B1 adjective #3,500 most common 4 min read

かゆい

Explanation of かゆい at your level:

Hello! Today we learn the word かゆい (kayui). It means 'itchy'. When your skin feels funny and you want to scratch, it is kayui. For example, a bug bite can be kayui. You can say 'My arm is kayui'. It is a simple word for a common feeling.

The Japanese adjective かゆい (kayui) describes the sensation of itching. If something on your skin feels irritating and makes you want to scratch, you can say it's kayui. For instance, after being in the sun, your skin might feel kayui. It's a very useful word for talking about minor discomforts.

かゆい (kayui) is the Japanese adjective for 'itchy'. It denotes an irritating sensation on the skin that prompts the urge to scratch. You might experience this if you have dry skin, a rash, or insect bites. For example, 'The mosquito bite on my leg is very kayui.' It’s a fundamental adjective for describing physical discomfort.

In Japanese, かゆい (kayui) functions as an adjective meaning 'itchy' or 'pruritic'. It refers to that specific, often uncomfortable, skin sensation that compels one to scratch. This can arise from various dermatological conditions, allergic reactions, or environmental factors. Understanding its nuances is key to describing physical ailments accurately in Japanese.

The adjective かゆい (kayui) denotes the subjective sensation of pruritus, commonly known as itchiness. This sensation can range from mild irritation to intense discomfort, leading to a reflex to scratch. Its application extends beyond mere physical discomfort; it can metaphorically describe a persistent mental irritation or an unfulfilled desire, though its primary use remains physiological.

かゆい (kayui), a fundamental Japanese i-adjective, encapsulates the complex sensory experience of pruritus. Etymologically linked to ancient descriptive terms for bodily discomfort, it has retained its core meaning of an itch-inducing sensation. While predominantly used in a literal dermatological context, its metaphorical extension into psychological or social contexts, such as describing a nagging worry or an irresistible urge, showcases its semantic depth and cultural resonance.

かゆい in 30 Seconds

  • かゆい (kayui) is a Japanese adjective meaning 'itchy'.
  • It describes the sensation on the skin that makes you want to scratch.
  • Commonly used with body parts (e.g., 肌がかゆい - skin is itchy).
  • Related noun is かゆみ (kayumi - itch), and verb is かく (kaku - to scratch).

Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese adjective かゆい (kayui). It's a super common word that describes that annoying, tingly feeling on your skin that just makes you want to scratch! Think about when you get a mosquito bite, or maybe your skin is just really dry – that's kayui. It's a direct sensation, a physical feeling you experience.

Understanding kayui is essential for everyday conversations in Japanese, especially when talking about health, discomfort, or even just everyday annoyances. It's not just about physical itchiness, though; sometimes, we use it metaphorically to describe something that's bothering us mentally, like a persistent worry or a nagging thought. But primarily, it's your go-to word for that 'I need to scratch!' feeling. So, next time you feel that tickle, you know exactly what to say in Japanese!

The word かゆい (kayui) has roots deep in the Japanese language, likely stemming from ancient onomatopoeic or descriptive sounds. While its exact etymological journey is a bit murky, linguistic scholars often link it to older Japanese words describing sensations or discomfort. It's believed to have evolved from descriptive roots that captured the essence of an irritating physical feeling.

Historically, describing bodily sensations like itchiness was crucial for communication, especially in contexts related to health and well-being. The word has remained remarkably stable in its meaning and usage throughout centuries of Japanese linguistic evolution. Unlike many words that undergo significant semantic shifts, kayui has consistently referred to the specific sensation of itchiness. Its prevalence in everyday language speaks to its fundamental role in describing a common human experience. It's a testament to how basic sensory words often endure across time.

かゆい (kayui) is primarily used to describe the physical sensation of itching. You'll often hear it in contexts related to skin conditions, insect bites, or allergies. For instance, you might say 「蚊に刺されてかゆい」(ka ni sasarete kayui - I was bitten by a mosquito and it's itchy) or 「肌が乾燥してかゆい」(hada ga kansō shite kayui - My skin is dry and itchy).

It's a versatile adjective that can be modified or used in various grammatical structures. Common collocations include かゆみ (kayumi), which is the noun form meaning 'itch' or 'itching'. You can also use it with verbs like かく (kaku), meaning 'to scratch'. For example, 「かゆいところをかく」(kayui tokoro o kaku - to scratch an itchy spot). In casual conversation, it's straightforward. In more formal settings, you might use slightly more descriptive or clinical terms depending on the context, but kayui remains the most direct and common way to express the feeling.

While かゆい (kayui) itself is a straightforward adjective, it appears in some expressions that add a bit of flavor to the language. These often extend the meaning beyond a simple skin itch to describe a more general sense of annoyance or a desire for something.

Here are a few common ways it's used:

  • かゆいところに手が届く (kayui tokoro ni te ga todoku): This literally means 'to reach an itchy spot'. Figuratively, it describes something or someone that perfectly addresses a need or solves a problem, often in a very thorough or thoughtful way. For example, a service that anticipates your every need could be described this way.
  • かゆい話 (kayui hanashi): This translates to 'an itchy story'. It refers to a story or topic that is juicy, gossip-worthy, or something that piques a lot of interest and discussion, making people want to 'scratch' for more information.
  • かゆいかゆい (kayui kayui): Sometimes repeated for emphasis, this is often used in advertising for anti-itch creams or lotions, making it very memorable and directly linking the sound to the relief.
  • かゆい思いをする (kayui omoi o suru): This means 'to have an itchy experience', implying a frustrating, annoying, or uncomfortable situation that you wish you hadn't gone through.

These expressions show how the core concept of 'itchiness' can be creatively applied to broader situations!

かゆい (kayui) is a standard i-adjective in Japanese. This means it can modify nouns directly or be used predicatively. For example, かゆい肌 (kayui hada - itchy skin) or この肌はかゆいです (kono hada wa kayui desu - This skin is itchy).

As an i-adjective, it conjugates naturally. The past tense is かゆかった (kayukatta), the negative is かゆくない (kayukunai), and the adverbial form is かゆく (kayuku). For pronunciation, it's broken down into three syllables: か (ka), ゆ (yu), い (i). The stress is relatively even across the syllables, with perhaps a slight emphasis on the 'yu'. There aren't really plural forms for adjectives in Japanese in the same way as English. The word itself doesn't change based on the number of itchy spots or people experiencing the itch.

IPA pronunciation: /ka̠.ju͍.i/. Some common pronunciation errors might involve misplacing the stress or not clearly articulating the final 'i' sound. Rhyming words are less common for adjectives in Japanese, but words ending in '-ui' might share a similar vowel sound, like うまい (umai - delicious) or つめたい (tsumetai - cold), though the consonant structure differs.

Fun Fact

The word has remained remarkably consistent in meaning for centuries, highlighting the enduring nature of basic sensory descriptions in language.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈka.ju.i/

Sounds like 'kah-yoo-ee', with relatively even stress on each syllable.

US /ˈka.ju.i/

Similar to British pronunciation, 'kah-yoo-ee', with clear articulation of each vowel.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing it as one long word 'kayui' without clear syllable breaks.
  • Putting too much stress on the first syllable 'ka'.
  • Not clearly pronouncing the final 'i' sound.

Rhymes With

まぶい (mabui - dazzling) うすい (usui - thin) あつい (atsui - hot/thick) たかい (takai - high/expensive) やすい (yasui - cheap/easy)

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read in basic contexts, more complex in medical/idiomatic uses.

Writing 2/5

Easy for basic descriptions, requires nuance for idioms and formal contexts.

Speaking 1/5

Very easy to pronounce and use in everyday situations.

Listening 1/5

Easy to recognize in common contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

はだ (hada - skin) むし (mushi - insect) さす (sasu - to bite) いたい (itai - painful)

Learn Next

かゆみ (kayumi - itch) かく (kaku - to scratch) かぶれる (kabereru - to break out in a rash)

Advanced

掻痒症 (sōyōshō - pruritus) アレルギー反応 (arerugī hannō - allergic reaction) 皮膚炎 (hifuen - dermatitis)

Grammar to Know

i-Adjective Conjugation

かゆい -> かゆかった (past), かゆくない (negative), かゆくて (te-form)

Using が (ga) for Body Parts

頭 が かゆい (Atama ga kayui - My head is itchy)

Connecting Clauses with て-form

かゆくて ねむれない (Kayukute nemurenai - Itchy and can't sleep)

Examples by Level

1

これはかゆい です。

This itchy is.

Basic sentence structure: Subject + wa + Adjective + desu.

2

むしが かゆい。

Bug itchy.

Noun + ga + Adjective is common for describing body parts or specific items.

3

あしが かゆい です。

Leg itchy is.

Using body parts with 'ga' + adjective.

4

かゆい!

Itchy!

Exclamatory use of the adjective.

5

かゆい ところ を かきます。

Itchy place scratch.

Using 'tokoro' (place) with the adjective.

6

かゆい ですか?

Itchy is it?

Turning a statement into a question with 'ka'.

7

かゆい むし が います。

Itchy bug is.

Adjective modifying a noun directly.

8

かゆい の は なあに?

Itchy thing is what?

Using 'no wa' for topic marking.

1

蚊に刺されて、腕がとてもかゆいです。

By mosquito bitten, arm very itchy is.

Using て-form (sasarete) to connect actions.

2

この薬はかゆみに効きます。

This medicine itch to works.

Using the noun form かゆみ (itch) with the particle に.

3

乾燥で肌がかゆくなることがあります。

Due to dryness skin itchy becomes sometimes.

Using なる (naru) to indicate a change of state.

4

かゆいところがあったら、言ってください。

Itchy place if there is, please say.

Using あったら (if there is) for conditional statements.

5

背中がかゆくて、かくのが大変です。

Back itchy, scratching is difficult.

Connecting two i-adjectives with the て-form (kayukute).

6

アレルギーで全身がかゆいです。

Due to allergy whole body itchy is.

Using で (de) to indicate cause.

7

かゆい思いをしたくないです。

Itchy feeling want to not do.

Using 思いをする (omoio suru) to express an experience.

8

このかゆみはいつ治りますか?

This itch is when heal?

Using the noun かゆみ (itch) with question particle か.

1

虫刺されで腕がひどくかゆいので、薬を塗りました。

Insect bite because of arm severely itchy, so medicine applied.

Using ので (node) for reason, and past tense verb.

2

この新しい石鹸は肌に合わないようで、かゆみが出てきました。

This new soap skin to suit not seems, itchiness came out.

Using ようで (yō de) to express appearance/seeming, and noun かゆみ.

3

子供が掻きむしるので、かゆいところを冷やしてあげました。

Child scratch fiercely so, itchy places cooled for them.

Using てあげました (te agemashita) for doing a favor.

4

アトピー性皮膚炎のせいで、夜もかゆくて眠れません。

Atopic dermatitis because of, night also itchy cannot sleep.

Using せいで (seide) for negative cause, and て-form for connecting clauses.

5

かゆいところに手が届くような、気の利いたサービスですね。

Itchy places hands reach like, thoughtful service is.

Using the idiom かゆいところに手が届く.

6

このかゆみ止めは効果があるけど、少し眠くなります。

This itch-stopper effective is but, a little drowsy becomes.

Using けど (kedo) for contrast, and なる (naru) for change.

7

原因不明のかゆみが続いていて、医者に相談しました。

Cause unknown itch continuing, to doctor consulted.

Using ていて (te ite) for continuous state.

8

夏になると、蚊に刺されてかゆくなるのが悩みです。

When summer comes, by mosquito bitten itchy becomes is worry.

Using ~のが悩みです (no ga nayami desu) to express a recurring problem.

1

長引くかゆみは、単なる不快感にとどまらず、生活の質を著しく低下させる可能性があります。

Prolonged itchiness, merely discomfort beyond, quality of life significantly lower can cause.

Using ~にとどまらず (ni todomarazu - not limited to) and ~可能性があります (kanōsei ga arimasu - possibility).

2

アレルギー反応による全身性のかゆみは、専門医による慎重な診断と治療を要します。

Allergic reaction due to systemic itchiness, specialist doctor by careful diagnosis and treatment requires.

Using 全身性 (zenshinsei - systemic) and ~を要します (o yōshimasu - requires).

3

掻破行動は一時的な解放感をもたらしますが、皮膚のバリア機能を損傷し、さらなるかゆみを誘発する悪循環に陥りがちです。

Scratching behavior temporary relief brings but, skin's barrier function damages, further itchiness induces vicious cycle falls into tends.

Using ~に陥りがちです (ni ochigachi desu - tends to fall into) and complex vocabulary.

4

この新しい塗り薬は、かゆみを即効性で抑える効果が期待されています。

This new topical medicine, itchiness immediate effect suppresses effect is expected.

Using 即効性 (sokkōsei - immediate effect) and ~が期待されています (ga kitai sarete imasu - is expected).

5

彼は、かゆいところに手が届くような、細やかな配慮ができる人物だと評価されている。

He, itchy places hands reach like, meticulous consideration can person is evaluated.

Using the idiom with more formal phrasing.

6

原因不明のかゆみや湿疹が続く場合、自己判断せずに専門医に相談することが肝要です。

Cause unknown itch and eczema continues if, self-judgment without specialist doctor to consult is crucial.

Using ~肝要です (kan'yō desu - is crucial) and ~ずに (zu ni - without).

7

夜間のかゆみによる睡眠不足は、日中の集中力低下や精神的な不安定さを招くことがあります。

Nighttime itch due to sleep deprivation, daytime concentration decrease and mental instability invite can.

Using ~による (ni yoru - due to) and ~を招くことがあります (o maneku koto ga arimasu - can invite/cause).

8

この皮膚疾患は、特有のかゆみと赤みを特徴としており、早期発見が治療の鍵となります。

This skin disease, unique itch and redness characterizes, early detection treatment's key becomes.

Using ~を特徴としており (o tokuchō to shite ori - is characterized by) and ~となります (to narimasu - becomes).

1

慢性的な掻痒感は、単なる皮膚の不調に留まらず、患者の精神的健康や社会生活に深刻な影響を及ぼす多因子性の病態である。

Chronic pruritus, mere skin's disorder not limited to, patient's mental health and social life on serious impact exert multifactorial pathology is.

Using 多因子性の病態 (tayōinseino byōtai - multifactorial pathology) and ~に影響を及ぼす (ni eikyō o oyobosu - exert influence on).

2

アレルギー性炎症におけるヒスタミンの遊離は、神経終末の求心性線維を活性化させ、かゆみという主観的感覚を生成する。

Allergic inflammation in histamine's release, nerve endings' afferent fibers activates, itchiness subjective sensation generates.

Using 求心性線維 (kyūshinsei sen'i - afferent fibers) and 主観的感覚 (shukanteki kankaku - subjective sensation).

3

掻破行動のサイクルを断ち切るためには、薬理学的介入に加え、認知行動療法などの心理的アプローチが有効とされる。

Scratching behavior cycle break, pharmacological intervention in addition, cognitive behavioral therapy such psychological approaches effective considered.

Using 薬理学的介入 (yakurigakuteki kainyū - pharmacological intervention) and 認知行動療法 (ninchi kōdō ryōhō - cognitive behavioral therapy).

4

この疾患の病態生理は複雑であり、免疫学的、神経学的、そして精神的な要因が相互に絡み合い、難治性のかゆみを引き起こしている。

This disease's pathophysiology is complex, immunological, neurological, and psychological factors mutually intertwine, refractory itchiness causing.

Using 病態生理 (byōtaiseiri - pathophysiology) and 難治性 (nanjisei - refractory/difficult to treat).

5

彼の提案は、まさに痒いところに手が届くような、潜在的ニーズまで満たす画期的なものであった。

His proposal, precisely itchy places hands reach like, latent needs even fulfills groundbreaking was.

Using the idiom with more sophisticated vocabulary like 潜在的ニーズ (senzaiteki nīzu - latent needs).

6

皮膚のバリア機能破綻が引き起こす炎症性サイトカインの過剰産生は、末梢神経の過敏性を増大させ、かゆみの閾値を低下させる。

Skin's barrier function breakdown causes inflammatory cytokines' overproduction, peripheral nerves' hypersensitivity increases, itchiness threshold lowers.

Using バリア機能破綻 (baria kinō hatan - barrier function breakdown) and 過敏性 (kabinsei - hypersensitivity).

7

現代社会におけるストレスフルな環境は、自律神経系の調節不全を介して、皮膚のかゆみや過敏性を助長する一因となっている。

Modern society in stressful environment, autonomic nervous system's dysregulation via, skin's itchiness and hypersensitivity promotes one cause has become.

Using 調節不全 (chōsetsu fuzen - dysregulation) and ~を助長する (o jochō suru - to promote/exacerbate).

8

この治療法の有効性を評価するためには、主観的なかゆみの程度だけでなく、客観的な皮膚所見の変化も定量的に測定する必要がある。

This treatment's effectiveness evaluate, subjective itchiness degree not only, objective skin findings' changes also quantitatively measure necessity is.

Using ~だけでなく~も (dake de naku ~ mo - not only... but also) and 定量的に測定する (teiryōteki ni sokutei suru - to measure quantitatively).

1

掻痒症の病態は、末梢神経系、中枢神経系、そして免疫系が複雑に相互作用する結果として生じ、その発生機序には未だ解明されていない側面が多い。

Pruritus's pathology, peripheral nervous system, central nervous system, and immune system complexly interact result as arises, its pathogenesis many unexplained aspects has.

Using 掻痒症 (sōyōshō - pruritus/pruritic disorder) and 発生機序 (hassei kijo - mechanism of occurrence).

2

皮膚の常在菌叢の変化が、局所免疫応答を介して掻痒感を惹起する可能性が示唆されており、マイクロバイオーム研究の新たなフロンティアとなっている。

Skin's resident microbiota changes, local immune response via pruritus induce possibility suggested, microbiome research new frontier has become.

Using 常在菌叢 (jōzaikin sō - resident microbiota) and 惹起する (jakki suru - to induce/cause).

3

神経ペプチド、特にサブスタンスPやCGRPの放出は、掻痒伝達における求心性神経の活性化に不可欠であり、これらの作用機序を標的とした新規治療薬の開発が進められている。

Neuropeptides, especially Substance P and CGRP's release, itch transmission in afferent nerve's activation essential, these action mechanisms target new therapeutic drug development is proceeding.

Using 遊離 (yūri - release) and 作用機序 (sayō kijo - mechanism of action).

4

掻痒症における精神的要因の寄与は看過できず、掻痒-掻破サイクルを悪化させる心理的ストレスへの介入は、治療戦略の重要な構成要素である。

Pruritus in psychological factors' contribution ignored cannot be, itch-scratch cycle worsens psychological stress to intervention, treatment strategy's important component is.

Using 寄与 (kiyo - contribution) and 看過できない (kanka dekinai - cannot be overlooked).

5

「痒い所に手が届く」という慣用句は、単なる物理的な解決を超え、対象者の深層心理にまで響くような、洞察力に富んだ対応を暗喩している。

'Itchy places hands reach' this idiom, mere physical solution beyond, subject's deep psychology even resonates like, insight-rich response implies.

Using 慣用句 (kan'yōku - idiom) and 暗喩 (an'yu - metaphor/imply).

6

皮膚のバリア機能不全に起因する経皮水分蒸散量の増加は、乾燥を招き、角質層の感覚神経終末を刺激することで、掻痒感を増強させる。

Skin's barrier function dysfunction due to transepidermal water loss increase, dryness causes, stratum corneum's sensory nerve endings stimulates, pruritus intensifies.

Using 経皮水分蒸散量 (keishi suibun jōsan ryō - transepidermal water loss) and 角質層 (kakushitsusō - stratum corneum).

7

掻痒症の治療においては、抗ヒスタミン薬や外用ステロイドといった従来の対症療法に加え、近年では生物学的製剤や新規作用機序を持つ薬剤の開発が目覚ましい。

Pruritus treatment in, antihistamines and topical steroids like traditional symptomatic treatments addition, in recent years biologics and novel mechanism of action drugs development remarkable.

Using 対症療法 (taishō ryōhō - symptomatic treatment) and 生物学的製剤 (seibutsugakuteki seizai - biologic agents).

8

掻痒感の神経伝達経路には、脊髄におけるゲートコントロール理論や、中枢神経系における掻痒抑制機構など、複数の調節システムが関与している。

Pruritus's neural transmission pathways, spinal cord in gate control theory and, central nervous system in itch suppression mechanisms etc., multiple regulatory systems involved.

Using ゲートコントロール理論 (gēto kontorō riron - gate control theory) and 掻痒抑制機構 (sōyō yokusei kikō - itch suppression mechanism).

Common Collocations

かゆい ところ (kayui tokoro)
かゆみ を 感じる (kayumi o kanjiru)
かゆみ を 止める (kayumi o tomeru)
かゆみ が 出る (kayumi ga deru)
かゆい 虫刺され (kayui mushisasare)
かゆい 肌 (kayui hada)
かゆい 思いをする (kayui omoi o suru)
かゆみ止め の 薬 (kayumi-dome no kusuri)
ひどく かゆい (hidoku kayui)
かゆい ところ を かく (kayui tokoro o kaku)

Idioms & Expressions

"かゆいところに手が届く (kayui tokoro ni te ga todoku)"

To perfectly address a need or solve a problem; to be very thoughtful and attentive.

この新しいアプリは、ユーザーが求めていた機能をすべて搭載していて、まさに痒い所に手が届くようだ。(This new app has all the functions users were looking for; it really hits the spot.)

neutral

"かゆい話 (kayui hanashi)"

A juicy or intriguing story; gossip; something that piques curiosity.

昨日のパーティーであった、かゆい話を聞かせてよ!(Tell me the juicy gossip from yesterday's party!)

casual

"かゆい思いをする (kayui omoi o suru)"

To go through an unpleasant, annoying, or frustrating experience.

あの時の失敗は、今でもかゆい思いがする。(I still have unpleasant memories of that failure.)

neutral

"かゆいかゆい!"

An exclamation used in advertising for anti-itch products, directly associating the sound with the sensation and its relief.

(子供向けのかゆみ止めクリームのCMで)「あー、かゆいかゆい!」と子供が叫び、クリームを塗って安心する。( (In a TV commercial for children's anti-itch cream) A child shouts, 'Ah, it's so itchy!' then feels relieved after applying the cream.)

advertising/casual

"かゆみとの戦い (kayumi to no tatakai)"

A struggle against itching, often implying a persistent or severe condition.

アトピー患者にとって、日々の痒みとの戦いは精神的にも肉体的にも過酷だ。(For patients with atopic dermatitis, the daily battle against itching is mentally and physically grueling.)

neutral/formal

"かゆいところをかく (kayui tokoro o kaku)"

Literally, to scratch an itchy spot. Can sometimes be used metaphorically to address a specific, perhaps sensitive, point or issue.

彼の指摘は、まさに痒いところを掻くような鋭さがあった。(His criticism had a sharpness that precisely hit the mark.)

neutral

Easily Confused

かゆい vs いたい (itai)

Both describe physical discomfort.

いたい means 'painful' or 'hurts', while かゆい means 'itchy'. You feel pain from an injury, but an itch from a mosquito bite or dry skin.

蚊に刺されて<strong>かゆい</strong>。転んで<strong>いたい</strong>。(I was bitten by a mosquito and it's <em>itchy</em>. I fell and it <em>hurts</em>.)

かゆい vs しびれる (shibireru)

Both describe unusual physical sensations.

しびれる means 'numb' or 'tingling' (like when a limb falls asleep), whereas かゆい is specifically 'itchy'.

足が<strong>しびれて</strong>動かせない。腕が<strong>かゆい</strong>。(My leg is <em>numb</em> and I can't move it. My arm is <em>itchy</em>.)

かゆい vs むずむずする (muzumuzu suru)

Both describe a restless, uncomfortable sensation.

むずむずする is often a milder, more restless feeling, sometimes less intense than a full 'itch'. It can also imply unease or fidgeting. かゆい is a direct term for 'itchy'.

子供がおもちゃを欲しがって<strong>むずむずしている</strong>。蚊に刺されたところが<strong>かゆい</strong>。(The child is fidgeting/restless, wanting the toy. The mosquito bite is <em>itchy</em>.)

かゆい vs かさかさ (kasakasa)

Often related to skin conditions that also cause itching.

かさかさ describes 'dry' or 'rough' texture, often of skin or hair. While dry skin (かさかさの肌) can become かゆい, かさかさ itself means dry, not itchy.

このクリームは<strong>かさかさ</strong>の肌をしっとりさせる。(This cream moisturizes dry skin.) / 肌が<strong>かさかさ</strong>して<strong>かゆい</strong>。(My skin is dry and itchy.)

Sentence Patterns

A1-C2

Noun + が/は + かゆい

背中が かゆい。(My back is itchy.)

A1-C2

かゆい + Noun

かゆい ところ を かいてください。(Please scratch the itchy spot.)

A2-C2

Noun + が/は + かゆくて + Verb/Adjective

蚊に刺されて かゆくて 眠れません。(I was bitten by a mosquito and it's so itchy I can't sleep.)

A2-C2

かゆみ + が/は + ある/出る/増える

最近、かゆみが増えています。(Recently, the itching has increased.)

B2-C2

Idiom: かゆいところに手が届く

彼のサポートは、まさに痒い所に手が届くようだった。(His support was truly spot-on.)

Word Family

Nouns

かゆみ (kayumi) itch, itching

Verbs

かく (kaku) to scratch
かゆがる (kayugaru) to show signs of itching (used for others)

Adjectives

かゆい (kayui) itchy

Related

むし (mushi) insect (often causes itching)
はだ (hada) skin (where itching occurs)
ひふ (hifu) skin (more formal term)
かぶれる (kabereru) to break out in a rash (often leads to itching)

How to Use It

Formality Scale

かゆみがある (kayumi ga aru) かゆい (kayui) かゆがる (kayugaru) 掻痒感がある (sōyōkan ga aru)

Tips

💡

Sound Association

Link the sound 'kayui' to the feeling of needing to scratch. Imagine saying 'Kaaah!' as you desperately scratch an itch.
💡

Body Part + が + かゆい

The most common structure is 'Body Part + が + かゆい'. For example, 腕が かゆい (ude ga kayui - My arm is itchy). Remember が (ga) is often used for specific body parts.
🌍

Idiom Power

Mastering 'かゆいところに手が届く' (kayui tokoro ni te ga todoku) will impress native speakers, showing you understand nuanced expressions.
💡

Adjective vs. Noun

Don't confuse かゆい (adjective) with かゆみ (noun). Use かゆい to describe something as itchy, and かゆみ for the itch itself.
💡

Syllable Clarity

Pronounce each syllable (ka-yu-i) clearly and with relatively equal stress. Avoid rushing it.
💡

Avoid 'Itchy Feeling'

Instead of saying 'かゆい感じ' (kayui kanji), stick to the more natural 'かゆい' or 'かゆみがある'.
💡

Ancient Roots

The word かゆい has likely been used in Japan for centuries, showing how fundamental words for basic sensations rarely change.
💡

Contextual Learning

When you learn かゆい, also learn related words like 虫 (mushi - insect), 刺される (sasareru - to be bitten), and かく (kaku - to scratch). This builds a mini-lexicon.
💡

Describing Intensity

Use adverbs like とても (totemo - very) or ひどく (hidoku - severely) before かゆい to specify how intense the itch is.
💡

Connecting Clauses

Use the て-form, かゆくて (kayukute), to link 'itchy' with another condition or action, like かゆくて眠れない (kayukute nemurenai - itchy and can't sleep).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine an 'itchy' cat named 'Yui' saying 'Kaaah!' because it can't stop scratching.

Visual Association

Picture a mosquito biting someone's arm, and the person desperately trying to scratch it, saying 'Kayui! Kayui!'

Word Web

Itch Scratch Skin Mosquito bite Allergy Rash Discomfort Irritation

Challenge

Try describing different types of skin irritation you might experience (dryness, bug bites, rashes) using かゆい in Japanese sentences.

Word Origin

Japanese

Original meaning: Likely derived from onomatopoeic or descriptive roots related to an irritating sensation.

Cultural Context

Describing something as 'itchy' is generally not sensitive, but discussing severe skin conditions requires empathy and appropriate medical terminology.

In English-speaking cultures, 'itchy' is a common descriptor for skin irritation. Phrases like 'the itch you can't scratch' or 'scratching an itch' are common idioms.

Children's songs often mention 'itchy bugs' or 'itchy feet'. Advertising for anti-itch creams frequently uses the word 'itchy' or related sensations. Medical contexts use 'pruritus' as the technical term.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Visiting a doctor/pharmacy

  • 「どこがかゆいですか?」(Doko ga kayui desu ka? - Where is it itchy?)
  • 「かゆみ止め の 薬をください。」(Kayumi-dome no kusuri o kudasai. - Please give me some anti-itch medicine.)
  • 「かゆくて眠れません。」(Kayukute nemuremasen. - It's so itchy I can't sleep.)

Talking about allergies or skin conditions

  • 「アレルギーで かゆい です。」(Arerugī de kayui desu. - I'm itchy due to allergies.)
  • 「肌が 乾燥して かゆい です。」(Hada ga kansō shite kayui desu. - My skin is dry and itchy.)
  • 「この湿疹は かゆみ が ひどいです。」(Kono shisshin wa kayumi ga hidoi desu. - This rash has severe itching.)

Everyday conversation about discomfort

  • 「あー、かゆい!」(Ā, kayui! - Ah, it's itchy!)
  • 「蚊に刺されたみたいで かゆい。」(Ka ni sasareta mitai de kayui. - It seems like I was bitten by a mosquito and it's itchy.)
  • 「背中がかゆいんだけど、掻いてくれる?」(Senaka ga kayui n da kedo, kaite kureru? - My back is itchy, can you scratch it for me?)

Describing a service or product

  • 「まさに痒い所に手が届くサービスだね!」(Masani kayui tokoro ni te ga todoku sābisu da ne! - This service really hits the spot!)
  • 「この痒み止めはよく効くよ。」(Kono kayumi-dome wa yoku kiku yo. - This anti-itch remedy works well.)

Conversation Starters

"「最近、肌の調子はどう?何かかゆいところとかある?」(Saikin, hada no chōshi wa dō? Nanika kayui tokoro toka aru? - How's your skin lately? Do you have any itchy spots?)"

"「夏は蚊が多くて大変だよね。よく蚊に刺されてかゆくなるんだけど、何か対策してる?」(Natsu wa ka ga ōku te taihen da yo ne. Yoku ka ni sasarete kayuku naru n da kedo, nanika taisaku shiteru? - Summer is tough with lots of mosquitoes, isn't it? I often get itchy mosquito bites, do you have any countermeasures?)"

"「この新しい痒み止め、試してみた?すごく効くらしいよ。」(Kono atarashii kayumi-dome, tameshite mita? Sugoku kiku rashii yo. - Have you tried this new anti-itch cream? Apparently, it works really well.)"

"「旅行先で何か変わった虫に刺されたみたいで、すごくかゆいんだ。」(Ryokō-saki de nanika kawatta mushi ni sasareta mitai de, sugoku kayuin da. - I think I was bitten by some strange insect while traveling, and it's really itchy.)"

"「このセーター、肌触りはいいんだけど、ちょっとかゆい気がするんだ。」(Kono sētā, hadazawari wa ii n da kedo, chotto kayui ki ga suru n da. - This sweater feels nice, but I feel like it's a little itchy.)"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you had a severe itch. What caused it, and how did you feel? (かゆかった時のことを書いてみよう。何が原因で、どんな気持ちでしたか?)

Think about a time you experienced the idiom 'かゆいところに手が届く'. Describe the situation and why it fits.

Write about your daily routine for skincare. Do you ever experience dryness or itching (かゆみ)? How do you deal with it?

Imagine you are developing a new product to relieve itching. What features would it have? What would you call it?

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions
かゆい is an adjective meaning 'itchy'. It describes something *as* itchy (e.g., かゆい肌 - itchy skin). かゆみ is a noun meaning 'itch' or 'itching'. It refers to the sensation itself (e.g., かゆみがある - there is an itch).
You can say 「かゆいです」(kayui desu) or 「かゆみがあります」(kayumi ga arimasu). If you want to specify a body part, you can say 「[Body Part] が かゆいです」(e.g., 「腕がかゆいです」- My arm is itchy).
Yes, but it's less common than its literal meaning. The idiom 'かゆいところに手が届く' (kayui tokoro ni te ga todoku) is a good example of metaphorical use, meaning to perfectly address a need. Sometimes, 'かゆい話' (kayui hanashi) refers to a juicy story.
The direct negation is かゆくない (kayukunai - not itchy). For skin texture, すべすべ (subesube - smooth) or しっとり (shittori - moist) are often considered opposites in context.
You can use the verb かゆがる (kayugaru). For example, 「赤ちゃんがかゆがっています」(Akachan ga kayugatte imasu - The baby seems to be itching).
Yes, かゆい is a very common and essential word in everyday Japanese, used frequently when discussing health and physical discomfort.
Many things! Common causes include insect bites (虫刺され - mushisasare), dry skin (乾燥 - kansō), allergies (アレルギー - arerugī), rashes (発疹 - hasshin), and sometimes even just stress.
You can use adverbs to describe the intensity, like 少し (sukoshi - a little) かゆい, とても (totemo - very) かゆい, or ひどく (hidoku - severely) かゆい.

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

蚊に刺されて、腕が ____ です。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: かゆい

蚊 (ka - mosquito)刺されて (sasarete - bitten) indicates a mosquito bite, which causes an itchy sensation. Therefore, かゆい (kayui - itchy) is the correct word.

multiple choice A2

Which word means 'itchy'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: かゆい (kayui)

かゆい (kayui) is the Japanese adjective that means 'itchy'.

true false B1

The word かゆい is used to describe the feeling of being cold.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

かゆい means 'itchy'. The word for 'cold' is さむい (samui) or つめたい (tsumetai).

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

These pairs represent the core vocabulary related to the sensation of itching and the action of scratching.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The correct sentence is: 乾燥で肌がかゆいです (Kansō de hada ga kayui desu), meaning 'My skin is itchy due to dryness.'

fill blank A2

この薬は ____ に効きます。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: かゆみ

The sentence structure 'Noun + に効きます (ni kikimasu)' means 'works for/on [noun]'. Therefore, the noun form かゆみ (kayumi - itch) is needed here.

multiple choice B1

What does the idiom 'かゆいところに手が届く' mean?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: To solve a problem perfectly

This idiom means to perfectly address a need or solve a problem, going above and beyond.

true false A1

かゆい describes the taste of food.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

かゆい describes a physical sensation on the skin, not taste.

sentence order B1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The correct phrase is かゆいところをかく (kayui tokoro o kaku), meaning 'to scratch an itchy spot'.

fill blank B2

アレルギーのせいで、夜も ____ 眠れませんでした。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: かゆくて

The sentence describes a continuous state leading to another action (inability to sleep). The て-form of the i-adjective, かゆくて (kayukute), is used to connect clauses like this.

Score: /10

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!