bol
Latin, feminine, masculine
The English word 'pain' can be translated into Croatian as bol or muka.
Meaning: ache or bodily suffering (noun)
Ways to say it
| Croatian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bol | Latin, feminine, masculine | |
| muka | /mûka/ /mǔːka/ |
Latin, feminine |
The word bol is used to describe physical sensations of pain or bodily suffering. In contrast, muka is used to refer to nausea, intense mental torment or extreme hardship.
Which one should you use?
Use bol when referring to a physical ache or sensation. Use muka when you want to express nausea, sensory discomfort or intense emotional suffering.
How does it change in a sentence?
While bol and muka are nouns, if you want to say that something hurts, such as 'my head hurts', you should use the verb boli.
Did you know?
- The word muka has a linguistic double life because it is used for both 'torment' and 'flour'.
- The term muka can be used colloquially to describe a person who is a 'pain' or a nuisance to deal with.
- The word muka can be used to describe the 'effort' of a difficult task, implying that mental or physical exertion is a form of suffering.
Examples in context
- Imam blagu bol ovdje.I have a mild pain here.This sentence is useful for describing a mild physical sensation using bol.Tatoeba #2156575 by akvo, translation #61813 by CK
- Bol je malo popustila.The pain has lessened a little.This sentence shows how to describe the lessening of bol.Tatoeba #655516 by billy_boomo_2, translation #278312 by CK
- Više nije mogao izdržati bol.He could no longer stand the pain.This sentence illustrates the inability to endure bol.Tatoeba #658935 by billy_boomo_2, translation #278301 by CK
- Osjećam bol u leđima.I feel pain in my back.
- Osjećam neugodnost u stomaku.I feel discomfort in my stomach.
- Glava me boli.I have a headache.
- Ruka me peče.My arm is burning.
Example conversation
Ivan and Ivana are discussing a minor injury at home.
- IvanOsjećaš li ti jaku bol?Do you feel a strong pain?
- IvanaDa, imam bol u zapeću.Yes, I have a pain in my wrist.
- IvanTreba li ti neki lijek?Do you need some medicine?
- IvanaNe, samo želim malo odmoriti.No, I just want to rest a little.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pain” translations and entries muka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bol, muka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
