YukaFeeling itchy? There’s a perfect word for that in Japanese — and it’s more useful than you might think!
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 痒い | kayui | itchy |
| 痒み | kayumi | an itch / itchiness (noun) |
| 痒くなる | kayuku naru | to become itchy |
What Does 痒い Mean?
痒い (kayui) is an i-adjective meaning “itchy.” It describes the physical sensation of itchiness, whether from a bug bite, dry skin, or allergic reaction.
You’ll use this word at the pharmacy, the doctor’s office, or just complaining to a friend!
Using 痒い in Sentences
- 背中が痒い。 — My back is itchy.
- 虫に刺されて痒くなった。 — I got bitten by an insect and became itchy.
- この薬は痒みに効きますか？ — Does this medicine work for itchiness?
- 痒くて眠れない。 — It’s so itchy I can’t sleep.
ReiHow do I ask for anti-itch medicine at a pharmacy?
YukaSay: 痒み止めをください。 (kayumi dome wo kudasai) — “Please give me anti-itch medicine.”
Related Vocabulary
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 痒み止め | kayumi dome | anti-itch medicine |
| 虫刺され | mushi sasare | insect bite |
| アレルギー | arerugii | allergy |
| じんましん | jinmashin | hives / urticaria |
| 掻く | kaku | to scratch |
Useful Phrase: 痒いところに手が届く
There’s a great idiom: 痒いところに手が届く (kayui tokoro ni te ga todoku) — literally “reaching the itchy spot.” It means “to be thorough / to attend to every detail.” Used to describe excellent service or care.
Quick Quiz
Fill in the blank: “My arm is itchy from a mosquito bite.”
Answer: 蚊に刺されて腕が痒い。
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