How to Say ‘If it hurts, please tell me.’ in Japanese
痛かったら、言ってくださいね。
itakatsu tara itsu te kudasai ne
[ee-TAHK tara eet te koo-dah-sigh ne]
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is a genuine invitation. Saying 痛いです "it hurts" or もう少し弱く "a bit softer" mid-massage is normal and won't seem rude.
Phrase Breakdown
痛かったら、
itakatsu tara
if it hurts,
Conditional form of 痛い (itai, painful). The small っ is a pause: 'i-ta-kat-ta-ra'.
痛かったら、休んでください。
If it hurts, please rest.
Words in this phrase
痛かっ
itakatsu
[ee-TAHK]
painful (past stem)
Stem of 痛い (painful) in past form, before たら.
昨日は頭が痛かったです。
I had a headache yesterday.
たら
tara
[tara]
if; when
Conditional ending used to express hope: if it happens, that would be nice.
また相談できたら うれしいです。
I would be happy if I could consult with you again.
言ってくださいね。
itsu te kudasai ne
please tell me, okay?
A polite, friendly request using 言う (to say).
寒かったら言ってくださいね。
If you're cold, please tell me.
Words in this phrase
言っ
itsu
[eet]
say/tell (て-form stem)
Te-form of 言う used to connect or make requests (言ってください = “please tell me”).
音が大きかったら言ってください。
If the sound is loud, please tell me.
て
te
[te]
te-form ending
Connects actions in sequence, like 'and' or 'then'.
ドアが開いて、入ります。
The door opens, and then I go in.
ください
kudasai
[koo-dah-sigh]
please (polite request)
Polite request word used after て-form verbs: 〜てください = “please do ….” Softer than commands, good with neighbors.
9時からは音を小さくしてください。
From 9 o’clock, please keep the sound low.
ね
ne
[ne]
isn't it; right
Sentence-ending particle that seeks agreement or adds friendliness.
今日は暑いですね。
It's hot today, isn't it?
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