怪我をする
kega o suru
get injured
Literally: {"\u602a\u6211":"injury","\u3092":"object particle","\u3059\u308b":"to do"}
In 15 Seconds
- Standard phrase for getting physically hurt.
- Covers minor scrapes to major injuries.
- Use `する` (to do), not other verbs.
- Avoid for emotional or property damage.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to for saying you've gotten hurt, physically speaking. Think of it as a general 'ouch, I've injured myself!' It covers everything from a paper cut that stings to a more serious tumble. It carries a sense of something happening *to* you, often unexpectedly.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend after a minor accident
ごめん、今日行けないんだ。階段で滑ってちょっと怪我をしちゃった。
Sorry, I can't make it today. I slipped on the stairs and ended up getting a little injured.
A vlogger sharing their travel mishap
このトレッキング中に、不注意で怪我をしてしまいました。皆さんも気をつけてくださいね！
During this trekking, I carelessly got injured. Everyone, please be careful too!
Talking to a colleague about a weekend accident
週末に自転車で転んで、腕を怪我したんだ。
I fell off my bike on the weekend and injured my arm.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Omimai' involves visiting someone in the hospital. If someone {怪我|けが}を{する|する}, it is common to bring a small gift, but avoid potted plants as they symbolize 'taking root' (staying in the hospital longer). In Japanese schools, students are taught to say 'Sumimasen' (I'm sorry) when they get hurt during a group activity, reflecting the value of harmony and not inconveniencing the group. Safety slogans in Japan often use the phrase '{怪我|けが}ゼロ' (Zero injuries). You will see this on banners at construction sites and factories across the country. The phrase '{怪我|けが}の{功名|こうみょう}' (Kega no Koumyou) is a famous idiom meaning a lucky break or a success that comes from a mistake or injury.
Specify the body part
Always use the particle 'ni' for the body part. Think of it as the 'target' of the injury.
Don't 'do' a sickness
Never use 'kega o suru' for a cold or stomach ache. It sounds very strange to native speakers.
In 15 Seconds
- Standard phrase for getting physically hurt.
- Covers minor scrapes to major injuries.
- Use `する` (to do), not other verbs.
- Avoid for emotional or property damage.
What It Means
This phrase, 怪我をする (kega o suru), is the standard way to say you've gotten injured. It's not just about big accidents; it covers minor scrapes too. It implies a physical harm happened, often through an accident or mishap. It’s like saying, 'I hurt myself.'
How To Use It
You use 怪我をする whenever you've experienced physical harm. The 怪我 (kega) part means 'injury,' and する (suru) means 'to do.' So literally, 'to do an injury.' It’s a common collocation, meaning these words just naturally go together in Japanese. You can’t easily swap する for another verb like 作る (tsukuru - to make) without sounding really strange, like you're *making* your own injury on purpose! You'll conjugate する based on the tense and politeness. For example, 怪我をした (kega o shita) for past tense.
Real-Life Examples
- Texting a friend: "Sorry, I can't make it to the party tonight. I accidentally slipped and
怪我をしてしまった(kega o shite shimatta)." (Oh no!) - On a travel vlog: "While hiking this beautiful trail, I wasn't careful and
怪我をしました(kega o shimashita). Be careful out there, everyone!" - At work (casual chat): "I was trying to fix that leaky faucet and
怪我しちゃった(kega shichatta). Just a small cut, thankfully."
When To Use It
Use 怪我をする when you've hurt your body. This could be from sports, a fall, an accident at home, or even a workplace mishap. It’s perfect for explaining why you’re limping or why you have a bandage. It’s the default phrase for physical injury. Think of it as your universal 'ouch!' for body damage.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 怪我をする for emotional pain or mental distress. If you’re feeling sad or stressed, you’d use different words. For example, you wouldn't say 心が怪我をした (kokoro ga kega o shita) for a broken heart; that sounds bizarre! Also, avoid using it for damage to objects. If your phone screen cracks, it’s 画面が割れた (gamen ga wareta), not 携帯が怪我をした (keitai ga kega o shita). That phone would feel pretty insulted!
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes try to use 怪我 with verbs other than する. This is a big no-no! It’s like trying to 'make' a bruise or 'get' a sprain with the wrong verb. Another mistake is using it for non-physical harm.
怪我を頑張る (kega o ganbaru)
✓怪我をしないように気をつける (kega o shinai you ni ki o tsukeru) (Trying to 'try hard' an injury? Doesn't work!)
怪我をする for a broken laptop
✓パソコンが壊れた (pasokon ga kowareta)
Similar Expressions
負傷する(fushou suru): This is a more formal or medical term for 'to be wounded' or 'to sustain an injury.' You'd see this in news reports or hospital documents. It sounds much more serious than怪我をする.痛める(itameru): This means 'to hurt' or 'to injure' a specific body part. For example,腰を痛めた(koshi o itameta) means 'I hurt my back.' It's more specific than the general怪我をする.ひどい目に遭う(hidoi me ni au): This means 'to have a terrible experience.' It can *include* getting injured, but it’s much broader and focuses on the overall bad experience, not just the injury itself.
Common Variations
怪我した(kega shita): Casual past tense, very common in spoken Japanese. "Oops,怪我した!" (Oops, I got hurt!)怪我しちゃった(kega shichatta): Even more casual, often implying a slight regret or accident. "Ah,怪我しちゃった..." (Ah, I ended up getting hurt...)怪我しないように(kega shinai you ni): Used as a warning or a wish: 'so that you don't get injured.' "Be careful,怪我しないように!" (Be careful not to get hurt!)
Memory Trick
Imagine a Kind Elephant Gently Applying a bandage. It's Kega! But oh no, the elephant was a bit clumsy and *did* something wrong – it accidentally stepped on your foot! So, the elephant suru (does) the injury. Kega o suru = Clumsy elephant suru (does) an injury kega!
Quick FAQ
- Q: Is
怪我をするonly for serious injuries?
A: Nope! It's super versatile. You can use it for anything from a paper cut to a broken bone. It’s the general term for hurting yourself physically.
- Q: Can I say
怪我を食べる(kega o taberu)?
A: Definitely not! 食べる (taberu) means 'to eat.' You can't eat an injury! Stick with する (suru) – 'to do.'
- Q: What if I damage my property?
A: You wouldn't use 怪我をする. For a broken phone, you'd say 携帯が壊れた (keitai ga kowareta). Property gets 'broken' (壊れる), not 'injured.'
Usage Notes
This is a very common and versatile phrase, suitable for most everyday situations. While the base form is neutral, remember to conjugate `する` appropriately for politeness. Avoid using it for non-physical harm or damage to objects, as this can sound quite unnatural.
Specify the body part
Always use the particle 'ni' for the body part. Think of it as the 'target' of the injury.
Don't 'do' a sickness
Never use 'kega o suru' for a cold or stomach ache. It sounds very strange to native speakers.
The 'shichatta' nuance
Use '{怪我|けが}しちゃった' to sound more natural when you've accidentally hurt yourself and feel a bit regretful.
Apologizing for injuries
If you get hurt at work, a quick 'Sumimasen' shows you care about the team's workflow.
Examples
12ごめん、今日行けないんだ。階段で滑ってちょっと怪我をしちゃった。
Sorry, I can't make it today. I slipped on the stairs and ended up getting a little injured.
The casual `しちゃった` (shichatta) ending adds a nuance of slight regret or accident.
このトレッキング中に、不注意で怪我をしてしまいました。皆さんも気をつけてくださいね！
During this trekking, I carelessly got injured. Everyone, please be careful too!
The `〜てしまいました` (te shimaimashita) ending emphasizes the unintentional nature of the injury and adds a touch of regret.
週末に自転車で転んで、腕を怪我したんだ。
I fell off my bike on the weekend and injured my arm.
Simple past tense `怪我した` (kega shita) is common in casual conversation.
今日の試合で、残念ながら怪我をしてしまいました。しばらくプレーできませんが、必ず復帰します！ #怪我 #リハビリ
Unfortunately, I got injured during today's game. I can't play for a while, but I will definitely make a comeback! #injury #rehabilitation
Using the phrase in a public context like an Instagram caption, often followed by hashtags.
危なかった！もう少しで怪我をするところだったよ。
That was close! I almost got injured there.
The structure `〜ところだった` (tokoro datta) expresses a near-miss, emphasizing what *didn't* happen.
昨日、自宅で転倒し、足首を怪我いたしました。
Yesterday, I fell at home and injured my ankle.
The `〜いたしました` (itashimashita) is a humble form of `しました` (shimashita), used in formal situations like talking to a doctor.
前職で、作業中の不注意により軽微な怪我をした経験があります。安全には最大限配慮しております。
In my previous job, I have experience of sustaining a minor injury due to carelessness during work. I take maximum care regarding safety.
Using `怪我をした経験があります` (kega o shita keiken ga arimasu) in a professional context to discuss past incidents.
✗ 昨夜、転んで怪我を作った。 → ✓ 昨夜、転んで怪我をした。
✗ Last night, I fell and made an injury. → ✓ Last night, I fell and got injured.
Learners might incorrectly use `作る` (tsukuru - to make) instead of the correct verb `する` (suru - to do).
✗ このスマホは怪我をしている。 → ✓ このスマホは壊れている。
✗ This smartphone is injured. → ✓ This smartphone is broken.
You can't use `怪我をする` for inanimate objects; they get `壊れる` (kowareru - to break).
うちの猫、高いところから飛び降りようとして、見事に怪我をしそうになったんだ！でも大丈夫だったよ。
My cat tried to jump from a high place and almost managed to injure itself spectacularly! But it was okay.
Using `〜しそうになった` (shi sou ni natta) to describe a situation where an injury almost happened, with a humorous tone.
大丈夫？怪我をしていない？
Are you okay? Aren't you injured?
A direct question showing concern, using the negative question form `〜していない？` (shite inai?) to check if someone is hurt.
危ないから、走って怪我をしないようにね。
It's dangerous, so don't run and get injured, okay?
Using the negative `〜しないように` (shinai you ni) to give a warning.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and verb form.
{昨日|きのう}、サッカーの{試合|しあい}で{足|あし}（ ）{怪我|けが}を（ ）。
We use 'ni' for the body part and 'shimashita' for the past tense of 'suru'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm glad you didn't get hurt'?
Choose the best option:
Option A uses the correct negative te-form of 'suru' to express relief.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You see a child running near a sharp table.
A warning is appropriate here. 'Kega o shimasu yo' means 'You will get hurt!'
Complete the dialogue.
A: {昨日|きのう}、どうして{学校|がっこう}を{休|やす}んだんですか？ B: {階段|かいだん}で（ ）からです。
Since the absence was in the past, the past tense 'shita' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of {怪我|けが}
Minor
- • Paper cut
- • Small scratch
- • Bruise
Major
- • Broken bone
- • Deep cut
- • Sprain
Practice Bank
4 exercises{昨日|きのう}、サッカーの{試合|しあい}で{足|あし}（ ）{怪我|けが}を（ ）。
We use 'ni' for the body part and 'shimashita' for the past tense of 'suru'.
Choose the best option:
Option A uses the correct negative te-form of 'suru' to express relief.
Situation: You see a child running near a sharp table.
A warning is appropriate here. 'Kega o shimasu yo' means 'You will get hurt!'
A: {昨日|きのう}、どうして{学校|がっこう}を{休|やす}んだんですか？ B: {階段|かいだん}で（ ）からです。
Since the absence was in the past, the past tense 'shita' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes! It works for everything from a tiny paper cut to a broken leg.
It is neutral. You can use it with anyone, but in very formal reports, 'fushou' is preferred.
Use 'de'. For example: 'Jiko de kega o shita' (Injured in an accident).
No, it is always 'kega o suru'.
Use the causative form: 'Kega o saseru'.
'Kega' is the act of getting injured; 'kizu' is the physical wound or scar itself.
No, use 'kokoro ga kizutsuku' for emotional pain.
It means a 'big' or 'serious' injury.
In casual speech, you can drop it: 'Kega shita!'
'Kega ga naotte imasu'.
Yes, you can say 'Inu ga kega o shita' (The dog got hurt).
Yes, very frequently, though 'fushou' is also common there.
Related Phrases
{負負傷|ふしょう}する
specialized formTo be injured (formal)
{傷|きず}つく
similarTo be wounded/hurt
{痛|いた}める
similarTo hurt/injure a part of the body
{血|ち}が{出|で}る
builds onTo bleed
{捻挫|ねんざ}する
specialized formTo sprain
