Translation and Meaning of: 傷付く - kizutsuku

Have you ever come across the Japanese word 傷付く (きずつく) and felt curious about its meaning or how to use it? This article will explore everything about this term, from its translation and origin to its cultural context in Japan. If you are learning Japanese or just have an interest in the language, understanding words like this can enrich your vocabulary and avoid misunderstandings.

傷付く is a verb that carries emotional and physical nuances, making it relevant in both everyday conversations and deeper expressions. Here, we will uncover its uses, frequency in the language, and even tips for memorizing it effectively. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides practical examples for those who want to master this and other words.

Meaning and translation of 傷付く

傷付く (きずつく) can be translated as "to get hurt" or "to be wounded," but its meaning goes beyond the physical. While the kanji 傷 (きず) represents "wound" or "injury," the verb is also used to describe emotional damage, such as getting hurt or feeling offended. This duality makes the word appear in varied contexts, from everyday discussions to more serious dialogues.

In English, the closest translation would be "to get hurt" or "to be wounded," but it is important to note that Japanese often combines the concepts of physical and emotional pain into a single expression. This reflects a cultural characteristic of the language, where feelings and bodily sensations are interconnected in a more explicit way than in many Western languages.

Everyday use and cultural context

In Japan, 傷付く is a common word in daily conversations, especially when discussing relationships or social interactions. For example, someone might say "彼の言葉で傷付いた" (かれのことばできずついた) — "I was hurt by his words". The term also frequently appears in dramas, songs, and animes, reinforcing its role in expressing emotional vulnerability.

Culturally, Japanese people tend to avoid direct confrontations to not 傷付く (hurt) others, which explains the popularity of the word. This care for others' feelings is rooted in values such as "wa" (harmony) and "omoiyari" (consideration). Understanding this context helps to use 傷付く appropriately, especially in situations that require delicacy.

Tips for memorizing 傷付く

An effective way to 傷付く is to associate the kanji 傷 with situations of injury, whether physical or emotional. The radical 亻 (person) combined with 昜 (light/expansion) suggests an "expansion of pain in the person," which can serve as a visual mnemonic. This decomposition, based on the dictionary 漢字源, helps to understand the construction of the character without inventing false interpretations.

Another strategy is to practice with real sentences from Suki Nihongo, such as "傷付くのが怖くて本音を言えない" (I'm scared of getting hurt and can't speak my mind). Repeating authentic examples in different contexts solidifies learning. The pronunciation "kizutsuku" also has a distinctive rhythm — practicing aloud can help avoid confusion with similar words, such as 築く (きずく, "to build").

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 傷付く

• 傷付いた - Forma ada
• 傷付く - Forma presente
• 傷付いている - Forma progressiva
• 傷付かせる - Forma causativa
• 傷付かれる - Forma iva

Synonyms and similar words

• 傷つく (kizutsuku) - To be hurt, to suffer damage; it generally refers to emotional or physical suffering.
• 傷つける (kizutsukeru) - To cause harm or injury; it involves the action of hurting someone or something, whether physically or emotionally.
• 傷害を与える (shougai o ataeru) - Cause injury or harm; used in legal or medical contexts to indicate the act of causing damage to someone.
• 傷害を負う (shougai o ou) - To have injuries or wounds; refers to the state of having suffered some form of physical harm.

Related words

傷

shou

wound; lesion; hurt; cut; cut; bruised; scratch; scar; weak point

傷付ける

kizutsukeru

hurt; hurt someone's feelings