怪我

• Reading: けが
• Romaji: kega
• Kanji breakdown: 怪 (ke) — suspicious, strange (ateji); 我 (ga) — self (ateji)
• Pronunciation: /ke.ɡa/

Meaning

Injury; wound. Physical harm or damage to the body.

Functions as both a noun and a suru-verb (怪我をする = to get injured). Often written in kanji despite being commonly categorized as ateji (kanji used for sound, not meaning). Common phrases include 怪我をする (to get hurt), 怪我が治る (an injury heals), and 怪我人 (injured person).

Examples

1. サッカーの試合で怪我をしてしまった。 I got injured during the soccer game.
2. 大きな怪我がなくてよかったです。 I'm glad there were no serious injuries.
3. 怪我をしたら、すぐに消毒してください。 If you get hurt, disinfect the wound right away.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, daily life, medical

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Considered ateji — the kanji 怪 (suspicious) and 我 (self) do not directly relate to the meaning of injury. Originally from a Buddhist concept of karmic misfortune befalling the self.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal