痛 — meaning in English: pain

tòng · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for pain

潜力

qiánlì

池塘

chítáng

痛

tòng

艺术家

yìshùjiā

传播

chuánbò

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neutral very common

Usage

The word 痛 (tòng) is commonly used in medical contexts, such as when people describe their symptoms to a doctor or express discomfort to friends. For example, someone might say, '我头痛' (Wǒ tóu tòng), meaning 'I have a headache,' when discussing their health.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 疼 (téng), which also means 'pain' but is often used to describe a sharp or acute sensation. You might use 痛 (tòng) when discussing chronic pain or a general feeling of discomfort, while 疼 (téng) could be more appropriate for a sudden, intense pain.

Culture

The character 痛 (tòng) is composed of two parts: the radical 疒 (nè), which is related to sickness, and the phonetic element 通 (tōng), implying a sense of connectivity or flow. This hints at the interconnectedness of physical sensations and health in Chinese culture. Interestingly, in traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of pain is often linked to imbalances in the body's energy, showcasing a holistic view of health.

FAQ

Q.How do you use 痛 (tòng) in a sentence?

You can use 痛 (tòng) with body parts to specify where you feel pain, such as '我胃痛' (Wǒ wèi tòng), meaning 'I have stomach pain.' This structure is very common in conversations about health.

Q.Is 痛 (tòng) used in formal situations?

Yes, 痛 (tòng) is neutral and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, such as when you are discussing pain with a doctor or during a health seminar.

Q.Are there common mistakes to avoid with 痛 (tòng)?

A common mistake is confusing 痛 (tòng) with the word 疼 (téng). Remember that 痛 (tòng) can describe general pain, while 疼 (téng) often refers to a more acute or specific pain.

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