Pain and injuries are part of everyday life. Whether you have a headache, twist your ankle, or hurt your back, knowing how to talk about pain helps you explain your condition, ask for help, and understand what others are saying in real-life situations.
Pro Tip: When talking about pain, native speakers usually describe where it hurts, how it feels, and how serious it is. Instead of saying “I have pain,” it’s more natural to say “My back hurts,” or “I have a sore throat.”
Useful Expressions
- My back hurts.
- I have a headache.
- I twisted my ankle.
- I hurt my shoulder.
- I pulled a muscle.
- It hurts when I move.
- I don’t feel well.
- The pain is getting worse.
- I think it’s swollen.
- I need to see a doctor.
- Can you help me?
- I should get some rest.
- It feels much better now.
- Take it easy.
- I hope you recover soon.
Questions & Answers
1. What’s wrong?
I have a terrible headache.
2. Where does it hurt?
My knee hurts.
3. How did it happen?
I slipped on the stairs.
4. Is it serious?
I don’t think so, but it still hurts.
5. Can you walk?
Yes, but it’s painful.
6. Have you seen a doctor?
Yes, I went this morning.
7. Are you feeling better?
A little better today.
8. What did the doctor say?
He told me to rest for a few days.
9. Do you need any medicine?
Yes, I need some painkillers.
10. Can I help you?
Yes, please carry this bag for me.
Conversation
Emma: Hi, Alex. You don’t look well.
Alex: My back hurts a lot today.
Emma: What happened?
Alex: I lifted a heavy box yesterday.
Emma: That doesn’t sound good.
Alex: It hurts whenever I bend down.
Emma: Have you seen a doctor?
Alex: Not yet. I have an appointment this afternoon.
Emma: You should rest until then.
Alex: You’re right. Thanks for your advice.
Emma: I hope you feel better soon.
Alex: Thank you.
Real-Life Conversation
Receptionist: Good morning. How can I help you?
Patient: Good morning. My ankle hurts.
Receptionist: When did it happen?
Patient: Yesterday evening.
Receptionist: What were you doing?
Patient: I was playing football.
Receptionist: Did you fall?
Patient: Yes, I slipped and twisted my ankle.
Receptionist: Can you walk?
Patient: Yes, but it’s very painful.
Receptionist: Is it swollen?
Patient: Yes, it’s a little swollen.
Receptionist: Have you taken any medicine?
Patient: Only some pain medicine.
Receptionist: Did it help?
Patient: A little, but it still hurts.
Receptionist: The doctor will see you in a few minutes.
Patient: Thank you.
Doctor: Hello. Tell me what happened.
Patient: I twisted my ankle while playing football.
Doctor: Let me examine it.
Patient: Okay.
Doctor: It doesn’t look broken, but you should rest for a week.
Patient: Do I need an X-ray?
Doctor: Yes, just to be safe.
Patient: Thank you, doctor.
Doctor: You’re welcome. Get well soon.
Quick Practice
A. Change the words
Example: My back hurts. → My shoulder hurts.
- I have a headache. → I have a __________.
- I twisted my ankle. → I twisted my __________.
- My knee hurts. → My __________ hurts.
- I pulled a muscle. → I pulled my __________ muscle.
- It hurts when I walk. → It hurts when I __________.
B. Answer the questions
- What do you usually do when you have a headache?
- Have you ever twisted your ankle?
- Which part of your body hurts after exercising?
- Who do you visit when an injury is serious?
- What medicine do you usually take for pain?
C. Complete the sentences
- I need to ________ because my back hurts.
- I should see a ________ today.
- It hurts when I ________.
- My ________ is swollen.
- I hope I feel ________ tomorrow.
Speaking Challenge
Imagine you hurt yourself while playing a sport. Speak for 1–2 minutes without reading.
Include these points:
- What happened
- Which part of your body hurts
- How the pain feels
- Whether you visited a doctor
- What advice the doctor gave
- How you are feeling now
Try to use these expressions naturally:
- It hurts when…
- I twisted…
- I pulled a muscle.
- The pain is getting better.
- I need to take it easy.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| I have pain in back. | I have pain in my back. |
| My leg is paining. | My leg hurts. |
| I am having headache. | I have a headache. |
| I fall yesterday. | I fell yesterday. |
| It is hurting much. | It hurts a lot. |
Lesson Summary
Key Expressions
- My back hurts.
- I have a headache.
- I twisted my ankle.
- I hurt my shoulder.
- I pulled a muscle.
- It hurts when I move.
- The pain is getting worse.
- I think it’s swollen.
- I need to see a doctor.
- Take it easy.
- It feels much better now.
- I hope you recover soon.
