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A2 noun 16 min read

怪我

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 怪我 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 怪我 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 怪我 (kega) as a simple noun that means 'injury.' You will mostly use it with the verb 'suru' (to do/get). At this stage, don't worry about complex kanji; just focus on the sound and the meaning. When you fall down or trip, you can say 'Kega o shimashita' (I got hurt). It is a very useful word for basic safety. You might also hear it in the classroom if a teacher asks 'Kega wa nai?' (Are you okay/no injury?). Think of it as the opposite of 'genki' (healthy/well) in a physical sense. It's an essential word for emergencies and daily health. You can use it for small things like a cut or bigger things like a sore arm. Just remember: Body part + 'ni' + 'kega' + 'o shimashita.' This simple pattern will help you communicate your needs clearly to Japanese speakers even with limited vocabulary.

At the A2 level, you begin to understand the nuance of 怪我 (kega) compared to other words like 'kizu' (cut). You should be able to use adjectives like 'hidoi' (terrible) or 'karui' (light) to describe the injury. For example, 'Karui kega desu' (It is a minor injury). You also learn that 'kega' is usually for accidents. At this level, you should practice using the particle 'de' to explain the cause, such as 'Jiko de kega o shimashita' (I got injured in an accident). You might also start seeing the kanji '怪我' in public places on warning signs. It's important to recognize that 'kega' is a noun, so it needs a verb like 'suru' to function in a sentence. You are also learning to express concern for others by asking 'Kega wa arimasen ka?' in a polite way. This shows you are moving beyond just self-expression into social interaction.

For B1 learners, 怪我 (kega) becomes part of more complex sentence structures. You should be comfortable using the causative form 'kega o saseru' (to cause an injury to someone) and the potential form 'kega o suru kamoshirenai' (might get injured). You will also encounter the word in more varied contexts, such as sports news or workplace safety. At this level, you should understand the compound word '大怪我' (ookega - serious injury) and how to use it. You'll also start to notice that 'kega' is used for physical trauma, while 'itami' is for the sensation of pain. You should be able to explain the circumstances of an injury in detail, using conjunctions like 'node' or 'kara.' For example, 'Ame de michi ga suberiyasui node, kega o shinai you ni ki o tsukete kudasai' (Because the road is slippery due to rain, please be careful not to get injured).

At the B2 level, you should master the formal alternatives to 怪我 (kega), such as 'fushou' (負傷) and 'shoushou' (損傷). You should know when to use 'kega' (casual/neutral) versus 'fushou' (formal/news). You will also learn idiomatic expressions like 'kega no koumoku' (a lucky mistake) and understand the historical etymology of the kanji. At this stage, you can discuss the social implications of injuries, such as 'kega no hoshou' (compensation for injury) or 'kegaによる ryuugaku no chuushi' (cancellation of study abroad due to injury). Your ability to use 'kega' in the passive voice or in complex relative clauses should be fluent. You might also encounter 'kega' in literature or more sophisticated media, where its nuance of 'unintentionality' is played upon for dramatic effect. You are now analyzing the word's place in the broader lexical field of health and safety.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 怪我 (kega) is nuanced and deep. You recognize the subtle difference between 'kega o ou' (to sustain an injury) and 'kega o suru,' choosing the former for high-register narratives or official reports. You can discuss medical ethics or legal cases involving 'kega' with precision. You understand how 'kega' functions in different dialects or specialized jargon (like in professional wrestling or traditional martial arts). You can also critique the use of the word in media, noting how 'kega' might be used to downplay an event compared to 'fushou.' Your vocabulary includes many related technical terms like 'gaishou' (external wound) or 'naishou' (internal injury), and you can explain why 'kega' is or isn't appropriate in those specific medical contexts. You are essentially a master of the word's register and its socio-linguistic weight.

At the C2 level, 怪我 (kega) is a tool you use with native-like precision and flair. You understand its historical evolution from the Heian period to modern day and how its meaning has narrowed or shifted. You can use it in creative writing to evoke specific emotions or to play with its etymological roots of 'mistake' and 'self.' You are comfortable with all its idiomatic uses and can even invent natural-sounding metaphors using the concept of 'kega.' You can navigate the most complex legal or medical documents where 'kega' appears, understanding the precise liability and implications involved. For you, 'kega' is not just a word for a cut or a bruise; it is a point of intersection for Japanese history, social etiquette, and legal structure. You can explain the 'kega' concept to others with the authority of a native speaker, highlighting its unique Japanese characteristics compared to 'injury' in other languages.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

怪我 in 30 Seconds

怪我 (kega) is the standard Japanese word for a physical injury or wound resulting from an accident.
It is most commonly paired with the verb 'suru' (to get injured) or 'ou' (to sustain an injury).
The term covers all levels of severity, from a minor scrape to a life-threatening wound or broken bone.
Culturally, it carries a strong nuance of being 'unintentional' or 'accidental' rather than planned or clinical.

The Japanese word 怪我 (kega) is a foundational noun in the Japanese language, primarily translated as 'injury' or 'wound' in English. At its core, it refers to physical harm sustained by a person, typically resulting from an accident, a fall, or a sudden external force. Unlike some more specific medical terms, kega is the go-to word for everyday situations. Whether a child scrapes their knee on the playground, an athlete sprains an ankle during a match, or someone accidentally cuts their finger while cooking, the term kega is universally applicable. Understanding its usage is crucial for anyone navigating life in Japan, as it is the primary way to communicate that you or someone else has been hurt.

Etymological Nuance: The kanji for 怪我 are particularly interesting. '怪' (ke) means strange, suspicious, or mysterious, while '我' (ga) means self or ego. Historically, the word didn't just mean a physical wound; it referred to a 'mistake' or an 'unintentional error' that led to a bad outcome. Over time, this evolved to specifically mean the physical injury resulting from such accidents. This history highlights that a kega is almost always accidental. You wouldn't typically use kega for a planned surgical incision or a self-inflicted wound in a clinical sense; it carries the heavy connotation of an 'accident.'

昨日、サッカーの試合中に足に怪我をしてしまいました。 (Yesterday, I got an injury on my leg during a soccer match.)

In daily conversation, you will frequently hear this word paired with the verb する (suru), meaning 'to do' or 'to get.' When someone says '怪我をした' (kega o shita), they are simply stating 'I got injured.' The word covers a wide spectrum of severity. It can describe a minor 'chiisana kega' (small injury) like a bruise, or a 'ookina kega' (big/serious injury) like a broken bone or a deep gash that requires hospitalization. Because of this versatility, it is often the first word doctors or teachers use when assessing a situation. Culturally, Japanese people often use kega to express concern. Asking '怪我はないですか？' (Kega wa nai desu ka? - Is there no injury?) is a standard way to check on someone after they trip or are involved in a minor collision. It demonstrates a level of social awareness and empathy that is central to Japanese communication.

Grammar Note: When you want to say you injured a specific body part, you use the pattern: [Body Part] ni kega o suru. For example, 'Te ni kega o shita' (I injured my hand). This identifies the location of the harm clearly.

料理をしている時に、指に軽い怪我をしました。 (I sustained a light injury to my finger while cooking.)

Furthermore, in professional settings, particularly in construction or manufacturing, you will see signs like '怪我ゼロ' (Kega Zero - Zero Injuries), which is a common safety slogan. This reinforces the word's status as the standard term for physical mishaps in both private and public life. It is not overly formal, nor is it too slangy; it sits perfectly in the middle, making it appropriate for almost any context where physical harm is discussed. Whether you are at the pharmacy looking for a bandage or explaining to your boss why you are limping, kega is your essential vocabulary tool.

大怪我じゃなくてよかったです。 (I'm glad it wasn't a serious injury.)

Register Variation: While 'kega' is neutral, you might hear 'fushou' (負傷) in news broadcasts or official police reports. 'Fushou' is the more formal, 'news-speak' version of 'kega.' However, even in those contexts, the average person would use 'kega' when recounting the event to a friend.

その選手は怪我のために引退しました。 (That player retired due to an injury.)

危ないですから、怪我をしないように気をつけてください。 (It's dangerous, so please be careful not to get injured.)

In summary, kega is a versatile, essential noun that captures the essence of physical accidents. Its reach extends from the smallest paper cut to life-altering accidents, and its presence in Japanese daily life is ubiquitous. Mastering this word allows you to describe your physical state, express concern for others, and understand safety warnings throughout Japan.

Using 怪我 (kega) correctly in a sentence involves understanding the verbs it typically pairs with and the particles that connect it to other parts of the sentence. The most common construction is kega o suru (to get injured). This is an active construction in Japanese, even though getting injured is usually something that happens to you rather than something you do intentionally. For example, 'Kaidan kara ochite kega o shimashita' (I fell down the stairs and got injured). Here, 'kega' is the object of the verb 'suru' (to do/make).

The Passive and Causative: If you want to say someone else caused the injury, you use the causative form: 'kega o saseru' (to cause someone an injury). For instance, 'Aite no senshu ni kega o sasete shimatta' (I accidentally caused the opposing player an injury). Conversely, if you want to emphasize sustaining an injury in a more formal or serious way, you use 'kega o ou' (負う - to bear/sustain). This is often used in news reports: 'Untenshu wa ooke ga o oimashita' (The driver sustained a serious injury).

彼は足にひどい怪我を負っています。 (He is sustaining a terrible injury to his leg.)

When describing the location of the injury, the particle に (ni) is used to mark the body part. 'Ude ni kega o suru' (to injure one's arm). If you want to describe the cause of the injury, you use the particle で (de). 'Jiko de kega o suru' (to get injured in an accident). This distinction is vital for clear communication. Adjectives often precede kega to specify its severity. 'Karui kega' (a light injury), 'hidoi kega' (a terrible injury), 'omoi kega' (a heavy/serious injury), and 'ookega' (a big injury). Note that for 'big injury,' we often combine the kanji into one word: 大怪我 (ookega).

幸い、怪我は軽く済みました。 (Fortunately, the injury ended up being light.)

In negative sentences, we often use the existence verb 'aru' or 'nai'. 'Kega wa arimasen' (There are no injuries). This is commonly used by emergency responders or people checking on others after a shock. Another important pattern is 'kega o naosu' (to heal/cure an injury) and 'kega ga naoru' (the injury heals). 'Naosu' is transitive (you do the healing), while 'naoru' is intransitive (it heals on its own).

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 怪我をする (Kega o suru) - To get injured.
2. 怪我を負う (Kega o ou) - To sustain an injury (Formal).
3. 怪我をさせる (Kega o saseru) - To injure someone.
4. 怪我を治す (Kega o naosu) - To treat an injury.
5. 怪我が治る (Kega ga naoru) - An injury heals.

早く怪我を治して、練習に戻りたいです。 (I want to heal my injury quickly and return to practice.)

It's also worth noting the use of 'kega' in metaphorical or abstract senses, though this is less common than physical harm. For example, 'Koukai no kega' (An injury of regret) is rare; usually, 'kega' is strictly physical. However, the phrase 'Kega no koumoku' (a silver lining or a lucky mistake) exists, stemming from the 'mistake' origin of the kanji.

転んで怪我をしないように、ゆっくり歩きましょう。 (Let's walk slowly so as not to fall and get injured.)

Finally, in the imperative or warning form, you will often see 'Kega chuui' (怪我注意 - Caution: Injury) on signs near low ceilings or slippery floors. This use of 'kega' acts as a shorthand to alert people to potential physical danger. Understanding these patterns allows you to not only describe your own misfortunes but also to navigate the safety-conscious landscape of Japanese society effectively.

仕事中に怪我をしたら、すぐに報告してください。 (If you get injured during work, please report it immediately.)

By practicing these structures, you ensure that your Japanese remains natural and that you can provide necessary details in stressful situations.

The word 怪我 (kega) is ubiquitous in Japanese society, appearing in a vast array of contexts ranging from the highly formal to the very casual. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in the world of sports. Sports commentators, athletes, and fans use kega constantly. When a star player is sidelined, the headlines will read 'Kega de kesseki' (Absent due to injury). In post-match interviews, players often thank fans for their support while they were recovering from a kega. This context emphasizes the word's association with physical performance and the unfortunate setbacks that occur in physical activities.

In Schools and Parenting: In the Japanese education system, 'kega' is a daily concern. Teachers and 'hoken-shitsu' (school nurses) use it to document student health. Parents constantly warn their children with phrases like 'Kega suru yo!' (You'll get hurt!) when they see them doing something risky. This usage reinforces the idea of 'kega' as a consequence of lack of caution. School newsletters often have a section on 'Kega no yobou' (Prevention of injuries), teaching kids how to play safely.

子供たちが公園で怪我をしないか心配です。 (I'm worried about whether the children will get injured at the park.)

Another major domain for kega is in the news and media. While official reports might use 'fushou' (負傷), the interviewees—witnesses to an accident or survivors of a disaster—will almost always use 'kega.' You'll hear phrases like 'Kega-nin wa imasen deshita' (There were no injured people) in reports about minor traffic accidents or building fires. The word serves as a bridge between official terminology and the lived experience of the public. In the workplace, especially in industries like construction, manufacturing, or logistics, kega is a central theme of safety culture. Morning meetings (cho-re-i) often involve a 'safety check' where workers are reminded to avoid kega at all costs. Posters with slogans like 'Anzen dai-ichi, kega zero' (Safety first, zero injuries) are plastered on walls. In this context, kega is not just a word; it's a metric of professional success and corporate responsibility.

現場では怪我が一番怖いです。 (At the worksite, injuries are what I fear most.)

You will also hear kega in entertainment, such as anime and drama. Characters often sustain kega during battles or dramatic accidents, leading to emotional scenes where others care for them. The phrase 'Kega wa nai ka?' (Are you unhurt?) is a classic trope used by heroes to show their caring side after rescuing someone. This cultural repetition makes the word feel familiar and deeply embedded in the Japanese psyche.

Medical and Pharmacy Contexts: When visiting a pharmacy (yakkyoku) or a small clinic (kyuuryou-sho), you would use 'kega' to describe your ailment. 'Kega no kusuri' (medicine for an injury) or 'kega no teate' (treatment for an injury) are common terms. Pharmacists will ask 'Dono you na kega desu ka?' (What kind of injury is it?) to determine if you need a bandage, ointment, or a referral to a hospital.

この薬は怪我の痛みを和らげます。 (This medicine eases the pain of the injury.)

Finally, in the realm of idioms and proverbs, kega appears in 'Kega no koumoku' (Lucky break from a mistake). This shows that the word has historical roots that go beyond just physical pain, touching on the philosophy of how accidents can sometimes lead to unexpected positive outcomes. However, in 99% of daily life, when you hear kega, someone is talking about a physical wound.

彼は怪我を隠してプレーを続けました。 (He continued to play while hiding his injury.)

From the shouts on a playground to the serious tone of a news anchor, kega is a word that signals a moment where physical safety has been compromised, making it a vital piece of the Japanese linguistic landscape.

When learning to use 怪我 (kega), English speakers often encounter a few common pitfalls. The most frequent mistake is confusing kega with itami (pain). While an injury usually causes pain, they are not interchangeable. You 'have' pain (itami ga aru), but you 'do' an injury (kega o suru). Saying 'kega ga aru' is grammatically possible but often sounds like you are checking for the physical presence of a wound rather than describing the act of getting hurt.

Kega vs. Kizu: Another common point of confusion is between 'kega' and 'kizu' (cut/scratch/scar). 'Kizu' refers to the visible, physical mark on the skin. 'Kega' is the broader condition. If you have an internal injury like a concussion or a torn ligament, that is a 'kega,' but you wouldn't call it a 'kizu' because there is no external mark. Conversely, a 'kizu' can be a scar from ten years ago, but that scar is no longer a 'kega' because the injury has healed. Using 'kizu' when you mean the overall injury can make your Japanese sound slightly childish or overly specific to the skin's surface.

❌ 私は怪我があります。 (I have an injury - sounds slightly unnatural)
✅ 私は怪我をしました。 (I got an injury - much more natural)

Another mistake involves the choice of verbs. English speakers often want to use 'get' or 'receive,' leading to 'kega o morau.' However, in Japanese, 'morau' implies receiving a gift or something beneficial. Using it with kega sounds very strange, as if the injury was a present. The correct verb is almost always suru or, in more formal contexts, ou (to sustain). Learners also struggle with the particle usage. Many try to use 'kega o [Body Part] ni suru,' but the standard is '[Body Part] ni kega o suru.' The location comes first. For example, 'Ashi ni kega o shita' (I injured my leg). If you say 'Kega o ashi ni shita,' it sounds like you were planning to get injured and chose your leg as the target.

❌ サッカーで足を怪我になりました。 (Became an injury - incorrect)
✅ サッカーで足を怪我しました。 (Injured my leg - correct)

Then there is the confusion with 'byouki' (illness). In English, we might say 'I'm out because I'm hurt,' and 'hurt' can be vague. In Japanese, you must distinguish between being sick ('byouki') and being injured ('kega'). If you tell your boss you have a 'kega' when you actually have the flu, they will expect to see a cast or a bandage!

Formal vs. Informal Confusion: In very formal writing, using 'kega' might be seen as slightly too casual. For a formal report or an academic paper, 'fushou' (負傷) is preferred. However, using 'fushou' in a casual conversation with friends will make you sound like a robot or a news reporter. Choosing the right level of formality is key.

❌ 電車で負傷しちゃった。 (I sustained an injury on the train - too formal for 'shichatta')
✅ 電車で怪我しちゃった。 (I got hurt on the train - natural casual speech)

Lastly, be careful with 'kega o saseru.' This means 'to injure someone else.' If you use this when you mean you injured yourself, you are essentially saying you forced yourself to get hurt, which implies self-harm or a very strange psychological state. Always use 'kega o suru' for your own accidental injuries.

❌ その怪我は痛いですか？ (Is that injury painful? - 'Kega wa itai desu ka?' is okay, but 'Sono kega wa itami desu ka?' is wrong.)

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the 'suru' vs 'ou' verbs and the 'kega' vs 'kizu' nuance—you will avoid the most common linguistic traps and speak more like a native.

While 怪我 (kega) is the most versatile word for injury, Japanese offers several alternatives that carry different nuances of formality, severity, and physical characteristics. Understanding these allows for more precise communication. The most common alternative is kizu (傷), which refers to a specific cut, scratch, or wound. While kega is the state of being injured, kizu is the physical evidence of it.

Fushou (負傷): This is the formal, technical term for 'injury.' You will see this in news reports, police documentation, and medical records. It sounds much more objective and serious than 'kega.' For example, 'Juuni-mei ga fushou shimashita' (Twelve people were injured) is standard news-speak. You would rarely use this in a casual chat with a friend unless you were being intentionally dramatic or formal.

事故の負傷者は病院に運ばれました。 (The injured persons from the accident were carried to the hospital.)

Another related term is daigeki (打撃), which means a 'blow' or 'strike.' While it can refer to a physical hit, it is often used metaphorically for a 'blow' to one's finances or reputation. If you are talking about the physical impact itself, daigeki is the word, but the resulting state is still kega. Then there is shoushou (損傷), which means 'damage' or 'injury' but is typically used for objects or internal organs in a medical context. You might hear about 'nou-shoushou' (brain damage), but you wouldn't say you have a 'shoushou' on your arm from falling. For minor injuries, Japanese often uses specific terms like surikizu (scrape/graze) or uchimi (bruise). Using these instead of the general kega makes your description more vivid. 'Knee o surimukita' (I scraped my knee) is more descriptive than 'Knee ni kega o shita.' Similarly, nenza (sprain) is used specifically for joints. If you twist your ankle, saying 'nenza shimashita' is much more helpful to a doctor than just saying 'kega shimashita.'

ただのすり傷ですから、心配しないでください。 (It's just a scrape, so please don't worry.)

Gekitsuu (激痛): While 'kega' is the injury, 'gekitsuu' is 'intense pain.' Often used together: 'Kega de gekitsuu ga hashiru' (Intense pain runs through [the body] due to the injury). Using words for pain alongside 'kega' helps convey the severity of the situation.

足首を捻挫してしまいました。 (I have sprained my ankle.)

In a more poetic or psychological sense, itami (pain) or kokoro no kizu (wound of the heart) are used for emotional trauma. You would almost never use kega for emotional pain. If a friend breaks up with their partner, they have 'kokoro no kizu,' not a 'kega.'

彼はその事件で心に深い傷を負いました。 (He sustained a deep wound in his heart from that incident.)

Finally, consider shougai (障害), which can mean 'disability' or 'impediment.' While a 'kega' is a temporary injury, a 'shougai' is often a long-term or permanent condition resulting from a 'kega.' Knowing the progression from 'kega' (injury) to 'fushou' (formal injury) to 'shougai' (disability) provides a full picture of how physical harm is categorized in Japanese. By mastering these synonyms, you can tailor your language to the specific situation, whether you're reporting an accident to the police or just telling a friend about a clumsy moment.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji '怪' (strange) and '我' (self) were chosen because an injury was seen as something 'strange' happening to the 'self' due to a lapse in focus. It's a very philosophical way to look at a scraped knee!

Pronunciation Guide

UK ke.ɡa

US keɪ.ɡə

The pitch accent is 'Heiban' (Flat) or 'Atamadaka' (Initial high) depending on the dialect, but standard Tokyo Japanese usually has a rise on 'ga'.

Rhymes With

Sega (The company) Mega (Prefix) Omega Bega Reggae (Approximate) Negate (First two syllables) Legate Segue

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ke' as 'kee' (like key). It should be 'keh'.
Over-emphasizing the 'g' sound. It is soft in Japanese.
Confusing the pitch with 'kega' meaning 'fur' (though written differently as 毛皮).
Pronouncing it as three syllables (ke-ga-a). It is strictly two.
Applying English stress on the first syllable too heavily.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are common but the first one (怪) is slightly complex for beginners.

Writing 3/5

Writing the kanji '我' requires correct stroke order for the hook.

Speaking 1/5

Very easy to pronounce and fits into simple verb patterns.

Listening 1/5

Distinctive sound, unlikely to be confused with other common words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

する (suru) 足 (ashi) 手 (te) 痛い (itai) 昨日 (kinou)

Learn Next

負傷 (fushou) 病院 (byouin) 包帯 (houtai) 治る (naoru) 事故 (jiko)

Advanced

後遺症 (kouyoushou) 損害賠償 (songai baishou) 外科 (geka) 捻挫 (nenza)

Grammar to Know

Causative Form (~saseru)

怪我をさせる (To cause an injury).

Potential Form (~eru)

怪我をするかもしれない (Might get injured).

Purpose (~tame ni)

怪我を治すために薬を塗る (Apply medicine to heal the injury).

Experience (~ta koto ga aru)

大怪我をしたことがありますか？ (Have you ever had a big injury?)

State of Being (~te iru)

彼は怪我をしている (He is injured / in a state of injury).

Examples by Level

怪我をしました。

I got an injury.

Uses 'suru' in the past tense.

怪我はないですか？

Are you not injured?

Polite question about existence.

足に怪我をしました。

I injured my leg.

Particle 'ni' marks the body part.

小さな怪我です。

It is a small injury.

Adjective 'chiisana' modifies the noun.

怪我をしないでください。

Please do not get injured.

Negative imperative form.

昨日、怪我をしました。

Yesterday, I got injured.

Time adverbial 'kinou'.

どこに怪我をしましたか？

Where did you get injured?

Question word 'doko'.

手と足に怪我をしました。

I injured my hand and leg.

Particle 'to' connects body parts.

階段で怪我をしました。

I got injured on the stairs.

Particle 'de' marks the location.

ひどい怪我ではありません。

It is not a serious injury.

Negative form of 'desu' with adjective.

怪我をしないように気をつけて。

Be careful not to get injured.

'~nai you ni' means 'so that... not'.

スポーツで怪我をしました。

I got injured in sports.

Particle 'de' marks the cause/activity.

彼は大怪我をしました。

He sustained a serious injury.

'Ookega' is a compound for 'big injury'.

怪我が治りました。

The injury has healed.

Intransitive verb 'naoru'.

怪我のせいで学校を休みました。

I was absent from school because of an injury.

'~no sei de' indicates a negative cause.

走っている時に怪我をしました。

I got injured while running.

'~te iru toki ni' means 'while doing'.

怪我がひどいので病院に行きます。

Since the injury is bad, I will go to the hospital.

Conjunction 'node' for reason.

怪我を治すために休みます。

I will take a break to heal my injury.

'~tame ni' indicates purpose.

彼は他の選手に怪我をさせました。

He caused an injury to another player.

Causative verb 'saseru'.

怪我をしないことが一番大切です。

The most important thing is not getting injured.

Nominalizing a verb phrase with 'koto'.

怪我をした足がまだ痛みます。

The leg I injured still hurts.

Relative clause modifying 'ashi'.

もし怪我をしたらどうしますか？

What would you do if you got injured?

Conditional form 'tara'.

怪我の治療には時間がかかります。

Treatment for the injury takes time.

'Chiryou' means treatment.

彼は怪我を乗り越えて優勝しました。

He overcame his injury and won.

'Norikoeru' means to overcome.

不注意が原因で怪我を招きました。

Carelessness led to the injury.

'Maneku' (to invite/lead to) is a formal verb.

怪我を負ったものの、彼は完走した。

Despite sustaining an injury, he finished the race.

'~mono no' means 'although'.

怪我の功名で、思わぬ幸運を得た。

Through a lucky mistake, I had unexpected good luck.

Idiom 'Kega no koumoku'.

労働災害による怪我が減少している。

Injuries due to industrial accidents are decreasing.

'Roudou saigai' (labor accident) is formal.

怪我を未然に防ぐ対策が必要です。

Measures to prevent injuries beforehand are necessary.

'Mizen ni fusegu' (prevent in advance).

彼は怪我の後遺症に苦しんでいる。

He is suffering from the after-effects of the injury.

'Kouyoushou' means after-effects/sequelae.

怪我の程度によっては手術も必要だ。

Depending on the degree of the injury, surgery may be necessary.

'~ni yotte wa' means 'depending on'.

怪我を理由にプロジェクトを降板した。

I stepped down from the project due to an injury.

'~o riyuu ni' (using... as a reason).

怪我の治療費を巡って訴訟が起きた。

A lawsuit arose concerning the medical costs of the injury.

'~o megutte' (concerning/surrounding).

彼の怪我は選手生命を脅かすものだった。

His injury was something that threatened his career as an athlete.

'Senshu seimei' (athlete's life/career).

怪我の功名というには余りに代償が大きい。

The price is too high to call it a 'lucky mistake'.

'Daishou' means compensation/price.

怪我を負わせた責任を痛感している。

I am keenly aware of the responsibility for having caused the injury.

'Tsukan' (keenly feeling).

精神的な怪我も肉体的なそれと同様に深刻だ。

Mental injuries are as serious as physical ones.

'Sore' refers back to 'kega'.

怪我の再発を防止するための徹底した管理。

Thorough management to prevent the recurrence of the injury.

'Saihatsu' (recurrence).

怪我を契機に、彼は人生観を変えた。

With the injury as a turning point, he changed his outlook on life.

'~o keiki ni' (as a turning point/opportunity).

怪我の功名という言葉は、現代では皮肉に近い。

The phrase 'lucky mistake' is close to irony in modern times.

'Hiniku' (irony/sarcasm).

怪我の功名が奏功し、新技術が開発された。

A 'lucky mistake' worked out, and a new technology was developed.

'Soukou suru' (to be successful).

怪我という概念は、身体の完全性への侵害である。

The concept of injury is an infringement upon bodily integrity.

Abstract philosophical usage.

不慮の怪我がもたらす経済的損失は計り知れない。

The economic loss brought by unforeseen injuries is immeasurable.

'Hakari-shirenai' (immeasurable).

怪我の功名を期待するのは、あまりに楽観的だ。

Expecting a lucky break from a mistake is far too optimistic.

'Rakkanteki' (optimistic).

怪我をした部位の組織再生に関する最新の研究。

Latest research regarding tissue regeneration of the injured area.

'Soshiki saisei' (tissue regeneration).

怪我の功名という古語に秘められた日本人の知恵。

The wisdom of the Japanese people hidden in the old phrase 'lucky mistake'.

'Kogo' (ancient word/expression).

怪我を負う過程における心理的葛藤の分析。

An analysis of psychological conflict in the process of sustaining an injury.

'Kattou' (conflict).

怪我という事象を社会学的な視点から考察する。

Considering the phenomenon of injury from a sociological perspective.

'Kousatsu' (consideration/study).

Common Collocations

怪我をする

怪我を負う

怪我をさせる

大怪我

軽い怪我

怪我が治る

怪我の治療

怪我人

怪我注意

怪我の功名

Common Phrases

怪我はないですか？

— A polite way to ask if someone is unhurt after a fall or accident.

転んだ人を見て、「怪我はないですか？」と声をかけた。

お怪我はありませんか？

— The honorific version of the above, used for elders or customers.

店員が客に「お怪我はありませんか？」と聞いた。

怪我に気をつけて

— A common parting phrase for someone going to play sports or work.

「試合、怪我に気をつけて頑張ってね。」

怪我のせいで

— Used to explain that something bad happened because of an injury.

怪我のせいで旅行に行けなくなった。

怪我をしないように

— Used as a warning or a goal to avoid getting hurt.

怪我をしないように準備運動をしましょう。

ひどい怪我

— A severe or terrible injury.

彼はひどい怪我で歩けません。

怪我を隠す

— To hide an injury, often used in sports contexts.

彼は怪我を隠して最後まで走った。

怪我が絶えない

— To constantly be getting injured.

わんぱくな息子は怪我が絶えない。

一生の怪我

— An injury that lasts a lifetime (often metaphorical or very serious).

それは一生の怪我になりかねない。

怪我の治療中

— Currently undergoing treatment for an injury.

彼は現在、怪我の治療中です。

Often Confused With

怪我 vs 痛い (itai)

Itai is an adjective (painful), while Kega is a noun (injury). You can have a 'kega' that isn't 'itai' yet (like a shock).

怪我 vs 病気 (byouki)

Byouki is for internal illnesses (cold, cancer), while Kega is for external physical trauma.

怪我 vs 毛皮 (kegawa)

Sounds similar but means 'fur' or 'pelt'. Written with different kanji.

Idioms & Expressions

"怪我の功名 (Kega no Koumyou)"

— A lucky break resulting from a mistake or a failure. Literally 'the fame/success of a mistake.'

道を間違えたのが怪我の功名で、素敵なカフェを見つけた。

Common

"自業自得の怪我 (Jigou Jitoku no Kega)"

— An injury that is one's own fault (reaping what you sow).

あんな危ないことをして怪我をするなんて、自業自得だ。

Informal

"怪我を恐れる (Kega o osoreru)"

— To be afraid of getting hurt, often used to describe someone playing too cautiously.

怪我を恐れていては、良いプレーはできない。

Sports

"怪我の元 (Kega no moto)"

— The source or cause of an injury.

油断は怪我の元だ (Carelessness is the source of injury).

Proverbial

"怪我をするほど (Kega o suru hodo)"

— To a degree that one might get hurt (used for intensity).

怪我をするほど激しい練習だった。

Emphatic

"一生の不覚、一生の怪我 (Isshou no fukaku, isshou no kega)"

— A lifetime's failure or a permanent wound to one's pride/career.

あのミスは一生の怪我だ。

Literary

"怪我の功名を狙う (Kega no koumyou o nerau)"

— To hope for a lucky outcome from a blunder.

失敗したあとに怪我の功名を狙うのは虫が良すぎる。

Sarcastic

"小さな怪我が命取り (Chiisana kega ga inochitori)"

— A small injury can be fatal (a warning to be careful).

山登りでは小さな怪我が命取りになる。

Warning

"怪我を負わす (Kega o owasu)"

— To inflict an injury on someone (often used in legal/formal contexts).

他人に怪我を負わす行為は許されない。

Formal

"心に怪我をする (Kokoro ni kega o suru)"

— A rare, metaphorical way to say one's heart is wounded, though 'kizu' is more common.

彼女の言葉で、心に怪我をしたような気分だ。

Poetic

Easily Confused

怪我 vs 傷 (kizu)

Both mean 'hurt'.

Kizu is a physical cut or scar. Kega is the event of getting hurt.

傷口を洗う (Wash the wound) vs 怪我をする (Get injured).

怪我 vs 負傷 (fushou)

Both mean 'injury'.

Fushou is formal/news-speak. Kega is for daily conversation.

負傷者 (Injured person in news) vs 怪我した人 (Injured person in conversation).

怪我 vs 損傷 (shoushou)

Both mean 'damage'.

Shoushou is for objects or internal medical damage.

部品の損傷 (Damage to parts).

怪我 vs 故障 (koshou)

Both mean 'breakdown/injury'.

Koshou is for machines or sometimes a 'breakdown' in sports performance.

機械の故障 (Machine breakdown).

怪我 vs 障害 (shougai)

Both mean 'impediment'.

Shougai is a long-term disability or obstacle.

身体障害 (Physical disability).

Sentence Patterns

[Body Part] ni kega o shimashita.

手足に怪我をしました。

[Cause] de kega o shimashita.

事故で怪我をしました。

Kega o shinai you ni [Verb].

怪我をしないように気をつけてください。

Kega o naosu tame ni [Action].

怪我を治すために病院へ行きます。

[Formal Person] ga kega o oimashita.

大統領が怪我を負いました。

Kega no koumoku de [Good Result].

怪我の功名で、いいアイデアが出た。

Kega o keiki ni [Change].

怪我を契機に、彼は引退を決意した。

Kega no sai-hatsu o boushi suru.

怪我の再発を防止するための措置。

Word Family

Nouns

怪我 (Injury)

大怪我 (Serious injury)

怪我人 (Injured person)

怪我の功名 (Lucky mistake)

Verbs

怪我する (To get injured)

怪我させる (To injure someone)

怪我負う (To sustain an injury)

Adjectives

怪我だらけの (Covered in injuries)

怪我しやすい (Prone to injury)

傷 (Kizu - Wound)

負傷 (Fushou - Formal injury)

事故 (Jiko - Accident)

治療 (Chiryou - Treatment)

包帯 (Houtai - Bandage)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in daily life, news, and sports.

Common Mistakes

Kega o morau → Kega o suru
You don't 'receive' an injury like a gift. You 'do/get' it.
Ashi o kega shita → Ashi ni kega o shita
The body part should take 'ni' as it's the location of the injury.
Kega ga itai → Kega shita tokoro ga itai
The injury itself isn't 'painful' in the same way the 'place' is. Use 'itami ga aru' for the injury.
Using 'kega' for a cold → Byouki / Kaze
'Kega' is only for physical accidents, not viruses.
Kega ga aru → Kega o shite iru
'Kega ga aru' sounds like you are looking for a wound. 'Kega o shite iru' describes the state.

Tips

Body Part Particle

Always use the particle 'ni' for the body part. 'Ude ni kega' (injury on the arm). Using 'o' for the body part is a common mistake.

Safety Slogans

Look for '怪我ゼロ' (Zero Injuries) in Japanese factories. It's a key part of the 'Kaizen' and safety culture.

Kega vs. Byouki

Never mix these up. If you are sick with a cold, it's 'byouki'. If you fell down, it's 'kega'.

Expressing Concern

Asking 'Kega wa nai?' is a great way to show you care if someone trips. It's very natural.

The Meaning of 'Ga'

The 'Ga' in 'Kega' is the same as 'Watashi' (I/Me). It helps to remember it's about the 'self'.

Accidental Nature

Remember that 'kega' implies an accident. You wouldn't use it for a surgery you planned to have.

Describing Severity

Use 'hidoi' for bad, 'karui' for light, and 'omoi' for serious/heavy.

Keganin

If you see '怪我人' on a sign or news, it means 'injured person'. The 'nin' is the counter for people.

Kega no Koumyou

This is a great idiom to use when something bad leads to something good. It makes you sound very fluent!

Verb Endings

Listen for 'saseru' vs 'suru'. 'Saseru' means someone else got hurt because of the subject.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **K**angaroo with an **E**normous **G**ash on its **A**rm. KE-GA. He got an injury!

Visual Association

Visualize a bright red 'X' over a person's knee, symbolizing an accidental strike or injury. The kanji 怪 look like a person with a stick, and 我 is 'me'. A person with a stick hit 'me'!

Word Web

Hospital Bandage Accident Pain Sports Blood Doctor Careless

Challenge

Try to identify three things in your house that could cause a 'kega' and say them in Japanese. (e.g., 'Kono knife de kega o suru kamoshirenai.')

Word Origin

The word 'kega' is an 'ateji' (kanji used for phonetics) in modern times, but its roots are deep. It originally meant a 'mistake' (過ち - ayamachi) or something 'unintentional' that led to a bad result.

Original meaning: A mistake or an unintentional error.

Japonic (Native Japanese origin/Yamato Kotoba).

Cultural Context

When discussing someone's 'kega,' always use polite language (O-kega) to show empathy and avoid sounding dismissive of their pain.

In English, we often say 'I'm hurt.' In Japanese, you must be more specific: 'Kega' (injury) vs 'Byouki' (illness).

Shohei Ohtani's 'kega' reports are major news in Japan. The manga 'Black Jack' features many 'kega' treatments. Safety slogans like 'Kega Zero' are iconic in Japanese factories.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital

怪我をしました。
どこが怪我ですか？
怪我の治療をお願いします。
怪我はいつ治りますか？

Sports Practice

怪我に気をつけて！
怪我をしたので休みます。
大怪我じゃないです。
無理して怪我をしないで。

Witnessing an Accident

怪我はないですか？
怪我人がいます！
ひどい怪我だ。
怪我はないようです。

Workplace Safety

怪我ゼロを目指そう。
怪我注意！
作業中に怪我をした。
怪我防止のルール。

At Home

子供が怪我をした。
小さな怪我だよ。
怪我の薬はどこ？
また怪我したの？

Conversation Starters

"「最近、スポーツで怪我をしたことはありますか？」 (Have you had any sports injuries lately?)"

"「子供の頃、一番大きな怪我は何でしたか？」 (What was your biggest injury as a child?)"

"「怪我をしないために、どんなことに気をつけていますか？」 (What do you do to avoid getting injured?)"

"「怪我の功名という言葉を信じますか？」 (Do you believe in the phrase 'lucky mistake'?)"

"「もし誰かが怪我をしたら、どう助けますか？」 (If someone got injured, how would you help them?)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you got a 'kega'. How did it happen and how long did it take to heal?

Describe a safety rule in your country designed to prevent 'kega'.

Have you ever experienced a 'kega no koumyou' (lucky mistake)? Explain the situation.

Imagine you are a doctor. Write advice to an athlete who has a 'hidoi kega'.

Discuss why 'kega zero' is important in a workplace like a factory.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'kega' is strictly for physical injuries. For emotional wounds, use 'kokoro no kizu' (heart's wound) or 'itami' (pain).

'Kega o suru' is the common, neutral way to say you got injured. 'Kega o ou' is more formal and serious, often used in news reports for sustaining heavy injuries.

Yes, you can use 'kega' for pets or animals that get hurt in accidents. 'Inu ga kega o shita' (The dog got injured).

You can say 'kega o shiyasui' (easy to do injury) or 'kega ga taenai' (injuries never cease).

No, it is a noun. It must be paired with 'suru' to function as a verb phrase.

It means a 'big' or 'serious' injury. It is a common compound word.

It is neutral. To make it polite when talking to others, add the prefix 'o' (O-kega).

Yes, you can call it a 'chiisana kega' (small injury), though 'kizu' or 'kirikizu' is more specific.

Not really. People might use 'yatta' (did it) in a bad way, but 'kega' remains the standard term.

You use 'kega no boushi' (怪我の防止) or 'kega no yobou' (怪我の予防).