عضلاتي تؤلمني

Use it exactly like you would in English. You can say it as a standalone complaint. Or, you can add a reason why. For example, عضلاتي بتوجعني من الجيم means 'my muscles hurt from the gym.' It is very flexible. You do not need complex grammar to make it work. Just point to your arms or legs and say it. People will immediately understand your struggle.

Use it after any physical exertion. Did you go for a long hike? Say it. Did you carry heavy grocery bags? Say it. It is great for bonding with gym buddies. It is also useful at the doctor's office. If you are texting a friend to cancel plans because you are too tired, this is your perfect excuse. It adds a touch of 'I worked hard' to your complaint.

Do not use this for emotional pain. If your heart is broken, do not mention your muscles. Also, avoid it in very high-level formal presentations. It is a bit too personal for a corporate board meeting. Unless, of course, the meeting is about fitness. Do not use it if you have a sharp, serious injury. In that case, use more specific medical terms. It is for 'soreness,' not a broken bone.

In Arab culture, sharing your physical state is common. It is a way to show you are hardworking. Complaining about muscle pain is often a 'humble brag.' It implies you have been active or productive. There is a lot of empathy for physical tiredness. People will often respond with سلامتك (salamtak), which means 'get well soon.' It is a social glue that starts conversations about health and exercise.

In different dialects, the verb might change slightly. In Levantine, you might hear عم يوجعوني (am yiwja'uni). In Egyptian, it might sound like واجعني (wag'ini). The word for muscles عضلات (adhalat) stays mostly the same. You can also specify which muscle. For example, عضلات رجلي (adhalat rijli) means 'my leg muscles.' Adding كتير (kteer) at the end means they hurt 'a lot.'