is the headache medicine.

Pointing out a location.

今朝から頭痛がします。

I have had a headache since this morning.

Using 'zutsuu ga suru' for symptoms.

ひどい頭痛で仕事に行けません。

I can't go to work because of a terrible headache.

Using 'de' to indicate cause.

頭痛薬を飲んで休みます。

I will take headache medicine and rest.

Te-form to connect actions.

時々、頭痛があります。

I sometimes have headaches.

Using 'tokidoki' with 'zutsuu ga aru'.

先生、頭痛がひどいんです。

Doctor, I have a terrible headache.

Using 'n desu' for explanation.

この薬は頭痛に効きますか。

Does this medicine work for headaches?

Using 'ni kiku' for effectiveness.

雨の日は頭痛になりやすいです。

I tend to get headaches on rainy days.

Using 'ni nariyasui' (easy to become).

頭痛が治まったので、大丈夫です。

The headache has subsided, so I'm okay.

Using 'osamaru' for symptoms subsiding.

最近、慢性的な頭痛に悩まされています。

Lately, I've been suffering from chronic headaches.

Passive form 'nayamasareru' (to be troubled by).

このプロジェクトは本当に頭痛の種だ。

This project is really a 'headache' (source of worry).

Metaphorical use of 'zutsuu no tane'.

吐き気を伴う頭痛があります。

I have a headache accompanied by nausea.

Using 'o tomonau' (to be accompanied by).

頭痛がひどくなる前に薬を飲みました。

I took medicine before the headache got worse.

Using 'mae ni' (before).

気圧の変化で頭痛がすることがあります。

I sometimes get headaches due to changes in air pressure.

Using 'koto ga aru' (there are times when).

彼女はひどい頭痛持ちで、いつも薬を持ち歩いています。

She is prone to severe headaches and always carries medicine.

Using 'zutsuu-mochi' (headache sufferer).

頭痛の原因を調べるために検査を受けました。

I had an examination to investigate the cause of the headache.

Using 'tame ni' (for the purpose of).

ゆっくり休めば、頭痛は和らぐでしょう。

If you rest well, the headache will probably ease.

Conditional 'ba' and 'yawaragu' (to ease).

緊張型頭痛は、肩こりから来ることが多いです。

Tension-type headaches often come from stiff shoulders.

Specific medical term 'kin-kincho-gata zutsuu'.

そのニュースを聞いて、彼は頭痛を覚えた。

Hearing that news, he felt a 'headache' (was overwhelmed).

Using 'o oboeru' for feeling/experiencing.

片頭痛の特効薬が開発されたそうです。

I heard that a wonder drug for migraines has been developed.

Using 'sou desu' (I heard that).

頭痛が長引く場合は、専門医に相談すべきだ。

If the headache persists, you should consult a specialist.

Using 'subeki da' (should).

過度のストレスは、激しい頭痛を引き起こす要因となります。

Excessive stress becomes a factor that triggers intense headaches.

Using 'hikikosu' (to trigger/cause).

頭痛の症状を和らげるためのストレッチを紹介します。

I will introduce some stretches to ease headache symptoms.

Using 'tame no' to modify a noun.

彼はいつも頭痛の種を撒き散らしている。

He is always spreading 'seeds of headaches' (causing trouble).

Idiomatic use of 'zutsuu no tane'.

昨夜の深酒が原因で、今朝はひどい頭痛に襲われた。

Due to heavy drinking last night, I was hit by a terrible headache this morning.

Using 'ni osowareru' (to be attacked/hit by).

現代社会において、頭痛は単なる身体的苦痛以上の社会問題となっている。

In modern society, headaches have become a social issue beyond mere physical pain.

Formal academic phrasing.

その複雑な契約条件は、法務部にとって頭痛の種以外の何物でもなかった。

Those complex contract terms were nothing but a headache for the legal department.

Using 'igai no nanimono demo nai' (nothing but).

慢性頭痛患者のQOL（生活の質）向上に向けた取り組みが進んでいる。

Efforts are progressing toward improving the QOL of chronic headache patients.

Using 'ni muketa' (toward).

彼の不祥事は、党にとって大きな頭痛の種となった。

His scandal became a major headache for the party.

Metaphorical political context.

気象病による頭痛のメカニズムは、未だ完全には解明されていない。

The mechanism of headaches caused by weather sickness has not yet been fully elucidated.

Passive voice 'kaimei sarete inai'.

強烈な頭痛に襲われ、彼はその場に崩れ落ちた。

Attacked by an intense headache, he collapsed on the spot.

Literary description.

頭痛を伴う視覚異常は、深刻な病気の兆候である可能性がある。

Visual abnormalities accompanied by headaches may be a sign of a serious illness.

Using 'kanousei ga aru' (there is a possibility).

この新薬は、従来の頭痛薬とは一線を画す画期的なものである。

This new drug is a breakthrough that sets itself apart from conventional headache medicines.

Using 'issen o kakusu' (to set apart).

頭痛という生理現象を通じて、人間と環境の相互作用を考察する。

Through the physiological phenomenon of headaches, we will consider the interaction between humans and the environment.

Highly academic/philosophical.

その外交問題は、両国政府にとって長年の頭痛の種であり続けている。

That diplomatic issue continues to be a long-standing headache for both governments.

Describing long-term political strife.

古典文学における頭痛の描写は、当時の死生観を反映していることが多い。

Descriptions of headaches in classical literature often reflect the views on life and death of that time.

Literary analysis.

脳神経外科の権威が、難治性頭痛の最新治療について講演を行った。

An authority in neurosurgery gave a lecture on the latest treatments for refractory headaches.

Using 'nan-chisei' (refractory/difficult to treat).

彼はその失策により、組織全体に頭痛を撒き散らす結果となった。

As a result of that blunder, he ended up causing a 'headache' for the entire organization.

Complex metaphorical causal structure.

頭痛の緩和を目的としたプラセボ効果の研究が、倫理的な議論を呼んでいる。

Research on the placebo effect for headache relief is sparking ethical debates.

Discussing scientific ethics.

突如として走った鋭い頭痛に、彼女は不吉な予感を禁じ得なかった。

At the sudden sharp headache, she couldn't help but have an ominous premonition.

Using 'kinji enakatta' (couldn't help but).

気圧の急激な変動が、都市部における頭痛の訴えを急増させている。

Rapid fluctuations in atmospheric pressure are causing a surge in complaints of headaches in urban areas.

Sociological/Environmental analysis.

Häufige Kollokationen

頭痛がする

ひどい頭痛

慢性的な頭痛

頭痛が和らぐ

頭痛を伴う

頭痛薬を飲む

頭痛の原因

頭痛に悩む

激しい頭痛

頭痛が治る

Häufige Phrasen

頭痛の種

— A source of worry or a problematic person/situation.

彼の態度は、チームにとって頭痛の種だ。

頭痛が痛い

— A common tautological mistake (like 'ATM machine') that people sometimes say accidentally.

「頭痛が痛い」は間違った日本語です。

頭痛持ち

— Someone who suffers from chronic headaches.

私は子供の頃から頭痛持ちです。

頭痛外来

— A specialized clinic for treating headaches.

頭痛外来で精密検査を受ける。

低気圧頭痛

— Headaches caused by low atmospheric pressure.

台風が来ると、低気圧頭痛がひどくなる。

緊張型頭痛

— Tension-type headache, common from stress or posture.

デスクワークが続くと緊張型頭痛になりやすい。

頭痛を覚える

— To feel or experience a headache, often used figuratively for distress.

その複雑な説明に頭痛を覚えた。

頭痛に効く

— To be effective against headaches (usually medicine).

このハーブティーは頭痛に効きます。

頭痛を抑える

— To suppress or manage a headache.

保冷剤で冷やして頭痛を抑える。

突発的な頭痛

— A sudden, unexpected headache.

突発的な頭痛には注意が必要です。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

頭痛 vs 腹痛 (Fukutsuu)

Means stomach ache. They sound similar because they both end in 'tsuu'.

頭痛 vs 腰痛 (Youtsuu)

Means lower back pain. Another 'tsuu' compound.

頭痛 vs 目眩 (Memai)

Means dizziness. Often occurs with headaches but is a different symptom.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"頭痛の種"

— The root cause of a problem that causes mental distress.

赤字続きの店舗が頭痛の種だ。

Common Metaphor

"頭を抱える"

— Literally 'to hold one's head', meaning to be at a loss or deeply worried.

難問に頭を抱える。

Visual Idiom

"頭が痛い"

— Used figuratively to mean 'to be troubled by something'.

予算のことで頭が痛い。

Daily Idiom

"頭痛鉢巻き"

— Tying a headband tightly to relieve a headache (an old-fashioned image).

頭痛鉢巻きで勉強する。

Classic / Rare

"眉をひそめる"

— To frown or look displeased, sometimes due to a metaphorical headache.

彼の言動に眉をひそめる。

Formal

"気が重い"

— To feel depressed or heavy-hearted, often accompanying a headache.

明日の会議を考えると気が重い。

Emotional

"暗雲が垂れ込める"

— Dark clouds hanging over, used for a situation causing a 'headache'.

計画に暗雲が垂れ込める。

Literary

"四面楚歌"

— Being surrounded by enemies/problems, causing a major 'headache'.

彼は今、四面楚歌の状態だ。

Proverb

"五里霧中"

— Being totally lost or confused, like having a mental headache.

解決策が見つからず、五里霧中だ。

Proverb

"苦虫を噛み潰したような顔"

— A face like one has chewed a bitter bug, often from a headache or annoyance.

彼は苦虫を噛み潰したような顔をしている。

Descriptive

Leicht verwechselbar

頭痛 vs 頭痛 (Zutsuu)

Sounds like 'zutsu' (each/at a time).

Zutsuu is a noun for headache; Zutsu is a particle meaning 'each'. The long vowel is the key.

一つずつ (one each) vs. 頭痛 (headache).

頭痛 vs 苦痛 (Kutsuu)

Both end in 'tsuu'.

Kutsuu means general 'pain' or 'suffering' (mental or physical), while zutsuu is specific to the head.

耐えがたい苦痛 (unbearable pain).

頭痛 vs 普通 (Futsuu)

Rhymes with zutsuu.

Futsuu means 'normal' or 'ordinary'.

普通の生活 (normal life).

頭痛 vs 交通 (Koutsuu)

Rhymes with zutsuu.

Koutsuu means 'traffic' or 'transportation'.

交通渋滞 (traffic jam).

頭痛 vs 流通 (Ryutsuu)

Rhymes with zutsuu.

Ryutsuu means 'distribution' or 'circulation'.

商品の流通 (distribution of goods).

Satzmuster

あたまがいたいです。

きのうからあたまがいたいです。

頭痛がします。

今、少し頭痛がします。

頭痛薬を飲みました。

頭痛薬を飲んだので大丈夫です。

頭痛に悩んでいます。

慢性的な頭痛に悩んでいます。

頭痛の種です。

この問題は頭痛の種ですね。

頭痛を伴う〜

頭痛を伴う風邪が流行っています。

頭痛を覚える

その矛盾に頭痛を覚えた。

〜頭痛の訴え

患者からの頭痛の訴えが増えている。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

頭痛 (Headache)

頭痛薬 (Headache medicine)

頭痛持ち (Headache sufferer)

片頭痛 (Migraine)

Verben

頭痛がする (To have a headache)

頭痛に悩む (To suffer from a headache)

Adjektive

頭痛い (Head-hurting - informal/slangy)

痛い (Painful)

Verwandt

頭 (Head)

痛み (Pain - noun)

鎮痛剤 (Painkiller)

脳 (Brain)

神経 (Nerves)

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frequency

Very common in daily life, medical contexts, and weather-related discussions.

Häufige Fehler

私は頭痛です。 → 私は頭痛がします。
You cannot 'be' a headache. You must say you 'have' or 'experience' one.
頭痛をします。 → 頭痛がします。
The particle 'ga' is used for physiological sensations that happen to you.
頭痛が痛い。 → 頭痛がする / 頭が痛い。
This is a tautology (Headache pain is painful). Choose one or the other.
ずつあります。 → 頭痛があります。
Confusing 'zutsuu' with the particle 'zutsu'. Ensure the long 'uu' is clear.
頭病 (Atama-byou). → 頭痛 (Zutsuu).
Using the wrong kanji for 'pain'. Head-pain is the standard word.

Tipps

Use 'ga suru' for symptoms

Always remember that symptoms like 'zutsuu', 'hakike' (nausea), and 'samuke' (chills) use 'ga suru'.

Learn 'zutsuuyaku'

If you live in Japan, 'zutsuuyaku' (headache medicine) is a vital word to know for the drugstore.

Weather Awareness

If someone says they have a headache on a rainy day, mentioning 'teikiatsu' (low pressure) shows great cultural awareness.

Elongate the 'uu'

Don't say 'zutsu'. It must be 'zutsuu'. Shortening it makes it sound like the particle for 'each'.

Use 'tane' for problems

Using 'zutsuu no tane' makes your Japanese sound much more advanced and idiomatic.

Professionalism

Use 'zutsuu' instead of 'atama ga itai' when explaining a sick day to your manager.

The 'Sickness' Radical

The radical 疒 is in many words like 痛 (pain), 病 (illness), and 疲 (tired). Look for it to identify health-related words.

Drugstore Signs

Look for the characters 頭痛 on medicine boxes. Usually, they are in large, bold font.

Onomatopoeia

Add 'gan-gan' or 'zuki-zuki' to 'zutsuu' to describe the pain more vividly to a doctor.

Context Clues

If you hear 'itai' and 'atama', the person is talking about a 'zutsuu'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'ZOO' + 'TWO'. You have a headache because there are TWO zoos in your head making noise. 'ZU-TSUU'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person with two large kanji, 頭 and 痛, pressing against their temples.

Word Web

頭 (Head) 痛い (Painful) 薬 (Medicine) 病院 (Hospital) ストレス (Stress) 気圧 (Air pressure) 片頭痛 (Migraine) 休み (Rest)

Herausforderung

Try to use '頭痛がします' the next time you feel even a little bit of tension. Practice the long 'uu' sound at the end.

Wortherkunft

Composed of two Sino-Japanese characters (Kanji). '頭' (tou/zu) and '痛' (tsuu). The combination follows the standard On-yomi reading rules for compounds.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Pain in the head.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful not to dismiss someone's headache in Japan; it is taken seriously as a sign of overwork or environmental stress.

In English, 'headache' is often used figuratively ('He is a headache'). Japanese uses 'zutsuu no tane' similarly.

TV commercials for 'EVE' and 'Bufferin'. Weather apps like 'Zutsuu-ru' (Headache-rule). Medical dramas where 'hen-zutsuu' is a plot point.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At the Pharmacy

頭痛薬はどこですか？
一番効くのはどれですか？
眠くならない薬がいいです。
頭痛がひどいんです。

At the Office

頭痛がするので早退します。
頭痛で集中できません。
頭痛持ちなんです。
プロジェクトが頭痛の種です。

At the Doctor

いつから頭痛がしますか？
頭のどの辺りが痛みますか？
吐き気はありますか？
慢性的な頭痛です。

Casual with Friends

頭痛、大丈夫？
昨日から頭痛がしてさ。
低気圧で頭痛がするよ。
薬持ってる？

Metaphorical Situation

これが頭痛の種なんだ。
考えすぎて頭痛がしてきた。
あの人は本当に頭痛の種だ。
問題山積みで頭痛がする。

Gesprächseinstiege

"「最近、頭痛がすることはありませんか？」 (Have you been having headaches lately?)"

"「頭痛がひどい時、どうしていますか？」 (What do you do when you have a severe headache?)"

"「気圧の変化で頭痛がするタイプですか？」 (Are you the type who gets headaches from pressure changes?)"

"「おすすめの頭痛薬はありますか？」 (Do you have any recommended headache medicines?)"

"「仕事で頭痛の種になっていることはありますか？」 (Is there anything at work causing you a 'headache'?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

「今日、頭痛はありましたか？体調はどうでしたか？」 (Did you have a headache today? how was your condition?)

「あなたが一番『頭痛の種』だと感じることは何ですか？」 (What is the thing you feel is your biggest 'source of headache'?)

「頭痛がした時、どのようにリラックスしますか？」 (When you have a headache, how do you relax?)

「日本の頭痛薬を使ったことがありますか？感想を書いてください。」 (Have you used Japanese headache medicine? Write your impressions.)

「健康のために、頭痛にならないように気をつけていることはありますか？」 (Is there anything you do to stay healthy and avoid headaches?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

'Zutsuu' is a noun meaning 'headache' and is more formal or clinical. 'Atama ga itai' is a sentence meaning 'my head hurts' and is more common in casual conversation. For example, use 'zutsuu' at a clinic and 'atama ga itai' with friends.

You should say '頭痛がします' (Zutsuu ga shimasu). This is polite and standard for most situations.

It is a metaphorical expression meaning 'the seed of a headache,' which refers to the source of a problem or worry. For example, 'This debt is a zutsuu no tane.'

No, that sounds like 'I am a headache.' Use 'Zutsuu ga shimasu' or 'Zutsuu ga arimasu' instead.

'Hen-zutsuu' means migraine. 'Hen' means 'one-sided,' so it literally means a one-sided headache.

Yes, you can use 'zutsuu' to describe a hangover headache, though people often use 'futsukayoi de atama ga gan-gan suru' (head is pounding from a hangover).

You can say '頭痛薬はありますか？' (Zutsuuyaku wa arimasu ka?) or '頭痛薬をください' (Zutsuuyaku o kudasai).

Many Japanese people suffer from 'weather sickness' (kisho-byo), where low air pressure causes headaches. It is a very common topic during the rainy season.

It is Heiban (flat). The pitch stays level throughout the word: zu-tsuu.

Yes, both 頭 and 痛 are very common. They are taught in elementary school and appear frequently in daily life.

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writing

Write 'I have a headache' in Japanese using kanji.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Standard polite phrase.