Translation guide
The sensation that makes you want to scratch. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is with the adjective かゆい (itchy). There are also nouns and verbs for the sensation and the act of scratching.
Describing a part of the body that feels itchy or the sensation itself.
The standard adjective for 'itchy'. Used for skin, bug bites, rashes, etc.
背中がかゆい。
My back is itchy.
虫に刺されたところがかゆい。
The spot where I got bitten by a bug is itchy.
Describes a tickling, creeping itch, often from something crawling or an allergic reaction. Can also be used for a restless feeling.
鼻がむずむずする。
My nose is tickly/itchy.
Referring to the itch itself as a noun.
The noun form of かゆい. Used in medical or everyday contexts.
この薬はかゆみを抑えます。
This medicine relieves itching.
かゆみがひどいです。
The itching is severe.
Medical term for itching, often used in formal or clinical contexts.
そう痒感を伴う発疹
a rash accompanied by itching
Expressing that a part of the body itches or is itching.
The most natural way to say something itches. Use the body part + が + かゆい.
腕がかゆい。
My arm itches.
To show signs of itching, to complain of itching. Used for someone else or an animal.
犬がしきりに耳をかゆがっている。
The dog keeps scratching its ear (showing it's itchy).
The action of scratching to relieve an itch.
The general verb for 'scratch' (an itch).
かゆいところをかいた。
I scratched the itchy spot.
蚊に刺されたところをかかないで。
Don't scratch the mosquito bite.
To scratch vigorously, often leaving marks. Can also mean to claw or scrape.
A strong desire to do something, like 'itching to go'.
Expresses being impatient or itching to do something. Attach to the verb stem + たくて.
早く試したくてうずうずしている。
I'm itching to try it soon.
Similar to うずうず, but with a nuance of restlessness or tickling sensation.
言いたくてむずむずする。
I'm itching to say it.
In English, 'itch' can be a verb (my arm itches) or a noun. In Japanese, the adjective かゆい is used for the sensation. The verb かく means 'to scratch'. Saying かゆいをかく is incorrect; use かゆいところをかく (scratch the itchy place).
猫にひっかかれた。
I got scratched by a cat.