Japanese word

かゆい

Pronunciation

Romajikayui

Meaning

  • i-adjectiveitchy

Example

背中がかゆいです。se naka ga ka yu i de su

My back is itchy.

Illustration for かゆい (itchy)

More examples

虫に刺されて、腕がかゆいです。mushi ni sa sa re te ude ga ka yu i de su

My arm is itchy because an insect bit me.

Core concept

Describes an irritating feeling on the skin that makes scratching seem necessary.

Common phrases

  • 目がかゆいme ga ka yu i

    have itchy eyes

  • 鼻がかゆいhana ga ka yu i

    have an itchy nose

  • 喉がかゆいnodo ga ka yu i

    have an itchy throat

Similar words

むずがゆいmuzugayui: Describes a slightly itchy feeling with a restless or prickling quality.
くすぐったいkusuguttai: Describes a sensation caused by light touch that can make a person laugh or move away.

Definition in Japanese

皮膚が刺激されて、掻きたい感じがする。hi fu ga shi geki sa re te ka ki ta i kan ji ga su ru

Word origin

The native Japanese adjective かゆい (kayui) developed from the older form かゆし (kayushi), which also meant "itchy".

Usage tips

  • Unlike the narrower English word ticklish, かゆい (kayui) describes an irritation that commonly leads to scratching rather than laughter.

Related words

  • かゆみkayumiitchnoun

Word lists with this word