Hurtful Meaning in English

word

US

ˈhɝtfəɫ

HURT-fuhl

UK

hˈɜːtfəl

HURT-fuhl

Definition

Describes something (usually words or actions) that causes emotional pain or makes someone feel bad.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly used to describe negative comments, criticism, or actions. Stronger than 'mean'; common collocations: 'hurtful words,' 'hurtful comment.' Not usually used for physical pain.

• Spanish: hiriente - doloroso (emocional)
• Portuguese (BR): magoante - ofensivo
• Portuguese (PT): magoador - ofensivo
• Chinese (Simplified): 伤人的 - 令人难过的
• Chinese (Traditional): 傷人的 - 令人難過的
• Hindi: आहत करने वाला - दुख देने वाला
• Arabic: جارح - مؤلم
• Bengali: আঘাতজনক - কষ্টদায়ক
• Russian: обидный - причиняющий боль (эмоционально)
• Japanese: 傷つける - ひどい
• Vietnamese: làm tổn thương - gây đau lòng
• Korean: 상처를 주는 - 아픈 (감정적으로)
• Turkish: incitici - kırıcı
• Urdu: دِل آزاری کرنے والا - تکلیف دہ (جذباتی)
• Indonesian: menyakitkan (hati) - menyakiti perasaan

Example Sentences

Her hurtful words made me cry.

basic

It is hurtful to ignore someone on purpose.

basic

He apologized for his hurtful comment.

basic

I didn't mean to be hurtful when I said that.

natural

Some jokes can be funny, but others are just hurtful.

natural

Try not to say anything hurtful during the argument.

natural