कान में दर्द

You will almost always pair this with the verb होना (to happen/to be). For example, मेरे कान में दर्द है means 'I have an earache.' If the pain is happening right now, use हो रहा है. If you want to say someone's talking is annoying you, you can use it jokingly. But mostly, it stays in the realm of health and physical feeling. It is very easy to plug into sentences. Just identify who has the pain and add the phrase.

Use it at the doctor's office first and foremost. Use it when you've been swimming and your ear feels blocked. It is perfect for telling a friend why you can't go to a loud concert. Use it if your headphones were too tight all day. You can also use it when texting a boss to take a sick day. It sounds natural in every setting. It is a very 'safe' phrase to use.

Do not use this for emotional pain. Hindi has different words for 'heartache' or 'sorrow.' Don't use it if the pain is on the *outside* of the ear. For that, you might just say कान दुख रहा है. Also, avoid using it to mean 'I am tired of listening.' While people might understand the joke, it's not a standard idiom. Stick to physical symptoms to avoid confusion.

In Indian households, कान में दर्द often triggers a list of home remedies. You might hear someone suggest 'Sarson ka tel' (mustard oil). They often warm it up with a clove of garlic. It is a classic 'Grandma's cure' in North India. People are very sympathetic toward ear pain. It is considered one of the most distracting types of pain. If you mention this, expect lots of advice!

You might hear कान का दर्द (pain of the ear). This is also correct and very common. Some people say कान पक गया if there is an infection. But कान में दर्द remains the most neutral version. It works for children and adults alike. You can add adjectives like तेज़ (sharp/fast) or हल्का (light). This helps describe the intensity of the pain.