かゆい
kayui
The Japanese word for "itchy" is かゆい (kayui).
Meaning: Translations (adj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The dictionary form かゆい is used in casual conversation. To make the phrase polite, add です to the end to form かゆいです.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something was itchy in the past, use かゆかった. To say that something is not itchy, use the negative form かゆくない. You can turn the adjective into a question by adding ですか to the end, resulting in かゆいですか.
How do you pronounce it?
kayui
Did you know?
- The word かゆい is often used metaphorically in the phrase かゆいところに手が届く, which literally means 'reaching the itchy spot'. It describes a service or person that provides exactly what is needed, even the smallest details.
- There is a distinct word むずがゆい for a specific kind of itchiness that is more of a tingling or prickling sensation. It is frequently used to describe the 'itchy' feeling of embarrassment or awkwardness.
- Japanese distinguishes between a physical itch かゆい and the feeling of being 'tickled', which is くすぐったい. English speakers often confuse these two sensations when learning the language.
Examples in context
- 頭がかゆい。My head is itchy.This sentence is useful for saying your head is itchy.Tatoeba #10585548 by Sonata, translation #10766913 by end
- 背中がかゆい。My back is itchy.This sentence is useful for saying your back is itchy.Tatoeba #10585549 by Sonata, translation #10586910 by DJ_Saidez
- 目がかゆいです。My eyes feel itchy.This sentence is useful for saying your eyes feel itchy.Tatoeba #80024 by bunbuku, translation #323693 by CK
- 春の花粉症で鼻がかゆい (Haru no kafunshō de hana ga kayui)I have an itchy nose due to spring allergies.
- かゆみ止めを塗ってみてください (Kayumidome o nutte mite kudasai)Please try applying some anti-itch cream.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are sitting on a sofa together.
- 結衣 Yui足がすごくかゆい。ashi ga sugoku kayui.My leg is really itchy.
- 陽太 Yota薬を塗る？kusuri o nuru?Do you want to apply some medicine?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、お願い。un, onegai.Yes, please.
- 陽太 Yotaわかった。wakatta.Okay.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
