Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Aching persistently; throbbing with a dull, lasting pain: Describes a physical sensation of pain that is not sharp or acute, but rather a continuous, nagging, and uncomfortable ache that endures.
   • Causing persistent mental or emotional distress: Describes a feeling, memory, or problem that causes prolonged mental anguish, worry, or irritation, much like a constant, dull pain in one's mind.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Physical Pain):
  • Vết thương nhức nhối khó chịu. (The wound ached persistently and was uncomfortable.)
  • Cơn nhức nhối trong khớp khiến tôi mất ngủ. (The throbbing ache in my joint kept me awake.)
• Adjective (Mental/Emotional Distress):
  • Ký ức về thất bại đó vẫn còn nhức nhối trong lòng anh. (The memory of that failure still causes him persistent heartache.)
  • Vấn đề tài chính là một nỗi lo nhức nhối. (The financial problem is a nagging worry.)

Advanced Usage

• Often used to emphasize the lingering, gnawing quality of an unpleasant sensation or thought, distinguishing it from a sudden, sharp pain ( or ).

Variants and Related Words

• Nhức (adj/verb): to ache, to throb. A more general term for ache, which can be combined to form nhức nhối.
• Nhói (adj/verb): to have a sharp, stabbing pain. Contrasts with the dull, lasting nature of nhức nhối.

Synonyms

• Nagging: causing persistent, slight pain or worry.
• Throbbing: beating with a strong, regular rhythm, often associated with pain.
• Gnawing: persistently worrying or causing slight, continuous pain.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Nỗi đau nhức nhối: a nagging/persistent pain (can be physical or emotional).
  • Nỗi đau nhức nhối về quá khứ không dễ gì quên đi. (The nagging pain of the past is not easy to forget.)

1. Fell a lasting sting smart
   • Vết thương nhức nhối khó chịu
     To fell an uncomfortably lasting from a wound