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A2 noun #7,000 most common 12 min read

歯痛

hatsuu Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 歯痛 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 歯痛 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't necessarily need to use the formal word 'shitsū' (歯痛). Instead, you focus on the basic components. You should know 'ha' (tooth) and 'itai' (painful/hurts). When you are at this level, if your tooth hurts, you would simply say 'Ha ga itai desu.' This is the most important foundation. You might see the kanji for 'tooth' (歯) on a dentist's sign (which often just says 歯科 - shika). At A1, the goal is to communicate the basic fact that you are in pain so that someone can help you. You should practice saying 'Ha ga itai node, ha-isha ni ikitai desu' (My tooth hurts, so I want to go to the dentist). Learning 'shitsū' as a noun comes a bit later, but recognizing the two kanji together will help you identify the dental section in a pharmacy. Focus on the adjective 'itai' first, as it can be used for any part of the body (head, stomach, etc.).

At the A2 level, you begin to learn more formal nouns for common conditions. 'Shitsū' (歯痛) is one of these. You should understand that this is the noun form of 'toothache.' You will start to see it on medical forms or in simple health-related texts. At this level, you can use it in basic 'cause and effect' sentences using the particle 'de' (because of). For example, 'Shitsū de yasumimasu' (I will be absent due to a toothache). You should also be able to distinguish between 'shitsū' (the pain) and 'mushiba' (the cavity). You are moving from just saying 'it hurts' to being able to name the problem. You might also encounter this word in advertisements for medicine. Understanding 'shitsū' allows you to read labels more effectively. You should practice using it with 'ga aru' (to have) or 'ni naru' (to get), such as 'Kinō kara shitsū ga arimasu' (I've had a toothache since yesterday).

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'shitsū' in both spoken and written contexts, especially when formal clarity is required. You can describe the intensity of the pain using adjectives like 'hageshii' (intense) or 'hidoi' (terrible). You should also be able to use more complex grammar patterns, such as 'shitsū ni悩まされる' (to be troubled/suffering from a toothache). At this level, you can explain the impact of the toothache on your life, like 'Shitsū noせいで、何も手につかない' (Because of the toothache, I can't get anything done). You are also expected to know related terms like 'shitsū-yaku' (toothache medicine). You can handle a basic conversation at a dental clinic, using 'shitsū' to describe your symptoms on a medical questionnaire. You should also be aware of the difference between the Onyomi reading 'shitsū' and the Kunyomi-based compound 'ha-ita,' which is sometimes used casually.

At the B2 level, you should understand the clinical and social nuances of the word 'shitsū.' You can use it in formal business communications (like an email to a boss) or when discussing public health issues. You should be able to understand medical articles that use 'shitsū' to discuss the relationship between dental health and overall well-being. At this stage, you should also be familiar with onomatopoeia that often accompany 'shitsū,' such as 'zuki-zuki' (throbbing) or 'kiri-kiri' (stabbing). You can use the word in the passive voice or with causative structures, like 'Shitsū ni yoru suimin-busoku' (Lack of sleep caused by a toothache). You understand that 'shitsū' is a category of ailment. You might also start to see it in literature, where it can be used metaphorically or to add realistic detail to a character's physical state. Your vocabulary should also include specific types of 'shitsū,' like 'toppatsusei' (sudden) or 'manseiteki' (chronic).

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'shitsū' and its place in the broader Japanese medical lexicon. You can discuss the word's etymology and its kanji components with precision. You are capable of reading technical dental journals or insurance documents that use 'shitsū' as a standard term for 'odontalgia.' You can differentiate between various dental pains with high specificity, such as distinguishing 'shitsū' from 'shinikutsu' (gum pain) or 'gakukansetsushō' (TMJ). You can use 'shitsū' in sophisticated rhetorical ways, perhaps in a speech about the importance of preventative care or in a creative writing piece. You are also aware of the cultural history of the word, including how toothaches were described in the Edo period versus today. You can effortlessly switch between the formal 'shitsū' and more colloquial expressions depending on the social 'ba' (setting), demonstrating high-level pragmatic competence.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'shitsū' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker with a high level of education. You understand the most obscure uses of the word, including its appearance in archaic medical texts or highly specialized dental surgery reports. You can engage in professional-level debates about dental health policy in Japan, using 'shitsū' as a foundational term. You are sensitive to the subtle emotional weight the word can carry in different literary genres, from the grit of naturalism to the humor of a satirical essay. You can explain the 'shitsū' experience using a vast array of sensory language and technical jargon. You also understand the economic impact of 'shitsū' on the Japanese workforce, including statistics on 'shitsū-ni-yoru-keizai-sonshitsu' (economic loss due to toothaches). To you, 'shitsū' is not just a word for a pain in the tooth; it is a point of entry into the complex intersection of Japanese language, medicine, and society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

歯痛 in 30 Seconds

歯痛 (shitsū) is the formal Japanese noun for 'toothache,' used in medical and clinical contexts.
It combines the kanji for 'tooth' (歯) and 'pain' (痛), read using Sinitic Onyomi readings.
While 'ha ga itai' is common for daily speech, 'shitsū' appears on medicine labels and dental forms.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'arimasu' (to have) or 'nayamasareru' (to suffer from).

The Japanese word 歯痛 (read as shitsū or sometimes ha-ita in casual compound usage) literally translates to 'toothache.' It is composed of two primary kanji: 歯 (ha), meaning 'tooth,' and 痛 (tsū/itai), meaning 'pain' or 'ache.' While the phrase ha ga itai (my tooth hurts) is the most common way to express this feeling in daily conversation, the term 歯痛 is the formal, clinical, and categorical noun used to describe the condition itself. Understanding this word is essential for navigating medical situations, reading pharmacy labels, or discussing health issues in a more structured Japanese context. In Japan, dental health is highly prioritized, and the term 歯痛 often appears in advertisements for analgesics (painkillers) and dental clinics.

Clinical Usage: In a medical chart or during a formal consultation, a dentist will refer to your condition as 歯痛. It covers everything from a minor cavity (虫歯 - mushiba) to severe nerve pain.

昨夜から激しい歯痛に襲われ、一睡もできなかった。 (I was struck by a severe toothache last night and couldn't sleep at all.)

The nuance of 歯痛 is somewhat more detached than saying 'my tooth hurts.' It treats the pain as a medical entity. For instance, if you are filling out a health insurance form or a questionnaire at a hospital, you would check the box labeled 歯痛. It is also a key term in Japanese literature and classic writing, where physical ailments are often described using these Sino-Japanese (Onyomi) compounds to provide a more descriptive or dramatic tone. In modern Japan, you might see this word on the packaging of medications like 'Loxonin' or 'Bufferin,' specifically listed under 'indications' (適応症 - tekiōshō).

Literary Nuance: Authors use 歯痛 to symbolize a nagging, persistent problem that distracts a character from their higher thoughts, often highlighting the vulnerability of the human body.

Culturally, Japanese people have a specific way of describing the types of 歯痛 they experience. They use various onomatopoeia: zuki-zuki for a throbbing pain, kiri-kiri for a sharp, piercing pain, or shimi-ru for a stinging sensation caused by cold water. While 歯痛 is the umbrella term, these descriptive words help the dentist diagnose the specific cause, such as pulpitis or simple sensitivity. The word is also linked to the '8020 Campaign' in Japan, which encourages citizens to keep at least 20 of their own teeth until the age of 80, making the prevention of 歯痛 a national health goal.

彼は歯痛のせいで、せっかくのご馳走を楽しむことができなかった。 (Because of a toothache, he couldn't enjoy the long-awaited feast.)

Common Compounds: 歯痛薬 (shitsū-yaku): Toothache medicine; 突発性歯痛 (toppatsusei shitsū): Sudden toothache.

Using 歯痛 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun. Unlike the adjective-heavy itai, 歯痛 functions as the subject or object of a sentence. It is frequently paired with verbs like arimasu (to have/exist), nayamu (to suffer from), or osowareru (to be attacked by). For English speakers, the transition from 'I have a toothache' to 'Shitsū ga arimasu' is straightforward, but Japanese offers more nuanced ways to describe the severity and the impact of the pain on daily life.

急な歯痛で、今日の会議を欠席せざるを得ませんでした。 (Due to a sudden toothache, I had no choice but to be absent from today's meeting.)

One of the most common grammatical patterns is [Noun] + de (due to/because of). For example, Shitsū de jugyō ni shūchū dekinai (I can't concentrate on class because of a toothache). Here, 歯痛 acts as the cause of an inability or a state. Another important structure is using it with osameru (to soothe) or tomeru (to stop), as in shitsū o tomeru kusuri (medicine to stop a toothache). This is the kind of language you would see on a prescription or hear from a pharmacist.

Sentence Pattern 1: Causation: [Condition] + で + [Result]. Example: 歯痛で顔が腫れている (My face is swollen due to a toothache).

When discussing the intensity of the pain, you can use adjectives like hageshii (intense), hidoi (terrible), or keiretsu na (agonizing). For instance, Hageshii shitsū ga hashiru (A sharp toothache ran through me). This use of the verb hashiru (to run) is a common colocation to describe a sudden, traveling sensation of pain. In formal writing, such as an apology letter for missing work, 歯痛 is preferred over ha ga itai because it maintains a professional distance and treats the ailment as a legitimate medical reason.

万能薬と言われるこの薬でも、この歯痛には効かなかった。 (Even this medicine, said to be a cure-all, was not effective against this toothache.)

Sentence Pattern 2: Experience: [Noun] + に悩まされる. Example: 長年、慢性的（まんせいてき）な歯痛に悩まされている (I have been suffering from chronic toothaches for many years).

Furthermore, 歯痛 often appears in the context of 'temporary relief' vs. 'permanent cure.' You might say, Shitsū o ichijiteki ni osaeru (To temporarily suppress the toothache). This distinction is vital in Japanese culture, where there is a strong emphasis on addressing the root cause (gen'in) rather than just the symptoms. Thus, a conversation about 歯痛 often leads quickly to a discussion about visiting the ha-isha (dentist). Using 歯痛 correctly shows that you are moving beyond basic survival Japanese into a more descriptive, adult level of the language.

冷たいものを飲んだ時に走る歯痛は、知覚過敏のサインかもしれない。 (The tooth pain that occurs when drinking something cold might be a sign of tooth sensitivity.)

Sentence Pattern 3: Warning/Advice: [Condition] + を放置（ほうち）すると... Example: 歯痛を放置すると、さらに悪化します (If you leave a toothache untreated, it will get worse).

In everyday life in Japan, you are most likely to encounter the word 歯痛 in semi-formal to formal environments. While you might tell your spouse 'Ha ga itai!' at the breakfast table, if you call your office to say you'll be late because of a dental emergency, you might use the term 歯痛 to sound more objective. One of the most common places to see this word is on television commercials. Pharmaceutical companies like Lion, Sunstar, and Daiichi Sankyo frequently air ads for pain relievers or specialized toothpastes where the narrator asks, 'Tsurai shitsū ni...' (For painful toothaches...).

テレビのCMで「歯痛に速攻で効く」というフレーズをよく耳にする。 (I often hear the phrase 'Works instantly on toothaches' in TV commercials.)

Another major setting is the shika-iin (dental clinic). When you first arrive, you are usually handed a monshinhyō (medical interview sheet). On this form, you will see 歯痛 listed as a symptom you can circle. The dentist might ask, 'Itsu kara shitsū ga arimasu ka?' (Since when have you had the toothache?). Even though the doctor might use more technical terms later, 歯痛 serves as the common ground for the initial diagnosis. You will also see it in health magazines and online medical portals like All About Health or Yahoo! Healthcare Japan, where articles discuss the causes of sudden dental pain.

Public Service Announcements: Local city halls often distribute pamphlets about 'Holiday Emergency Dental Care' (休日救急歯科診療), where 歯痛 is the primary condition addressed.

In the world of literature and pop culture, 歯痛 is often used to ground a story in reality. In Natsume Soseki's novels or modern manga, a character suffering from 歯痛 is a common trope used to show their humanity or to add a touch of relatable misery to a scene. For example, in a comedy manga, a character might have a giant bandage wrapped around their head to indicate 歯痛, a visual shorthand that everyone in Japan understands. You might also hear it in news reports concerning the health of public figures or athletes, such as 'The player withdrew from the match due to 歯痛.'

ドラッグストアの棚には、「歯痛」と大きく書かれた薬が並んでいる。 (On the shelves of the drugstore, medicines with 'Toothache' written in large letters are lined up.)

Workplace Context: If a colleague says, 'Shitsū ga hidokute...' (Because my toothache is bad...), it is a socially acceptable reason to take a break or leave early, as dental pain is universally understood to be debilitating.

Finally, you will hear this word in educational settings. Japanese children are taught about dental hygiene early on, and the word 歯痛 appears in school textbooks alongside mushiba (cavities) to explain why brushing is important. In these contexts, the word is often written with furigana (reading aids) to ensure children can read the kanji. Whether it is a formal diagnosis or a label on a bottle of clove oil, 歯痛 is a word that bridges the gap between everyday discomfort and medical necessity.

健康診断の結果に「歯痛の疑いあり」と書かれていた。 (The health checkup result said 'Suspected toothache/dental issues.')

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using 歯痛 is over-relying on it in casual conversation. In English, 'I have a toothache' is perfectly normal to say to a friend. In Japanese, however, saying 'Watashi wa shitsū ga arimasu' sounds slightly stiff, like you are reading from a medical textbook. The more natural, native way to express this in a casual setting is Ha ga itai (My tooth hurts). Using 歯痛 incorrectly can make you sound like a robot or someone who is being overly dramatic about their condition.

× 友達に「私は歯痛です」と言う。 (Incorrect: Saying 'I am a toothache' to a friend.)

Another mistake is confusing 歯痛 (shitsū) with 虫歯 (mushiba). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 歯痛 is the sensation of pain, whereas 虫歯 is the cause (a cavity/decay). You can have 歯痛 without having 虫歯 (e.g., from wisdom teeth or gum disease), and you can have 虫歯 without yet feeling 歯痛. If you tell a dentist 'Mushiba ga arimasu' (I have a cavity), they will look for decay. If you say 'Shitsū ga arimasu,' they will look for the source of the pain. Mixing these up can lead to confusion during a medical intake.

Mistake: Confusing Cause and Symptom: Don't say 'Shitsū o naosu' (cure the toothache) when you mean 'Mushiba o naosu' (fix the cavity). You 'stop' (tomeru) or 'suppress' (osaeru) the pain, but you 'treat' (chiryo suru) the cavity.

Phonetic mistakes are also common. The kanji 痛 is usually read as itai in its adjective form, but in the compound 歯痛, it is read with its Onyomi, tsū. Beginners often try to read it as ha-itai. While ha-ita (dropping the 'i') is a recognized colloquial reading, ha-itai as a single noun is technically incorrect. Stick to shitsū for the noun and ha ga itai for the sentence. Also, be careful with the particle ni. You are 'attacked by' (ni osowareru) or 'suffering from' (ni悩まされる) a toothache, not 'doing' a toothache.

○ 歯痛で困っています。 (Correct: I am troubled by a toothache.)

Mistake: Particle Misuse: Using 'Shitsū o suru' is wrong. Pain isn't an action you perform. Use 'Shitsū ga aru' or 'Shitsū ga okiru'.

Lastly, learners sometimes forget that 歯痛 is a general term. If you have pain in your gums, that is 歯肉痛 (shinikutsu) or more commonly haguki no itami. If you tell a dentist you have 歯痛 but the pain is actually in your jaw (ago), it might delay the correct diagnosis of something like TMJ. Precision in Japanese medical terms is appreciated, so while 歯痛 is a great start, being aware of its specific meaning (pain in the tooth itself) is key to effective communication.

× 「私の歯痛は歯茎にあります」 (Incorrect: 'My toothache is in my gums' - this is contradictory.)

When talking about dental discomfort, 歯痛 is just one piece of the puzzle. Depending on the situation, other words might be more accurate or natural. The most frequent alternative is the phrase 歯が痛い (ha ga itai). This is the 'go-to' expression for almost every daily situation. If you are talking to a friend, a coworker, or even a doctor in a casual way, this phrase is preferred. 歯痛 is the medical name, but 歯が痛い is the lived experience.

歯が痛い vs. 歯痛: 歯が痛い is a sentence (My tooth hurts). 歯痛 is a noun (Toothache). Use the former to describe your feeling and the latter to name the condition.

Another closely related word is 虫歯 (mushiba), which means 'cavity' or 'decayed tooth.' As mentioned before, this is the physical hole in the tooth that often causes 歯痛. In Japanese, mushi means 'bug' and ba/ha means 'tooth,' reflecting the old folk belief that 'tooth worms' caused decay. If you go to the dentist, you might say, 'Mushiba ga itamu' (The cavity hurts). This is more specific than just saying you have 歯痛. Then there is 知覚過敏 (chikaku kabin), which refers to 'sensitive teeth' (hypersensitivity). This is a very common term in toothpaste commercials (like Sensodyne, known as Shumitect in Japan).

知覚過敏のせいで、アイスクリームを食べると歯がしみる。 (Because of tooth sensitivity, my teeth sting when I eat ice cream.)

For gum-related issues, use 歯肉炎 (shinikuen - gingivitis) or 歯周病 (shishūbyō - periodontal disease). If your gums are painful, you would say haguki ga itai rather than using 歯痛. If the pain is coming from your wisdom teeth, the term is 親知らずの痛み (oyashirazu no itami). Oyashirazu literally means 'unknown to parents,' as these teeth come in after a child has left home. Finally, for a 'throbbing' pain, you might use the noun 疼き (uzuki). For example, Ha no uzuki ga tomara nai (The throbbing in my tooth won't stop). This is a more descriptive, almost poetic way to describe 歯痛.

Comparison Table

歯痛 (Shitsū): Formal/Medical noun for toothache.
歯が痛い (Ha ga itai): Common spoken phrase.
虫歯 (Mushiba): The cavity itself.
知覚過敏 (Chikaku kabin): Sensitivity to cold/hot.
歯肉痛 (Shinikutsu): Gum pain (rarely used, usually 'haguki no itami').

In summary, while 歯痛 is the essential vocabulary word for 'toothache,' being able to switch to ha ga itai for friends, mushiba for cavities, and chikaku kabin for sensitivity will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise. Each of these words carries a different register and specific medical meaning that helps you navigate the Japanese healthcare system and daily life with confidence.

単なる歯痛だと思っていたが、実は重い歯周病だった。 (I thought it was just a toothache, but it was actually severe periodontal disease.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Japan, before the word 'shitsū' became common, toothaches were often attributed to 'mushi' (bugs/worms) eating the teeth, which is why the word for cavity is still 'mushiba' (bug-tooth).

Pronunciation Guide

UK ʃit-suː

US ʃit-suː

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'shitsū', the pitch typically starts low and stays relatively flat or rises slightly on the 'tsū'.

Rhymes With

苦痛 (kutsū - pain) 普通 (futsū - ordinary) 交通 (kōtsū - traffic) 通 (tsū - connoisseur) 頭痛 (zutsū - headache) 腹痛 (fukutsū - stomachache) 腰痛 (yōtsū - backache) 関節痛 (kansetsutsū - joint pain)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su'.
Reading it as 'ha-itai' (mixing Onyomi and Kunyomi).
Elongating the 'i' in 'shi' too much.
Dropping the 'u' sound at the end entirely.
Confusing the pitch with 'shitsu' (quality).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji for 'tooth' and 'pain' are common, but the Onyomi reading 'shitsū' must be memorized.

Writing 4/5

The kanji 歯 and 痛 have many strokes and require practice to write correctly.

Speaking 2/5

The word is easy to pronounce once you master 'tsu'.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with other words ending in '-tsū' if not careful.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

歯 (ha) 痛い (itai) 医者 (isha) 薬 (kusuri) 顔 (kao)

Learn Next

歯科 (shika) 虫歯 (mushiba) 鎮痛剤 (chintsūzai) 抜歯 (basshi - tooth extraction) 歯茎 (haguki)

Advanced

歯髄炎 (shizuien - pulpitis) 歯周病 (shishūbyō) 知覚過敏 (chikaku kabin) 麻酔 (masui - anesthesia) 根管治療 (konkan chiryō - root canal)

Grammar to Know

Noun + で (Reason/Cause)

歯痛で会議に出られません。

Noun + に悩まされる (Passive Suffering)

彼は長年、歯痛に悩まされている。

Noun + がする (Experiencing a Sensation)

時々、奥歯に歯痛がする。

Noun + を放置する (Neglecting a condition)

歯痛を放置するのは危険だ。

Noun + に効く (Effectiveness)

この薬は歯痛によく効く。

Examples by Level

歯が痛いです。

My tooth hurts.

Basic 'Subject + ga + Adjective' structure.

歯医者に行きます。

I am going to the dentist.

Targeting the destination with 'ni'.

歯の薬をください。

Please give me tooth medicine.

Requesting an item with 'o kudasai'.

甘いものを食べると歯が痛い。

When I eat sweet things, my tooth hurts.

Condition 'to' meaning 'when/if'.

毎日、歯を磨きます。

I brush my teeth every day.

Frequency adverb 'mainichi'.

痛いのはここです。

The painful part is here.

Using 'no' to nominalize the adjective 'itai'.

水が歯にしみます。

The water stings my teeth.

The verb 'shimiru' for stinging sensations.

歯がとても痛いです。

My tooth hurts very much.

Intensifier 'totemo'.

歯痛で学校を休みました。

I was absent from school due to a toothache.

'De' used to indicate the reason or cause.

急に歯痛が始まりました。

A toothache started suddenly.

Adverb 'kyū ni' for suddenness.

この薬は歯痛に効きますか？

Does this medicine work for toothaches?

The verb 'kiku' (to be effective).

歯痛の時は何をしますか？

What do you do when you have a toothache?

Using 'no toki' to indicate a time/condition.

歯痛がひどいので、予約をしました。

Because the toothache is bad, I made an appointment.

Conjunction 'node' for reason.

昨日は歯痛で眠れませんでした。

I couldn't sleep yesterday because of a toothache.

Potential negative form 'nemuremasen deshita'.

歯痛を我慢してはいけません。

You must not endure a toothache (without treatment).

'Te wa ikemasen' for prohibition/advice.

歯痛の原因は虫歯でした。

The cause of the toothache was a cavity.

Noun 'gen'in' meaning cause.

歯痛に悩まされている友人がいます。

I have a friend who is suffering from a toothache.

Passive form 'nayamasareru' for being troubled by something.

歯痛を一時的に抑えるために、痛み止めを飲んだ。

I took a painkiller to temporarily suppress the toothache.

'Tame ni' used for purpose.

激しい歯痛が襲ってきたので、仕事に集中できなかった。

An intense toothache attacked me, so I couldn't concentrate on work.

The verb 'osou' (to attack/strike).

歯痛を放置すると、治療が大変になりますよ。

If you leave a toothache untreated, the treatment will become difficult.

The verb 'hōchi suru' (to leave alone/neglect).

旅行中に歯痛になったら困るので、薬を持っていく。

I'll bring medicine because it would be a problem if I got a toothache during the trip.

Hypothetical 'tara' + 'komaru'.

この歯痛は、冷たいものを食べた時だけ起こります。

This toothache only occurs when I eat cold things.

'Dake' (only) and 'okoru' (to occur).

歯痛の症状を詳しく説明してください。

Please explain your toothache symptoms in detail.

Adverb 'kuwashiku' (in detail).

歯痛が和らいだので、少し安心しました。

The toothache has eased, so I'm a bit relieved.

The verb 'yawaragu' (to soften/ease).

慢性的（まんせいてき）な歯痛は、全身の健康に影響を及ぼす可能性がある。

Chronic toothache can potentially affect overall health.

'Eikyō o oyobosu' (to exert influence).

歯痛の強さを1から10の段階で教えていただけますか？

Could you tell me the intensity of the toothache on a scale of 1 to 10?

Polite request 'itadakemasu ka'.

歯痛がひどくて、固いものを噛むことが困難だ。

The toothache is so bad that it is difficult to chew hard foods.

The adjective 'konnan' (difficult/hard).

ストレスが原因で歯痛のような痛みを感じることもあるそうだ。

I heard that one can feel pain like a toothache due to stress.

'Sō da' indicating reported information.

歯痛を訴える患者の多くは、夜間に痛みが強まると言う。

Many patients who complain of toothaches say the pain intensifies at night.

The verb 'uttaeru' (to complain of/report a symptom).

適切な処置を施せば、その歯痛はすぐに治まるはずです。

If proper treatment is administered, that toothache should subside quickly.

'Hazu desu' expressing a strong expectation.

歯痛に伴う（ともなう）頭痛に悩まされるケースは少なくない。

Cases where people suffer from headaches accompanying toothaches are not rare.

'Ni tomonau' (accompanying/associated with).

突発的な歯痛に備えて、常備薬を確認しておく。

In preparation for a sudden toothache, I will check my household medicines.

'Ni sonaete' (in preparation for).

歯痛のメカニズムを解明することは、歯科医学において極めて重要だ。

Elucidating the mechanism of toothaches is extremely important in dental medicine.

Formal noun 'kaimei' (elucidation).

彼は歯痛を堪え忍びながら（こらえしのびながら）、過酷な練習を続けた。

He continued his harsh training while enduring the toothache.

The compound verb 'korae-shinobu' (to endure patiently).

その小説では、主人公の孤独が執拗（しつよう）な歯痛として象徴的に描かれている。

In that novel, the protagonist's loneliness is symbolically depicted as a persistent toothache.

Adverb 'shitsuyō ni' (persistently/tenaciously).

歯痛が精神的な疲労を増幅させ、判断力を鈍らせることもある。

A toothache can amplify mental fatigue and dull one's judgment.

The verb 'niburaseru' (to dull/make blunt).

定期検診を怠った（おこたった）結果、深刻な歯痛を招いてしまった。

As a result of neglecting regular checkups, I brought about a serious toothache.

The verb 'maneku' (to invite/bring about/cause).

この鎮痛剤は、神経由来の歯痛に対しても高い有効性が認められている。

This analgesic is recognized for its high effectiveness even against nerve-derived toothaches.

Passive 'mitomerarete iru' (is recognized).

歯痛という身体的苦痛が、いかに人間の思考を支配するかを彼は痛感した。

He felt keenly how physical pain like a toothache can dominate human thought.

The verb 'tsūkan suru' (to feel keenly).

最新のレーザー治療は、術後の歯痛を最小限に抑えることが可能だ。

Latest laser treatments can minimize post-operative tooth pain.

'Saishōgen ni osaeru' (to keep to a minimum).

歯痛の変遷を辿れば（たどれば）、人類の食生活の歴史が見えてくる。

If we trace the transition of toothaches, we can see the history of human dietary habits.

The verb 'tadoru' (to trace/follow).

未治療の歯痛が、時として致死的な敗血症を誘発するリスクは看過（かんか）できない。

The risk that an untreated toothache can sometimes trigger fatal sepsis cannot be overlooked.

The verb 'kanka dekinai' (cannot be overlooked/ignored).

近代文学における「歯痛」の表象は、近代人の内面的な苦悶を投影している。

The representation of 'toothache' in modern literature projects the inner agony of modern people.

Technical term 'hyōshō' (representation/symbol).

歯痛の閾値（いきち）には個人差があり、その主観性を客観的に測定する試みが続いている。

There are individual differences in the threshold for toothache, and attempts to objectively measure that subjectivity continue.

Technical term 'ikichi' (threshold).

社会経済的な格差が、歯痛の放置という形で健康格差として顕在化（けんざいか）している。

Socio-economic disparities are manifesting as health disparities in the form of untreated toothaches.

The verb 'kenzaika suru' (to become manifest).

哲学的観点から見れば、歯痛は自己の身体の存在を最も強烈に意識させる事象である。

From a philosophical perspective, a toothache is a phenomenon that makes one most intensely aware of the existence of one's own body.

The structure 'A wa B o C saseru' (A makes B do C).

その外科医は、難治性の歯痛に対して三叉神経痛の可能性を疑い、精密な鑑別診断を行った。

The surgeon suspected the possibility of trigeminal neuralgia for the refractory toothache and performed a precise differential diagnosis.

Technical term 'kanbetsu shindan' (differential diagnosis).

歯痛という普遍的な苦しみを通じて、異文化間の共感の可能性を模索する。

Through the universal suffering of a toothache, we explore the possibility of cross-cultural empathy.

The verb 'mosaku suru' (to grope/search for).

Common Collocations

激しい歯痛

歯痛を抑える

歯痛に悩む

歯痛薬

突発的な歯痛

歯痛が走る

慢性的（まんせいてき）な歯痛

歯痛の治療

一時的な歯痛

歯痛を訴える

Common Phrases

歯痛で眠れない

— Can't sleep because of a toothache. This is a common way to express severity.

昨夜は歯痛で眠れなかった。

歯痛を止める

— To stop a toothache. Usually refers to taking medicine.

早く歯痛を止めたい。

歯痛の再発

— Recurrence of a toothache. Used when the pain comes back after treatment.

歯痛の再発が怖い。

急な歯痛

— A sudden toothache. Often used when making emergency appointments.

急な歯痛で予約を入れた。

歯痛の原因

— The cause of the toothache. Used in medical discussions.

歯痛の原因を調べる。

歯痛に効く

— Effective for toothaches. Seen in advertisements.

この漢方は歯痛に効く。

歯痛の症状

— Symptoms of a toothache. Used on medical forms.

歯痛の症状を記入する。

ひどい歯痛

— A terrible toothache. A very common descriptive phrase.

ひどい歯痛で顔が腫れた。

歯痛がある

— To have a toothache. The basic way to state the condition.

今は歯痛がありますか？

歯痛を我慢する

— To endure a toothache. Often discouraged by dentists.

歯痛を我慢せず、すぐ来てください。

Often Confused With

歯痛 vs 虫歯 (mushiba)

Mushiba is the cavity (the hole); shitsū is the pain. You can have one without the other.

歯痛 vs 頭痛 (zutsū)

Zutsū is a headache. They sound similar because they both end in '-tsū'.

歯痛 vs 歯肉炎 (shinikuen)

Inflammation of the gums, which is different from pain in the tooth itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"歯痛の親知らず"

— While not a set idiom, it refers to the 'pain of a wisdom tooth,' often used to describe a problem that emerges late and causes great trouble.

今回のトラブルは、まさに歯痛の親知らずのようなものだ。

Metaphorical

"歯が浮く"

— To have one's teeth set on edge (by something cloyingly sweet or overly sentimental). Related to dental sensation.

彼のキザなセリフに歯が浮く思いだ。

Common Idiom

"歯に衣着せぬ"

— To speak frankly/bluntly (without 'clothing' the teeth).

彼女は歯に衣着せぬ物言いをする。

Common Idiom

"虫の居所が悪い"

— To be in a bad mood (originally thought to be caused by 'worms' or internal ailments like toothaches).

今日は上司の虫の居所が悪いようだ。

Common Idiom

"奥歯に物が挟まったよう"

— To speak in a roundabout, hesitant way (like having something stuck in back teeth).

奥歯に物が挟まったような言い方はやめてください。

Common Idiom

"歯を食いしばる"

— To grit one's teeth (to endure pain or work hard).

歯を食いしばって最後まで走り抜いた。

Common Idiom

"歯牙にもかけない"

— To ignore completely; not worth mentioning (not even putting it to the teeth).

彼はライバルの批判など歯牙にもかけない。

Formal Idiom

"明眸皓歯"

— Bright eyes and white teeth (a phrase describing a beautiful woman).

彼女はまさに明眸皓歯の美人だ。

Literary/Archaic

"歯が立たない"

— Unable to compete with; too hard to bite into (metaphorically).

あの強豪チームには全く歯が立たなかった。

Common Idiom

"目には目を、歯には歯を"

— An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

復讐の連鎖は、目には目を、歯には歯をの精神から生まれる。

Universal Idiom

Easily Confused

歯痛 vs 虫歯 (mushiba)

Both relate to tooth problems.

Mushiba is the physical condition of decay (cavity). Shitsū is the sensation of pain. One is the cause, the other is the symptom.

虫歯があるけれど、まだ歯痛はない。 (I have a cavity, but no toothache yet.)

歯痛 vs 知覚過敏 (chikaku kabin)

Both involve dental discomfort.

Chikaku kabin is sensitivity to external stimuli (cold/hot). Shitsū is a more general or deep-seated pain.

これは歯痛ではなく、知覚過敏だ。 (This isn't a toothache, it's sensitivity.)

歯痛 vs 歯周病 (shishūbyō)

Both are common dental issues.

Shishūbyō is gum disease. Shitsū refers specifically to the tooth aching.

歯周病が進行して歯痛になった。 (The gum disease progressed and became a toothache.)

歯痛 vs 頭痛 (zutsū)

Similar sounding Onyomi compounds.

Zutsū is in the head (頭); Shitsū is in the tooth (歯).

歯痛のせいで頭痛もしてきた。 (I started getting a headache because of the toothache.)

歯痛 vs 腹痛 (fukutsū)

Similar sounding Onyomi compounds.

Fukutsū is in the stomach/abdomen (腹).

歯痛と腹痛が同時に来た。 (A toothache and a stomachache came at the same time.)

Sentence Patterns

歯がいたいです。

いま、歯がいたいです。

歯痛で～ます。

歯痛で歯医者に行きます。

～のせいで歯痛がひどい。

虫歯のせいで歯痛がひどい。

歯痛を抑えるために～。

歯痛を抑えるために薬を飲みました。

歯痛に伴う～。

歯痛に伴う不快感は耐えがたい。

歯痛の閾値を～。

歯痛の閾値を客観的に測定する。

歯痛に悩まされる。

激しい歯痛に悩まされている。

～は歯痛に効く。

この薬は歯痛に効く。

Word Family

Nouns

歯 (ha - tooth)

痛み (itami - pain)

歯科 (shika - dentistry)

歯医者 (ha-isha - dentist)

Verbs

痛む (itamu - to ache)

痛める (itameru - to hurt/injure)

歯を磨く (ha o migaku - to brush teeth)

Adjectives

痛い (itai - painful)

痛々しい (itaitashii - painful to look at)

虫歯 (mushiba - cavity)

歯茎 (haguki - gums)

入れ歯 (ireba - dentures)

親知らず (oyashirazu - wisdom tooth)

矯正 (kyōsei - braces)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical and formal contexts; rare in casual spoken conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 'shitsū suru' as a verb. → shitsū ga aru / shitsū ga suru
Pain is a noun in Japanese, not an action. You 'have' pain or pain 'exists.'
Reading 歯痛 as 'ha-itai'. → shitsū
You cannot mix the Kunyomi 'itai' with the Onyomi 'shi' in this compound. Use the formal reading 'shitsū'.
Confusing 'shitsū' with 'mushiba'. → Use 'shitsū' for the feeling, 'mushiba' for the cavity.
Telling a dentist you have a cavity when you only have pain might lead to the wrong initial check.
Using 'shitsū' in very casual talk with friends. → ha ga itai
'Shitsū' is a bit too formal for a casual chat over coffee. It sounds stiff.
Writing the 'teeth' inside 歯 incorrectly. → Follow the 12-stroke order.
If the internal strokes are messy, the kanji becomes unreadable or looks like a different character.

Tips

Use 'de' for Cause

When explaining why you are absent or can't do something, always use 'Shitsū de...' This is the standard way to link the ailment to the result.

Learn 'Mushiba' too

Since cavities are the #1 cause of toothaches, learning 'Mushiba' alongside 'Shitsū' is essential for any dental conversation.

8020 Campaign

Mentioning the '8020 campaign' (keeping 20 teeth until age 80) shows you have deep cultural knowledge of Japanese health priorities.

Master the 'TSU'

The 'tsū' in 'shitsū' is long and sharp. Practice it by putting your tongue against your upper teeth and releasing a quick burst of air.

Look for the Radical

The kanji for pain (痛) contains the 'sickness' radical (疒). Whenever you see this 'roof with two dots,' the word likely relates to an illness or pain.

Stroke Order for 歯

The kanji 歯 has 12 strokes. Make sure to write the 'teeth' inside correctly to keep the character balanced.

Medical Forms

When you go to a dentist in Japan, look for '歯痛' on the questionnaire. It's usually near the top of the symptoms list.

Commercial Cues

Listen for the word 'shitsū' in TV ads for painkillers like Loxonin. They often use it to demonstrate the product's effectiveness.

Polite Excuses

Using 'shitsū' instead of 'ha ga itai' when talking to a superior makes your excuse sound more professional and less like a personal complaint.

The 'Pain' Group

Group 'Shitsū' with 'Zutsū' (headache) and 'Fukutsū' (stomachache). They all follow the same pattern: [Body Part] + Tsū.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SHE' (shi) having a 'TSU-nami' (tsu) of pain in her tooth. Shi-tsu.

Visual Association

Visualize the kanji 歯 as a mouth with a row of teeth, and 痛 as a person under a roof (the sickness radical) crying because of a sharp object.

Word Web

歯 (Tooth) 痛 (Pain) 歯医者 (Dentist) 虫歯 (Cavity) 痛み止め (Painkiller) 歯磨き (Brushing) 歯茎 (Gums) 歯科 (Dentistry)

Challenge

Try to find the word 歯痛 or the kanji 歯/痛 on a Japanese health product or website today.

Word Origin

The word 歯痛 (shitsū) is a Sinitic compound (Kango) imported from Classical Chinese. The character 歯 (originally 齒) is a pictograph of teeth inside a mouth, and 痛 is a phono-semantic character combining the 'sickness' radical (疒) with the phonetic element 'yǒng' (甬), meaning pain.

Original meaning: Pain originating from the dental structures.

Sino-Japanese (Onyomi)

Cultural Context

Avoid making jokes about dental pain in a medical setting, as it is taken very seriously in Japanese healthcare culture.

In English, we say 'I have a toothache.' In Japanese, the noun 'shitsū' is used similarly in formal settings, but 'ha ga itai' is the direct equivalent for feelings.

Natsume Soseki's 'I Am a Cat' mentions various human ailments including dental pain. The movie 'The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On' has scenes showing the harsh reality of dental issues in wartime. Common dental hygiene mascots in Japan, like 'Kabutakun,' often warn against 歯痛.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Dentist

いつから歯痛がありますか？
激しい歯痛です。
歯痛が止まりません。
歯痛の場所を教えてください。

At the Pharmacy

歯痛に効く薬はありますか？
これは歯痛用ですか？
一番強い歯痛薬をください。
歯痛を一時的に抑えたいです。

At Work (Calling in Sick)

歯痛で休みます。
急な歯痛で遅れます。
歯痛がひどくて早退します。
歯痛の治療に行きます。

Talking to Friends

歯痛（はいた）がひどくて...
昨日から歯痛なんだ。
歯痛って本当につらいよね。
いい歯痛薬知ってる？

Reading News/Ads

歯痛の悩み解決！
歯痛を放置しないで。
最新の歯痛治療。
歯痛の原因はこれだ。

Conversation Starters

"最近、歯痛に悩まされたことはありますか？ (Have you been troubled by a toothache lately?)"

"歯痛の時に一番いい対処法は何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the best remedy for a toothache?)"

"日本の歯医者で歯痛の治療を受けたことがありますか？ (Have you ever received treatment for a toothache at a Japanese dentist?)"

"歯痛を我慢して悪化した経験はありますか？ (Have you ever had the experience of enduring a toothache until it got worse?)"

"歯痛薬の中で、どれが一番効くと思いますか？ (Which toothache medicine do you think works best?)"

Journal Prompts

昨日の夜、突然の歯痛に襲われた時のことを詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about when you were struck by a sudden toothache last night.)

歯痛と仕事（または勉強）の両立の難しさについて述べてください。 (Discuss the difficulty of balancing a toothache with work or study.)

あなたが知っている「歯痛の家庭療法」について日本語で説明してください。 (Explain in Japanese any 'home remedies for toothaches' that you know.)

歯痛をきっかけに、健康の大切さについて考えたことを書いてください。 (Write about how a toothache made you think about the importance of health.)

理想的な歯科医院（歯痛をすぐに治してくれる場所）について描写してください。 (Describe your ideal dental clinic - a place that cures toothaches instantly.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

To sound natural in daily life, say 'Ha ga itai desu' (Polite) or 'Ha ga itai' (Casual). Save 'shitsū' for when you are at the doctor's office or filling out forms.

No, 'shitsū' is a general term for any pain in the tooth. It could be from a cavity, a cracked tooth, an infection, or even wisdom teeth coming in.

'Shitsū' is the formal Onyomi reading (Chinese-derived). 'Ha-ita' is a more casual Kunyomi-based compound. Both use the same kanji 歯痛, but 'shitsū' is much more common in writing.

No, 'shitsū' is a noun. You cannot say 'shitsū suru.' You must use it with 'ga aru' (to have) or 'ni naru' (to get), or use the verb form 'itamu' (to ache).

Yes, it is very common in advertisements, medical contexts, and formal writing. Every adult in Japan knows and uses this word.

You can say 'Shitsū-yaku wa arimasu ka?' (Do you have toothache medicine?) or 'Ha ga itai node, kusuri o kudasai' (My tooth hurts, so please give me medicine).

The most common causes are 虫歯 (mushiba - cavities), 歯周病 (shishūbyō - gum disease), and 親知らず (oyashirazu - wisdom teeth).

Technically, 'shitsū' refers to the tooth. Gum pain is 'shinikutsu' or 'haguki no itami,' but in casual conversation, people might use 'shitsū' to cover the general area.

Use the onomatopoeia 'zuki-zuki.' You can say 'Ha ga zuki-zuki itamu' or 'Zuki-zuki suru shitsū.'

There isn't a season, but some people say tooth pain feels worse in the cold winter or during periods of high stress, like the end of the fiscal year in March.