About
痛 (tòng) is a phono-semantic compound: the radical 疒 (chuáng) encloses the top and left sides, signaling a connection to sickness or disease, while the phonetic component 甬 (yǒng) inside supplies the pronunciation. The character's original sense is physical pain or aching caused by illness or injury. Over time, its meaning broadened to include deep emotional suffering such as sorrow or grief. It also functions as an adverb, indicating a high degree or thoroughness of an action, as in crying bitterly or scolding severely.
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Example Sentences Hide
我的头很痛。
牙痛让我睡不着。
听到这个消息很心痛。
失去朋友是痛苦的。
手术后的疼痛难忍。
他痛快地答应了。
这个历史教训是沉痛的。
长期头痛需要去医院检查。
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