头疼
When you have a pain in your head, we call that a headache. In Chinese, the word for headache is 头疼 (tóuténg).
The first character, 头 (tóu), means "head." The second character, 疼 (téng), means "pain." So, together, it literally means "head pain."
You can use it just like in English. If you want to say "I have a headache," you would say 我头疼 (wǒ tóuténg).
It's a very useful word to know when talking about how you feel!
When you have a pain in your head, the easiest way to express this in Chinese is by saying 头疼 (tóuténg).
The first character 头 (tóu) means 'head,' and the second character 疼 (téng) means 'painful.'
So, literally, 头疼 means 'head pain,' or 'headache.'
If you want to say 'I have a headache,' you just combine 我 (wǒ, I/me) with 头疼 to make 我头疼 (wǒ tóuténg).
When you have a headache, you can use the word 头疼 (tóu téng) to describe your discomfort. It's a very straightforward and common term to express this feeling.
For example, if you want to say "I have a headache," you would simply say "我头疼" (wǒ tóu téng). You can also use it to ask someone if they have a headache: "你头疼吗?" (nǐ tóu téng ma?).
While primarily meaning a physical headache, in some informal contexts, 头疼 can also be used figuratively to express that something is troublesome or causing a lot of worry, much like how we might say something is a "headache" in English. However, for A1 level, focus on its literal meaning.
When talking about a headache in Chinese, the most direct and common way is to use 头疼 (tóuténg). This word literally translates to 'head pain'.
You can use it as a noun to describe the condition, or as a verb to say your head hurts. For example, if you want to say 'I have a headache,' you would say '我头疼 (Wǒ tóuténg).'
It's straightforward and widely understood. This term is very practical for everyday conversation.
§ Don't just say 头疼
Many beginners simply say 头疼 (tóuténg) to mean 'I have a headache.' While people will probably understand you, it's not the most natural way to express it in Chinese. It's like saying 'Headache' instead of 'I have a headache' in English. It's grammatically fine, but it sounds a bit abrupt.
§ Using 有 (yǒu) or 感到 (gǎndào) for 'have a headache'
The most common and natural way to say 'I have a headache' is to use the verb 有 (yǒu), meaning 'to have'.
我有点儿头疼。
- Translation hint
- I have a bit of a headache.
You can also use 感到 (gǎndào), meaning 'to feel', but it's a bit more formal and less common for everyday complaints like a headache.
我感到头疼。
- Translation hint
- I feel a headache.
§ Forgetting the 'extent' of the headache
Chinese often uses adverbs to describe the intensity of feelings or conditions. For headaches, you'll frequently hear people use 点儿 (diǎnr) meaning 'a little bit', or 很 (hěn) meaning 'very'.
For a mild headache:
我有点儿头疼。
- Translation hint
- I have a bit of a headache.
For a strong headache:
我很头疼。
- Translation hint
- I have a bad headache. / My head hurts a lot.
Neglecting these intensifiers can make your speech sound less natural, as if you're stating a fact rather than describing a personal feeling.
§ Not knowing its extended meaning
While 头疼 (tóuténg) literally means 'headache', it can also be used figuratively to mean 'troublesome' or 'a pain in the neck' (like 'giving me a headache' in English). Many learners only learn the literal meaning.
这个问题真让我头疼。
- Translation hint
- This problem is really giving me a headache (it's troublesome).
Understanding this nuance will help you comprehend native speakers better and sound more natural yourself.
How Formal Is It?
"他突发性头痛，需要立刻就医。 (He had a sudden headache and needed immediate medical attention.)"
"我今天有点头疼，可能是没睡好。 (I have a bit of a headache today, probably because I didn't sleep well.)"
"这事儿真让人头大，不知道怎么办才好。 (This matter is really giving me a headache; I don't know what to do.)"
"小宝宝头痛痛，妈妈抱抱就不痛了。 (The little baby has a ouchie head, mommy's hug will make it better.)"
"期末考试这么多，我都要爆头了！ (So many final exams, I'm going to explode!)"
Beispiele nach Niveau
我头疼得很厉害，需要休息。
My headache is very severe, I need to rest.
你看起来不太好，是不是头疼？
You don't look well, do you have a headache?
吃药后，我的头疼减轻了一些。
After taking medicine, my headache alleviated a bit.
长时间对着电脑会引起头疼。
Staring at the computer for a long time can cause headaches.
他因为头疼所以没有来上班。
He didn't come to work because of a headache.
睡一觉也许能让头疼好起来。
Maybe a good sleep can make the headache better.
这种天气变化常常让我头疼。
This kind of weather change often gives me a headache.
医生建议我多喝水，缓解头疼。
The doctor advised me to drink more water to relieve the headache.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
我头疼。
I have a headache.
你头疼吗？
Do you have a headache?
他今天有点头疼。
He has a bit of a headache today.
我的头疼越来越厉害了。
My headache is getting worse and worse.
吃点药吧，头疼会好些。
Take some medicine, the headache will get better.
这个工作让我很头疼。
This job gives me a big headache (is very troublesome for me).
头疼的时候，我喜欢睡觉。
When I have a headache, I like to sleep.
她常常偏头疼。
She often has migraines.
喝酒后，我总是头疼。
After drinking alcohol, I always get a headache.
医生说我只是普通的头疼。
The doctor said I just have a common headache.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
A common cold often comes with a headache, but 感冒 (gǎn mào) is the cold itself, not just the headache.
不舒服 (bù shū fú) is a general term for feeling unwell. Having a headache is one way to feel 不舒服 (bù shū fú).
生病 (shēng bìng) means to be sick. A headache can be a symptom of being sick, but it's not the sickness itself.
Leicht verwechselbar
Both relate to the head and feeling unwell.
头疼 (tóu téng) is a pain in the head, while 头晕 (tóu yūn) means dizzy or lightheaded.
我头晕，站不稳。 (I'm dizzy, can't stand steadily.)
疼痛 (téng tòng) is a general word for pain, and 头疼 (tóu téng) specifically means headache.
头疼 (tóu téng) is a specific type of pain. 疼痛 (téng tòng) is the broader term for any pain in the body.
我的腿很疼痛。 (My leg is very painful.)
Both start with 头 (tóu), meaning head.
头疼 (tóu téng) refers to a physical ailment. 头脑 (tóu nǎo) refers to the mind or brain, as in 'intelligence' or 'thinking ability.'
他的头脑很聪明。 (He has a very smart mind.)
Both are common symptoms of illness.
头疼 (tóu téng) is a headache. 发烧 (fā shāo) means to have a fever.
她发烧了，需要去看医生。 (She has a fever and needs to see a doctor.)
Both end with 疼 (téng), meaning pain.
头疼 (tóu téng) is physical pain in the head. 心疼 (xīn téng) is emotional pain, like feeling sorry or heartbroken for someone.
看到她那么辛苦，我真替她心疼。 (Seeing her work so hard, I really feel for her.)
Tipps
Literal Meaning of 头疼
The word 头疼 (tóuténg) literally means head (头) and pain (疼). It's a very straightforward combination.
Common Usage of 头疼
头疼 is most commonly used to describe a physical headache. For example, 我头疼 (Wǒ tóuténg) means 'I have a headache.'
Using with 有 (yǒu)
You can also say 我有头疼 (Wǒ yǒu tóuténg) which also means 'I have a headache.' Both are correct and common.
Beyond Physical Pain
Sometimes, 头疼 can be used metaphorically to mean something is a headache or a problem, like 'this situation is a headache.' For example, 这件事让我很头疼 (Zhè jiàn shì ràng wǒ hěn tóuténg) means 'This matter gives me a lot of headaches.'
Asking if Someone Has a Headache
To ask if someone has a headache, you can say 你头疼吗？ (Nǐ tóuténg ma?) which means 'Do you have a headache?'
Describing Severity
You can add adverbs to describe the severity. For example, 我很头疼 (Wǒ hěn tóuténg) means 'I have a bad headache' or 'I'm really bothered by it.'
Other Pains with 疼 (téng)
Remember that 疼 (téng) means pain. You can use it with other body parts, like 肚子疼 (dùzi téng) for stomach ache, or 牙疼 (yá téng) for toothache.
Example: Too much work
工作太多让我头疼 (Gōngzuò tài duō ràng wǒ tóuténg). This means 'Too much work gives me a headache/makes me bothered.'
Example: Noises
这些噪音让我头疼 (Zhèxiē zàoyīn ràng wǒ tóuténg). This means 'These noises give me a headache/are annoying.'
Pronunciation Practice
Pay attention to the tones: 头 (tóu - second tone) and 疼 (téng - second tone). Practice saying them together clearly to distinguish from other similar-sounding words.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
When you have a headache and want to express it.
- 我有点头疼。(Wǒ yǒudiǎn tóuténg.) - I have a bit of a headache.
- 我头疼得厉害。(Wǒ tóuténg de lìhai.) - My headache is severe.
- 头疼死了。(Tóuténg sǐ le.) - My head is killing me.
When asking someone if they have a headache.
- 你头疼吗？(Nǐ tóuténg ma?) - Do you have a headache?
- 你是不是头疼？(Nǐ shì bu shì tóuténg?) - Are you having a headache?
When describing the cause of a headache.
- 可能是因为感冒，我有点头疼。(Kěnéng shì yīnwèi gǎnmào, wǒ yǒudiǎn tóuténg.) - Maybe it's because of a cold, I have a bit of a headache.
- 工作太多，我头疼。(Gōngzuò tài duō, wǒ tóuténg.) - Too much work, I have a headache.
When offering advice or asking about treatment for a headache.
- 你吃药了吗？(Nǐ chī yào le ma?) - Did you take medicine?
- 你需要休息一下吗？(Nǐ xūyào xiūxi yīxià ma?) - Do you need to rest a bit?
When a headache is a symptom of something else.
- 我发烧，还头疼。(Wǒ fāshāo, hái tóuténg.) - I have a fever, and also a headache.
- 我睡不好，所以头疼。(Wǒ shuì bù hǎo, suǒyǐ tóuténg.) - I don't sleep well, so I have a headache.
Gesprächseinstiege
"你最近头疼过吗？(Nǐ zuìjìn tóuténg guò ma?) - Have you had a headache recently?"
"你觉得头疼的时候应该怎么办？(Nǐ juédé tóuténg de shíhou yīnggāi zěnme bàn?) - What do you think you should do when you have a headache?"
"有没有什么办法可以缓解头疼？(Yǒu méiyǒu shénme bànfǎ kěyǐ huǎnjiě tóuténg?) - Are there any ways to relieve a headache?"
"你遇到过因为头疼而不能做某事的情况吗？(Nǐ yùdào guò yīnwèi tóuténg ér bù néng zuò mǒu shì de qíngkuàng ma?) - Have you ever encountered a situation where you couldn't do something because of a headache?"
"除了生病，还有什么原因会导致头疼？(Chúle shēngbìng, hái yǒu shénme yuányīn huì dǎozhì tóuténg?) - Besides illness, what other reasons can cause headaches?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe a time you had a really bad headache. What did it feel like? (描述一次你头疼得很厉害的经历。你感觉怎么样？)
What do you usually do when you have a headache? (你通常头疼的时候会做什么？)
Imagine you have a friend who says they have a headache. What would you say to them in Chinese? (想象一下你的朋友说他头疼。你会用中文对他说什么？)
Write about some common reasons people get headaches. (写一些人们头疼的常见原因。)
How does having a headache affect your daily activities? (头疼如何影响你的日常活动？)
Teste dich selbst 42 Fragen
This sentence means 'I have a bad headache.' The structure is Subject + 很 (very) + Adjective/Verb.
This is a simple question: 'Do you have a headache?' '吗' (ma) turns a statement into a question.
This means 'He does not have a headache.' '不' (bù) is used to negate verbs or adjectives.
我有点儿___，可能是昨天晚上没睡好。
The sentence describes a feeling of discomfort, likely due to lack of sleep, so 'headache' (头疼) fits best. '高兴' means happy, '难过' means sad, and '舒服' means comfortable.
他因为工作压力太大，常常感到___。
Work pressure often causes headaches, so '头疼' is the most suitable word here. '口渴' means thirsty, '肚子饿' means hungry, and '兴奋' means excited.
外面太吵了，吵得我有点儿___。
Loud noise can cause a headache, so '头疼' is the appropriate choice. '开心' means happy, '想睡觉' means want to sleep, and '精神' means energetic.
吃了药以后，我的___好多了。
Medication is usually taken to alleviate a symptom like a headache, so '头疼' fits. '心情' means mood, '胃口' means appetite, and '身体' means body.
她今天脸色不太好，是不是有点儿___？
A pale complexion can indicate a headache or other illness. Among the options, '头疼' is a common reason for not looking well. '发烧' means fever, '感冒' means cold, and '咳嗽' means cough.
医生说我需要多休息，因为我最近经常___。
If a doctor recommends rest, it's often due to symptoms like headaches from overwork or stress. '头疼' is a fitting symptom. '失眠' means insomnia, '流鼻涕' means runny nose, and '打喷嚏' means sneeze.
Write a sentence describing a time you had a headache. Use '头疼'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
昨天我工作了很长时间，所以有点头疼。
Imagine your friend has a headache. Write a short message asking them what's wrong and suggesting they rest. Use '头疼'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你头疼吗？怎么了？多休息一下吧。
Complete the sentence: 我现在觉得有点头疼，因为...
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我现在觉得有点头疼，因为我昨晚没睡好。
小明为什么没有来学校？
Read this passage:
小明今天没有来学校。他的妈妈说他有点头疼，所以在家休息。妈妈给他做了一些热汤。
小明为什么没有来学校？
文章中提到小明有点头疼，所以在家休息，这说明他生病了。
文章中提到小明有点头疼，所以在家休息，这说明他生病了。
以下哪项是正确的建议？
Read this passage:
如果你的朋友说他头疼，你应该建议他怎么做？
以下哪项是正确的建议？
头疼时，休息和可能吃药是比较合适的选择。
头疼时，休息和可能吃药是比较合适的选择。
病人除了头疼，还有什么症状？
Read this passage:
医生问病人：“你哪里不舒服？”病人回答：“我头疼，还发烧。”医生建议他多喝水，多休息。
病人除了头疼，还有什么症状？
病人说他“头疼，还发烧”。
病人说他“头疼，还发烧”。
You have a headache and need to cancel plans with a friend. Write a short message explaining you can't make it and why. Include an apology and suggest rescheduling.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你好！我今天有点头疼，所以不能和你一起去吃饭了。非常抱歉，我们改天再约吧！
Describe a time you had a very bad headache. What caused it, and what did you do to feel better?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
上周我熬夜加班，结果第二天早上就头疼得厉害。我吃了药，然后睡了一整天，才感觉好一点。
Imagine you are at a pharmacy. Explain to the pharmacist that you have a persistent headache and ask for a recommendation for medication.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你好，我最近总是头疼，想问问有没有什么药可以推荐的？
根据短文，小王头疼的原因是什么？
Read this passage:
小王最近工作压力很大，经常加班到很晚。他感觉自己身体越来越差，常常感到疲惫和头疼。医生建议他多休息，调整作息时间，并且适当运动来缓解压力。
根据短文，小王头疼的原因是什么？
短文中提到，小王“工作压力很大，经常加班到很晚”，并且“常常感到疲惫和头疼”。
短文中提到，小王“工作压力很大，经常加班到很晚”，并且“常常感到疲惫和头疼”。
这篇文章主要告诉我们什么？
Read this passage:
很多人在换季的时候容易出现过敏性头疼，这通常与空气中的花粉或灰尘有关。保持室内清洁，并避免接触过敏源可以有效减少头疼的发生。
这篇文章主要告诉我们什么？
文章指出“过敏性头疼，这通常与空气中的花粉或灰尘有关”，并建议“保持室内清洁，并避免接触过敏源可以有效减少头疼的发生”。
文章指出“过敏性头疼，这通常与空气中的花粉或灰尘有关”，并建议“保持室内清洁，并避免接触过敏源可以有效减少头疼的发生”。
从这段文字中，我们可以推断出张老师平时是怎样的人？
Read this passage:
张老师平时总是面带微笑，很少抱怨。但今天早上，她的学生发现她脸色不太好，而且一直揉着太阳穴。有同学小声问她是不是不舒服，张老师轻轻地说：“有点头疼。”
从这段文字中，我们可以推断出张老师平时是怎样的人？
文中描述“张老师平时总是面带微笑，很少抱怨”，这表明她通常乐观开朗，即使不舒服也“很少抱怨”。
文中描述“张老师平时总是面带微笑，很少抱怨”，这表明她通常乐观开朗，即使不舒服也“很少抱怨”。
面对日益激烈的市场竞争，公司管理层感到非常___，不知如何是好。
这里的“头疼”引申为棘手、难以处理的问题，符合语境中公司面对竞争的困境。
处理这些复杂的国际关系问题，对外交官们来说真是个___。
“头疼事”比喻让人感到困难、麻烦的问题，与处理复杂国际关系相符。
这个孩子太调皮了，老师对他感到很___。
“头疼”在这里表示因为某人或某事而感到烦恼、不知所措，形容老师对调皮学生的感受。
每当临近考试，他都会因为巨大的学习压力而感到___。
在巨大的学习压力下，感到“头疼”是常见的反应，表示身心上的不适或烦恼。
如何平衡工作与生活，成了现代人普遍面临的___。
在这里“头疼”可以看作是一个形容词，表示难以解决、令人烦恼的问题，用作名词或形容词的引申义。
公司内部的人事调整问题，让新任CEO非常___。
人事调整通常会带来很多复杂的问题，让CEO感到“头疼”，即难以处理和烦恼。
Describe a time you had a terrible headache and how it affected your day. Use '头疼' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
昨天我工作了一整天，晚上回家就开始头疼。那种感觉就像有人在敲我的太阳穴。我什么都做不了，连看书都觉得眼睛很累。最后我不得不提前睡觉，希望第二天能好起来。
Imagine you are explaining to a Chinese friend why you can't join them for an activity because of a headache. Write a short message.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
真抱歉，我今天不能和你们一起去玩了。我头疼得很厉害，感觉不太舒服。希望你们玩得开心！
Discuss common causes of headaches and suggest ways to alleviate them. Include '头疼' in your response.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
头疼的原因有很多，比如压力过大、睡眠不足或者长时间看电脑。要缓解头疼，可以尝试休息一下，喝些水，或者听些轻柔的音乐。如果头疼持续不减，最好去看医生。
根据这段文字，以下哪项不是头疼的可能原因？
Read this passage:
许多人都曾经历过头疼。它可能是由多种因素引起的，例如压力、疲劳、脱水或某些食物。虽然大多数头疼是轻微且暂时的，但有些可能会非常剧烈，甚至影响日常生活。在这种情况下，寻求医疗帮助是很重要的。
根据这段文字，以下哪项不是头疼的可能原因？
文章中提到了压力、疲劳和脱水是头疼的可能原因，但没有提到运动。
文章中提到了压力、疲劳和脱水是头疼的可能原因，但没有提到运动。
李明最初的头疼可能与什么有关？
Read this passage:
李明因为长时间加班，经常感到头疼。他尝试过按摩和热敷，但效果不佳。医生建议他调整作息，多进行户外活动，并注意饮食均衡。经过一段时间的调整，李明的头疼症状明显减轻了。
李明最初的头疼可能与什么有关？
文章开头明确指出“李明因为长时间加班，经常感到头疼”，这是他最初头疼的原因。
文章开头明确指出“李明因为长时间加班，经常感到头疼”，这是他最初头疼的原因。
以下哪项是偏头痛的典型症状？
Read this passage:
偏头痛是一种常见的头疼类型，其特点是搏动性头痛，常伴有恶心、呕吐和对光线或声音敏感。偏头痛发作时，患者往往需要安静和黑暗的环境来缓解不适。药物治疗和生活方式调整都可以帮助控制偏头痛。
以下哪项是偏头痛的典型症状？
文章提到偏头痛的特点是“搏动性头痛，常伴有恶心、呕吐和对光线或声音敏感”。
文章提到偏头痛的特点是“搏动性头痛，常伴有恶心、呕吐和对光线或声音敏感”。
This sentence describes a person experiencing a headache, attributing it to lack of sleep. '感到' means 'to feel', '一阵' is a measure word for a short period or burst, and '没睡好' means 'didn't sleep well'.
This sentence explains that a continuous headache affected work efficiency, leading to a decision to see a doctor. '持续的' means 'continuous', '影响了' means 'affected', and '工作效率' means 'work efficiency'.
This sentence uses '头疼' metaphorically, meaning a problem is causing a lot of trouble or stress. '不已' emphasizes the continuous nature, and '想不出解决办法' means 'can't think of a solution'.
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Literal Meaning of 头疼
The word 头疼 (tóuténg) literally means head (头) and pain (疼). It's a very straightforward combination.
Common Usage of 头疼
头疼 is most commonly used to describe a physical headache. For example, 我头疼 (Wǒ tóuténg) means 'I have a headache.'
Using with 有 (yǒu)
You can also say 我有头疼 (Wǒ yǒu tóuténg) which also means 'I have a headache.' Both are correct and common.
Beyond Physical Pain
Sometimes, 头疼 can be used metaphorically to mean something is a headache or a problem, like 'this situation is a headache.' For example, 这件事让我很头疼 (Zhè jiàn shì ràng wǒ hěn tóuténg) means 'This matter gives me a lot of headaches.'
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr health Wörter
一粒
A2One pill; a grain (for small, round objects like pills).
一片
A2One tablet; a slice (for flat objects like pills).
不正常
A2abnormal
以上
A2Above, over (a number)
酸痛
A2Sore; aching (especially muscles).
倒是
A2On the contrary; actually.
针灸
A2Acupuncture; traditional Chinese therapy.
扎针
A2to give an injection
急性
B1acute (illness)
急性病
B1Acute disease.
