Hangover symptoms can be quite unpleasant. You may experience nausea, a heavy headache, and a feeling of dehydration as the alcohol remains in your body.
My partner had a hangover all day and couldn’t go out. When you have a hangover, you may want to share your symptoms with someone and ask for help. Let’s explore some useful Japanese words for when you have a hangover.
Atama ga itai（あたまがいたい）/ I have a headache
Headaches are a typical symptom of a hangover. “Atama” means head, and “itai” means painful.
KImochi ga warui （きもちがわるい）/ I feel sick
“Kimochi ga warui” is a phrase in Japanese that can be used to express feeling nauseous or having a bad mood, regardless of whether it is related to a hangover or not.
Kusuri wa arimasuka?（薬はありますか？）/Do yo have any medicine?
To relieve headaches caused by hangovers, Ibuprofen and Loxoprofen are commonly used pain relievers that provide temporary relief. Additionally, if you are feeling nauseous, you may consider taking stomach medicine or a digestive aid. Below, I will list over-the-counter medicines available in Japan that I personally use when I have a hangover. Please note that when purchasing these medicines over the counter, the pharmacist may ask if you have used them before and if you are currently taking any other medication.
- EVE quick, EVE quick DX (Ibuprofen)
- LOXONIN (Loxoprofen)
- 大正漢方胃腸薬 (Taisho Kanpou Ichouyaku/Chinese herbal medicine to regulate gastrointestinal function)
- 新ビオフェルミンS (Shin Bioferminn S/Laxatives)
- 五苓散 (Goreisan/To suppress thirst while eliminating excess body moisture and improve headaches and swelling that often occur with hangovers, a traditional Chinese medicine.)
- L-Cysteine/ハイチオールC (Hythiol C is a beauty supplement that contains L-cysteine, which acts on the liver and addresses the root cause of hangovers)
I take L-Cysteine tablets to maintain the condition of my skin. Surprisingly, since I started taking them, I no longer experience severe hangovers. In fact, I can consume larger amounts of alcohol without feeling sick. While this may be concerning in itself, taking L-cysteine before drinking alcohol can actually help reduce the likelihood of experiencing a hangover.
Okirenai（起きれない）/ I can’t get up
After a night of drinking, it’s common to feel exhausted and have low energy levels. “Okirenai” is a phrase you can use to express that you’re still feeling tired and unable to get up.
Suimin ga tarinai（すいみんがたりない）/ I didn’t get enough sleep
If you didn’t get enough sleep due to a hangover, you can use the phrase “Suimin ga tarinai” to explain that you didn’t get sufficient rest and may still feel groggy or fatigued.
Pocari katte kite kurenai?（ポカリ買ってきてくれない？）/ Could you get me Pocari Sweat
Pocari Sweat is a popular Japanese sports drink that is used for hydration during sports activities as well as for illness and colds. It is also known as a great drink for hangovers. If you want to ask someone to get you a drink, you can use the phrase “Pocari katte kite kurenai?” For asking a higher class person, you should say “Pocari wo katte kite kuremasenka?”
Jerry drink katte kite kurenai?（ゼリードリンク買ってきてくれない？）/ Could you get me a jerry drink?
Even when you have no appetite, wouldn’t you be able to drink a jelly drink? Since convenience stores have a jelly drink section, let’s try asking a friend using this phrase; “Jerry drink katte kite kurenai?” If you ask a higher class person, you should say “Jerry drink o katte kite kuremasenka?”
Let‘s get rid of this hangover quickly
Experiencing a hangover can be a challenging and uncomfortable situation. However, knowing some useful Japanese phrases can help you communicate your symptoms and seek assistance effectively. From expressing a headache or feeling sick to asking for medicine or hydration drinks, these phrases can come in handy when you need to convey your condition to others. Remember to take care of yourself by getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and considering over-the-counter remedies to alleviate hangover symptoms. By being prepared and knowledgeable, you can navigate through a hangover with more ease and ensure a quicker recovery. Cheers to responsible drinking and taking care of your well-being!
