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How to Say ‘Is anything bothering you?’ in Japanese

つらいところはありますか。

tsurai tokoro wa ari masu ka

[tsoo-rah-ee toh-koh-roh wah ah-ree mahs kah]

💬 Usage Tip: [ありますか] makes this a polite question: “Are there any sore areas?” A very common intake question.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Before touching you, therapists in Japan often check problem areas carefully. Clear communication is appreciated.

Phrase Breakdown

つらいところ

tsurai tokoro

painful area; sore spot; sensitive place

Refers to a place that hurts or is uncomfortable when touched or moved.

Example

つらいところはありますか。

Is there any area that hurts?

Words in this phrase

つらい

tsurai

[tsoo-rah-ee]

painful; uncomfortable

Means a part of the body feels painful or troublesome.

Example

つらいところがあります。

There is a painful area.

ところ

tokoro

[toh-koh-roh]

place; area; part

A body part or spot, especially where pain is felt.

Example

そのところは大丈夫です。

That area is okay.

は

wa

[wah]

topic marker

Marks the topic, pronounced “wa.”

Example

腰は少し痛いです。

My lower back hurts a little.

あり

ari

[ah-ree]

exist; have

From ある, meaning something exists or there is/are.

Example

質問があり ます。

I have a question.

ます

masu

[mahs]

polite verb ending

Polite ending attached to verbs.

Example

時間があります。

There is time.

か

ka

[kah]

question marker

Particle used at the end of a sentence to make it a question.

Example

大丈夫ですか。

Are you okay?

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