Explanation at your level:
Hello! The word 傷んだ (itanda) is like saying something is 'bad' or 'broken.' Imagine an apple that fell on the ground and got a little squished. That apple is 傷んだ. Or maybe some milk that smells funny – that milk is also 傷んだ. It means it's not good anymore and you can't use it or eat it. It's like when your toy breaks, it's 傷んだ!
傷んだ (itanda) is an adjective that means something has become damaged or spoiled. If you have fruit that looks old and maybe smells bad, you can say the fruit is 傷んだ. It's not fresh anymore. It can also mean something is physically broken or damaged, like a book with torn pages. So, 傷んだ tells us that something is no longer in its original, good condition.
The Japanese adjective 傷んだ (itanda) describes a state of being damaged, spoiled, or deteriorated. It's commonly used for food that has gone bad, like 傷んだ魚 (itanda sakana - spoiled fish), indicating it's unfit for consumption. It also applies to physical damage, such as 傷んだ家具 (itanda kagu - damaged furniture). Understanding 傷んだ helps you communicate when something is no longer in its intended or usable state, whether due to decay or physical harm.
傷んだ (itanda) is the past tense adjectival form of the verb 傷む (itamu), signifying damage, spoilage, or injury. Its usage spans both the culinary and physical realms. When applied to food, it denotes spoilage and unsuitability for consumption, e.g., 傷んだ食品 (itanda shokuhin - spoiled food products). In a broader sense, it describes objects that have suffered physical damage, like 傷んだ書類 (itanda shorui - damaged documents) or 傷んだ部品 (itanda buhin - damaged parts). The nuance lies in distinguishing between decay (food) and physical harm (objects).
The adjective 傷んだ (itanda), derived from the verb 傷む (itamu), denotes a state of being compromised through damage, decay, or injury. Its application is multifaceted: in gastronomy, it signifies spoilage, rendering food inedible (e.g., 傷んだ食材 - spoiled ingredients); in material contexts, it indicates physical impairment, such as 傷んだ布地 (itanda nuno-ji - damaged fabric) or 傷んだ記録媒体 (itanda kiroku baitai - damaged recording media). The term carries a sense of loss of integrity, whether biological or structural, and is frequently employed to convey a decline from an optimal or original state.
傷んだ (itanda) represents the adjectival realization of the verb 傷む (itamu), encompassing a spectrum of deterioration from biological decay to structural compromise. Etymologically linked to the concept of 'wound' (傷 - kizu), it signifies a state where an entity has been negatively affected, losing its pristine quality or functionality. This can range from the organoleptic failure of foodstuffs (傷んだ食品) to the physical degradation of materials, such as 傷んだ建築材料 (itanda kenchiku zairyō - damaged construction materials). Its usage reflects a nuanced understanding of entropy and damage, applicable across organic, inorganic, and even abstract domains where integrity has been compromised.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 傷んだ (itanda) means spoiled, damaged, or deteriorated.
- Commonly used for food that has gone bad.
- Also used for physical damage to objects (books, clothes, etc.).
- It's the past adjectival form of the verb 傷む (itamu).
Hey there! Let's dive into the word 傷んだ (itanda). This Japanese adjective is super useful when you want to talk about things that have gone bad, gotten damaged, or are no longer in good condition. Think of it as the opposite of fresh and perfect!
Most often, you'll hear 傷んだ used for food that has spoiled. Imagine a banana that's turned brown and mushy, or milk that smells sour – those are perfect examples of 傷んだ food. But it's not just for food! You can also use it to describe things that have been physically damaged, like a book with torn pages or a car with a dented fender. It really covers a range of 'not good anymore' states.
So, next time you see something that's past its prime, whether it's a piece of fruit or a slightly broken item, 傷んだ is the word you're looking for. It’s a versatile adjective that helps paint a clear picture of something being less than ideal due to decay or damage.
The word 傷んだ comes from the verb 傷む (itamu), which means 'to be damaged,' 'to be spoiled,' or 'to hurt.' This verb itself has deep roots in the Japanese language, likely evolving from older expressions related to physical or emotional pain.
The character 傷 (kizu/shō) is key here. It means 'wound,' 'injury,' or 'damage.' When you add the verb ending む (mu), it transforms into an action or state of being damaged. So, 傷む literally means 'to be wounded' or 'to be injured.' Over time, its meaning broadened to include the spoilage of food and the deterioration of objects.
The adjective form, 傷んだ, is the past tense of the verb 傷む used attributively, meaning it describes a noun. So, if something *has been* damaged or spoiled, it is 傷んだ. It's a natural linguistic progression from the concept of being hurt or wounded to being spoiled or damaged. Think about how in English, 'broken' can mean physically damaged or emotionally hurt – it's a similar kind of conceptual expansion!
傷んだ is primarily used as an adjective to describe something that is damaged, spoiled, or in poor condition. It's quite common in everyday Japanese, especially when talking about food and everyday objects.
When referring to food, you'll often hear it with words like 食べ物 (tabemono - food), 果物 (kudamono - fruit), or specific food items. For example, 傷んだ食べ物 (itanda tabemono) means 'spoiled food.' It's crucial for indicating that something is no longer safe or pleasant to eat.
Beyond food, 傷んだ can describe physical damage. You might see 傷んだ本 (itanda hon - damaged book) or 傷んだ服 (itanda fuku - damaged clothes). It implies that the item has suffered some form of wear, tear, or breakage, affecting its quality or usability. The context usually makes it clear whether you mean spoiled (like food) or damaged (like an object).
It's generally used in neutral to slightly informal contexts. While not slang, it's not typically used in very formal academic writing unless discussing the state of certain materials or historical artifacts. Think of it as a practical, descriptive word for things that are past their best.
While 傷んだ itself isn't usually part of a fixed idiom, the concept of 'damage' or 'spoilage' is present in many expressions. The verb 傷む (itamu) is more common in these:
- 心が傷む (kokoro ga itamu): This literally means 'the heart is wounded' and is used to express feeling emotionally hurt, pained, or saddened by something. It's about emotional suffering. Example: His harsh words made my heart ache.
- 腹が傷む (hara ga itamu): This means 'the stomach is injured' and is used to describe stomach pain or an upset stomach, often from eating something bad. Example: I ate too much and now my stomach hurts.
- 傷がついた (kizu ga tsuita): This means 'a wound/scratch has been made' and is often used for physical damage to objects or skin, implying a mark or blemish. Example: The car got scratched in the parking lot.
- 身に傷を負う (mi ni kizu o ou): This is a more formal way to say 'to suffer physical injury' or 'to bear a wound.' It can also imply emotional scars. Example: The soldier bore the wounds of battle.
- 傷をなめ合う (kizu o nameau): This idiom translates to 'licking each other's wounds' and describes people comforting each other after suffering hardship or pain. Example: After the tough loss, the team sat together, licking their wounds.
These expressions show how the core idea of 'damage' or 'hurt' extends from the physical to the emotional and even culinary realms in Japanese.
傷んだ is the past tense form of the verb 傷む (itamu) used as an adjective. It modifies nouns directly. For example, 傷んだリンゴ (itanda ringo) means 'a spoiled apple.'
Pronunciation:
- Japanese: 傷んだ is pronounced roughly as 'ee-tahn-dah'.
- IPA (Japanese): /iꜜtanda/
Syllable Breakdown: i-tan-da (3 syllables).
Stress: Japanese pronunciation is generally flatter than English, but there's a pitch accent. For 傷んだ, the pitch tends to drop after the first syllable: 'i-TAN-da'.
Rhyming Words: Finding perfect rhymes in Japanese is different from English due to the syllable structure. Words ending in '-anda' might be considered near rhymes, such as: 進んだ (susunda - advanced), 沈んだ (shizunda - sank).
Grammatical Notes:
- It functions like any other i-adjective in its past tense form when modifying a noun.
- It can also appear at the end of a sentence to describe a state: このバナナは傷んだ。 (Kono banana wa itanda. - This banana is spoiled.)
Fun Fact
The character 傷 (kizu) itself depicts a knife cutting into something, visually representing damage or a wound.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'ee-TAHN-dah', with the stress on the second syllable.
Similar to UK, 'ee-TAHN-dah', emphasis on the 'TAHN' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'n' sound too strongly, making it sound like 'in-tan-da'.
- Adding an English 'r' sound where it doesn't exist.
- Incorrect vowel sounds, especially the 'a' at the end.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read in context, especially for food.
Straightforward adjective usage.
Commonly used, easy to incorporate.
Frequently heard in daily life.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Formation (i-adjectives)
The verb 傷む (itamu) becomes the adjective 傷んだ (itanda).
Using Particles は (wa) and が (ga)
果物が傷んだ (Kudamono ga itanda - The fruit spoiled) vs. この果物は傷んだ (Kono kudamono wa itanda - This fruit is spoiled).
Verb Conjugation (Past Tense)
The base verb 傷む (itamu) conjugates to 傷んだ (itanda) for the past adjectival form.
Examples by Level
このリンゴは傷んだ。
This apple is spoiled.
The particle 'wa' marks the topic.
おもちゃが傷んだ。
The toy is broken.
No particle needed when the subject is clear.
パンは傷んだ。
The bread is stale/spoiled.
'Wa' is used to mark 'bread' as the topic.
魚が傷んだ。
The fish is spoiled.
The particle 'ga' marks the subject.
それは傷んだ。
It is damaged/spoiled.
Pronoun 'sore' means 'it'.
野菜は傷んだ。
The vegetables are spoiled.
'Wa' is used for the topic 'vegetables'.
箱は傷んだ。
The box is damaged.
'Wa' marks 'box' as the topic.
牛乳が傷んだ。
The milk is spoiled.
'Ga' marks 'milk' as the subject.
このバナナはもう傷んだから、食べられません。
This banana is already spoiled, so I can't eat it.
'kara' means 'because' or 'so'.
古いパンは傷んでカビが生えていました。
The old bread was spoiled and had mold.
'kabi ga haete imashita' means 'mold was growing'.
配達された箱が少し傷んでいました。
The delivered box was a little damaged.
'sukoshi' means 'a little'.
雨で本が傷んでしまった。
The book got damaged by the rain.
'shimatta' adds a sense of regret or completion.
傷んだ食品は捨ててください。
Please throw away the spoiled food.
'shite kudasai' is a polite request.
彼の話を聞いて心が傷んだ。
My heart ached after hearing his story.
This uses the verb form 'itanda'.
このシャツは洗濯で傷んだようだ。
This shirt seems to have been damaged by washing.
'you da' means 'seems like'.
傷んだ箇所は修理が必要です。
The damaged part needs repair.
'kasho' means 'part' or 'place'.
この果物は傷んでいて、酸っぱい味がする。
This fruit is spoiled and tastes sour.
'taberu koto ga dekinai' means 'cannot eat'.
長年の使用で家具が傷んでしまった。
The furniture has become damaged from many years of use.
'naganen no shiyou' means 'many years of use'.
輸送中に商品が傷んだ可能性がある。
There's a possibility the goods were damaged during shipping.
'kanousei ga aru' means 'there is a possibility'.
傷んだ爪は見た目が良くないので、手入れが必要だ。
Damaged nails don't look good, so they need care.
'teire ga hitsuyou da' means 'care is necessary'.
彼の発言は多くの人の心を傷んだ。
His remarks hurt many people's feelings.
Uses the verb form 'itanda'.
この古い建物は、あちこちが傷んでいる。
This old building is damaged in many places.
'achikochi' means 'here and there'.
傷んだ箇所を避けて、新しい材料で作り直した。
We avoided the damaged parts and remade it with new materials.
'tsukurinaoshita' means 'remade'.
冷蔵庫に入れても、傷んだ食品は早く捨てるべきだ。
Even if you put spoiled food in the fridge, you should throw it away quickly.
'beru beki da' means 'should'.
このワインは保存状態が悪く、風味が傷んでいる。
This wine has been poorly stored, and its flavor is compromised.
'fūmi' means 'flavor/aroma'.
長期間の湿気により、書類の大部分が傷んでしまった。
Due to prolonged humidity, a large portion of the documents became damaged.
'daibubun' means 'large portion'.
事故で車体が傷んだため、修理には高額な費用がかかるだろう。
Because the car body was damaged in the accident, the repair will likely cost a lot.
'shatai' means 'car body'.
彼の心は、過去のトラウマによって深く傷んでいた。
His mind was deeply wounded by past trauma.
Uses the verb form 'shinde ita' (was wounded).
この織物は、経年劣化で表面が傷んでいる。
This fabric's surface is damaged due to aging and deterioration.
'keinen rekka' means 'aging deterioration'.
傷んだ箇所を修復するには専門知識が必要となる。
Specialized knowledge is required to repair the damaged areas.
'senmon chishiki' means 'specialized knowledge'.
過剰な漂白剤の使用は、繊維を傷む原因となる。
Using excessive bleach can cause the fibers to become damaged.
Uses the verb form 'itamu'.
その知らせを聞いて、彼女の希望は傷んだ。
Hearing that news, her hopes were dashed/damaged.
Metaphorical use of 'damaged'.
長期間の不適切な保管により、美術品の素材が不可逆的に傷んでいた。
Due to long-term improper storage, the material of the artwork was irreversibly damaged.
'fukagyaku-teki ni' means 'irreversibly'.
彼の言葉は、単なる批判を超えて、私の自尊心を深く傷んだ。
His words went beyond mere criticism and deeply wounded my self-esteem.
Uses the verb form 'shinda' (wounded).
この地域では、過去の紛争によってインフラが甚だしく傷んでいる。
In this region, the infrastructure is severely damaged due to past conflicts.
'jinohodoshiku' means 'severely'.
過度なストレスは、精神的な健康を徐々に傷む。
Excessive stress gradually damages mental health.
Uses the verb form 'itamu'.
そのソフトウェアのアップデートは、既存のデータを傷むリスクを伴っていた。
That software update carried the risk of damaging existing data.
'sona' means 'existing'.
傷んだ組織の再生を促すための新しい治療法が開発された。
A new treatment method has been developed to promote the regeneration of damaged tissues.
'soshiki' means 'tissue'.
彼の芸術は、社会の偽善に対する痛烈な批判であり、多くのタブーを傷んだ。
His art was a scathing critique of society's hypocrisy, challenging many taboos.
Metaphorical use of 'challenging/damaging taboos'.
このアンティークの家具は、丁寧に扱われてきたにもかかわらず、経年変化でわずかに傷んでいる。
Despite being handled carefully, this antique furniture is slightly damaged by the effects of time.
'keinen henka' means 'effects of time/aging'.
その古代写本は、不適切な保存環境下で、その紙質が不可逆的に傷んでいた。
The paper quality of that ancient manuscript was irreversibly damaged due to an improper preservation environment.
'shahon' means 'manuscript'.
彼の詩は、既存の美学の枠組みを破壊し、文学界に新たな傷跡を残した。
His poetry shattered the existing framework of aesthetics, leaving new scars on the literary world.
Metaphorical 'scars' left by challenging norms.
地殻変動により、この地域の地質構造は広範囲にわたり傷んでいた。
Due to tectonic shifts, the geological structure of this region was damaged over a wide area.
'chishitsu kōzō' means 'geological structure'.
その俳優の演技は、キャラクターの内面的な葛藤と精神的な傷みを克明に描き出していた。
The actor's performance vividly portrayed the character's internal conflict and psychological suffering.
Uses the verb form 'itami' (suffering/pain).
このデジタルアーカイブは、技術的陳腐化のリスクに晒されており、将来的にデータが傷む可能性がある。
This digital archive is exposed to the risk of technological obsolescence, potentially leading to data degradation in the future.
'gijutsu-teki chinpuka' means 'technological obsolescence'.
傷んだ生態系を修復するためには、生物多様性の回復が急務である。
Restoring biodiversity is urgent for the repair of damaged ecosystems.
'seitai-kei' means 'ecosystem'.
彼の芸術的表現は、しばしば社会通念の脆弱な部分を突き、それを傷むことを厭わなかった。
His artistic expression often pierced the vulnerable aspects of social conventions, not shying away from damaging them.
Metaphorical 'damaging' social norms.
この希少な植物は、環境汚染の影響でその遺伝子構造が微妙に傷んでいることが判明した。
It was found that the genetic structure of this rare plant is subtly damaged due to the effects of environmental pollution.
'iden-shi kōzō' means 'genetic structure'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"心が傷む (kokoro ga itamu)"
To feel emotionally hurt, pained, or saddened.
彼の無責任な行動を見て、心が痛んだ。(Kare no musekinin na kōdō o mite, kokoro ga itanda. - Seeing his irresponsible behavior, my heart ached.)
neutral"腹が傷む (hara ga itamu)"
To have stomach pain or an upset stomach.
食べ過ぎて腹が傷んだ。(Tabesugite hara ga itanda. - I ate too much and my stomach hurts.)
casual"傷がつく (kizu ga tsuku)"
To get a scratch, wound, or damage (often physical, but can be metaphorical for reputation).
この車は新しいのに、もう傷がついた。(Kono kuruma wa atarashii noni, mō kizu ga tsuita. - This car is new, but it already has scratches.)
neutral"身に傷を負う (mi ni kizu o ou)"
To suffer a physical injury; to bear a wound (can be literal or figurative).
彼は戦いで身に傷を負った。(Kare wa tatakai de mi ni kizu o otta. - He suffered wounds in the battle.)
formal"傷をなめ合う (kizu o nameau)"
To comfort each other after suffering hardship or pain; to commiserate.
試合に負けた後、選手たちは互いに傷をなめ合った。(Shiai ni maketa ato, senshu-tachi wa tagai ni kizu o nameatta. - After losing the match, the players comforted each other.)
neutral"傷だらけ (kizu darake)"
Covered in wounds or scratches; battered.
子供は転んで、膝が傷だらけになった。(Kodomo wa koronde, hiza ga kizu darake ni natta. - The child fell and their knees became covered in scratches.)
casualEasily Confused
Both refer to food going bad.
腐った specifically means rotten or decayed, often with a strong visual or olfactory component. 傷んだ is broader, meaning spoiled or damaged, and can apply to non-food items too. 腐った implies a more advanced stage of decay.
The banana is 傷んだ (spoiled/damaged) because it's mushy. The meat is 腐った (rotten) and smells terrible.
Both mean something is not in good condition.
壊れた means broken, non-functional, usually for machines, electronics, or structures. 傷んだ means damaged (physically) or spoiled (food). A car can be 傷んだ (dented) but if the engine won't start, it's 壊れた.
My phone screen is 傷んだ (damaged). My phone doesn't turn on, it's 壊れた (broken).
Things that are 傷んだ are often also 古い (old).
古い simply means old in age. 傷んだ means it has deteriorated, spoiled, or been damaged, implying a loss of quality or usability beyond just age. Something can be old but not 傷んだ, and something can become 傷んだ relatively quickly.
This is an old book (古い本), but it's not damaged. This apple is spoiled (傷んだリンゴ), even though it's not very old.
Both describe a negative change or damage.
損なわれた is more formal and often used for abstract damage to things like reputation, rights, health, or the environment. 傷んだ is more concrete, referring to physical damage or spoilage.
His reputation was damaged (評判が損なわれた). The fabric is damaged (生地が傷んだ).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は/が + 傷んだ。
このパンは傷んだ。(Kono pan wa itanda. - This bread is spoiled.)
傷んだ + Noun。
傷んだ果物は食べないでください。(Itanda kudamono wa tabenaide kudasai. - Please don't eat the spoiled fruit.)
Noun + が + 傷んでいる。
野菜が傷んでいる。(Yasai ga shinde iru. - The vegetables are spoiling/damaged.)
Noun + は + 傷んだ + 状態 + です。
この品物は傷んだ状態です。(Kono shinamono wa itanda jōtai desu. - This item is in a damaged condition.)
Noun + は + 傷む + 原因 + となる。
過度な湿気は紙を傷む原因となる。(Kado na shikke wa kami o itamu gen'in to naru. - Excessive humidity causes paper to be damaged.)
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
傷んだ specifically implies a negative state of damage or spoilage, not just age.
A car can be 傷んだ (dented) but if the engine won't start, it's 壊れた.
傷んだ is primarily the adjectival form. While related, the verb form is used for the action/state of feeling pain.
傷んだ is generally more concrete, referring to physical damage or spoilage. 損なわれた is better for abstract damage.
傷んだ often implies a more significant impairment of quality or function.
Tips
Connect 'Itanda' to 'Instant Tan Gone Wrong'
Imagine trying to get an 'instant tan' but something went wrong, and now your skin is 'damaged' or 'spoiled'. This visual link can help recall the meaning.
Food First, Then Objects
Most commonly, you'll encounter 傷んだ when talking about food that has spoiled. Think of it as the go-to word for 'bad food' before considering other options.
Food Safety Awareness
The frequent use of 傷んだ highlights the importance of food quality and safety in Japanese culture. Being able to identify 傷んだ food is a practical life skill.
Adjective Form Reminder
Remember 傷んだ is the adjective form. It comes *before* the noun it describes (e.g., 傷んだリンゴ - spoiled apple) or can end a sentence describing the subject (e.g., リンゴは傷んだ - The apple is spoiled).
Smooth 'Tan-da'
Focus on a smooth transition between 'tan' and 'da'. Avoid a hard stop. Think of it as 'ee-TAHN-dah' with a slight flow.
Avoid 'Broken' Confusion
Don't use 傷んだ for machines that don't work (that's 壊れた). Stick to 傷んだ for spoilage or physical damage like dents and tears.
Visual Kanji Clue
The kanji 傷 itself visually suggests damage – imagine a knife cutting into something. This can reinforce the core meaning of 'wound' or 'damage'.
Label Your Leftovers!
Practice by mentally (or physically!) labeling items in your fridge. If something is past its best, think 'これは傷んだ' (Kore wa itanda).
Think 'Past Its Prime'
When you see 傷んだ, think 'past its prime'. Whether it's food, fabric, or a book, it's no longer in its ideal, usable state.
Verb vs. Adjective
Remember the related verb is 傷む (itamu). 傷んだ is its past adjectival form. Understanding the verb helps grasp the core concept of damage/hurting.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine an 'in-tan't' (instant) tan that went wrong and is now 'damaged' or 'spoiled'.
Visual Association
Picture a piece of fruit with a big, ugly brown spot on it, looking 'itanda'.
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your kitchen. Can you spot anything that might be described as 傷んだ?
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: To be wounded, to be injured.
Cultural Context
When referring to food, it's a neutral descriptive term. When referring to damage to objects, it's also neutral. Be mindful of context to avoid sounding overly negative.
In English-speaking cultures, we have many words like 'spoiled,' 'rotten,' 'damaged,' 'broken,' 'wasted,' and 'ruined,' each with slightly different nuances depending on context.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Grocery Shopping
- これは傷んでいますか？ (Kore wa itande imasu ka? - Is this spoiled?)
- 傷んだものは買いたくない。(Itanda mono wa kaitakunai. - I don't want to buy spoiled things.)
- 新鮮なものを選んでください。(Shinsen na mono o erande kudasai. - Please choose fresh ones.)
At Home (Kitchen)
- 冷蔵庫の中身が傷んでしまった。(Reizōko no nakami ga itande shimatta. - The contents of the fridge have spoiled.)
- この野菜、もう傷んでいるよ。(Kono yasai, mō itande iru yo. - These vegetables are already spoiled!)
- 捨てる前に確認してください。(Suteru mae ni kakunin shite kudasai. - Please check before throwing it away.)
Describing Objects
- 箱が少し傷んでいた。(Hako ga sukoshi itande ita. - The box was slightly damaged.)
- この服は洗濯で傷んだ。(Kono fuku wa sentaku de itanda. - These clothes got damaged from washing.)
- 修理が必要な傷んだ部分。(Shūri ga hitsuyō na itanda bubun. - Damaged parts that need repair.)
Talking about Feelings (related verb)
- 彼の言葉に心が傷んだ。(Kare no kotoba ni kokoro ga itanda. - His words hurt my heart.)
- あの事故のことを思うと今でも心が痛む。(Ano jiko no koto o omou to ima demo kokoro ga itamu. - Thinking about that accident still hurts my heart.)
- 無理しないでください。(Muri shinaide kudasai. - Please don't push yourself too hard [implying emotional strain].)
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever accidentally bought spoiled food? What was it?"
"What's the worst damage you've seen on an object?"
"If you find spoiled food, do you try to salvage any part of it, or just throw it away?"
"What's something you own that's gotten damaged over time but you still keep?"
"How do you feel when someone says something hurtful? Does it make your 'heart ache' (心が痛む)?"
"Do you think it's better to repair damaged items or buy new ones?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you found spoiled food. What did it look/smell like? What did you do?
Think about an object you own that has been damaged. Describe the damage and how it happened.
Write about a time someone's words or actions hurt you. How did you feel?
Reflect on the difference between physical damage and spoilage. Give examples of each.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsBoth mean spoiled, but 腐った is stronger and specifically refers to rotting or decay, usually of food. 傷んだ is broader and can mean damaged or spoiled, not necessarily rotten.
Not directly for people's health in the sense of being sick. For physical injury, you'd use 傷ついた (kizutsuita) or 負傷した (fushō shita). For emotional pain, you use the verb 傷む (itamu), like 心が傷んだ (kokoro ga itanda).
Less commonly. While it can sometimes imply damage to abstract concepts, words like 損なわれた (sokonawareta - impaired) are often preferred for things like reputation or rights.
It means the clothes are damaged, perhaps torn, faded, or worn out due to use or washing. It implies they are no longer in good condition.
You could say 傷んだ商品 (itanda shōhin) or 破損品 (hasonhin), depending on the type and severity of the damage.
It's the past tense adjectival form of the verb 傷む (itamu). It functions as an adjective, describing a noun.
Yes, if they are physically damaged (e.g., cracked screen). If they simply stop working, 壊れた (kowareta - broken) is more common.
For food, it's 新鮮な (shinsen na - fresh). For objects, it could be 新しい (atarashii - new), 良い (yoi - good), or 無事な (buji na - unharmed).
Test Yourself
この牛乳はもう ______。
The sentence implies the milk is no longer good, so 'spoiled' (傷んだ) is the correct choice.
Which word means 'damaged' when talking about a book?
傷んだ is used for physical damage to objects like books, while 壊れた is for things that don't function.
You can use 傷んだ to describe a brand new car.
傷んだ means damaged or spoiled. A brand new car is not damaged.
Word
Meaning
Matching the Japanese phrases to their English meanings helps solidify understanding.
The correct sentence order is 'Kono banana wa itanda taberaremasen' (This banana is spoiled and cannot be eaten).
長年の使用で、この椅子の座面が ______。
The phrase 'long years of use' suggests wear and tear, making 'damaged' (傷んだ) the most appropriate description for the seat.
Which phrase best describes the damage to a delicate historical document?
損なわれた is often used for abstract or significant damage to valuable items like historical documents, implying impairment of integrity.
The verb form 傷む (itamu) can be used to describe psychological trauma.
Yes, 傷む can be used metaphorically to describe deep emotional or psychological pain, like '心が傷む' (kokoro ga itamu).
この魚は ______ 匂いがするから、食べないほうがいい。
A 'spoiled' (傷んだ) smell indicates the fish is bad and shouldn't be eaten.
Create a simple sentence describing spoiled fruit.
Score: /10
Summary
Use 傷んだ to describe things, especially food, that are no longer in good condition due to spoilage or damage.
- 傷んだ (itanda) means spoiled, damaged, or deteriorated.
- Commonly used for food that has gone bad.
- Also used for physical damage to objects (books, clothes, etc.).
- It's the past adjectival form of the verb 傷む (itamu).
Connect 'Itanda' to 'Instant Tan Gone Wrong'
Imagine trying to get an 'instant tan' but something went wrong, and now your skin is 'damaged' or 'spoiled'. This visual link can help recall the meaning.
Food First, Then Objects
Most commonly, you'll encounter 傷んだ when talking about food that has spoiled. Think of it as the go-to word for 'bad food' before considering other options.
Food Safety Awareness
The frequent use of 傷んだ highlights the importance of food quality and safety in Japanese culture. Being able to identify 傷んだ food is a practical life skill.
Adjective Form Reminder
Remember 傷んだ is the adjective form. It comes *before* the noun it describes (e.g., 傷んだリンゴ - spoiled apple) or can end a sentence describing the subject (e.g., リンゴは傷んだ - The apple is spoiled).
Related Content
More food words
〜ほど
B1About; approximately; degree.
~ほど
B1About, approximately; to the extent of ~.
豊富な
B1Abundant, rich in.
ふんだんに
B1Lavishly; abundantly; generously (e.g., using ingredients).
足す
B1To add (e.g., to a sum, to ingredients).
添加物
B1Additive.
〜てから
B1After doing ~.
~てから
B1After doing (an action).
熟成させる
B1To age; to mature (food).
熟成した
B1Aged; matured.
