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Expressing a dull ache with 隐隐作痛 (yǐnyǐn zuòtòng)
Structure
Body Part + 隐隐作痛
Explanation
隐隐作痛 (yǐnyǐn zuòtòng) means "to ache dully" or "to have a faint, lingering pain." It describes a subtle, persistent pain rather than a sharp one. This four-character expression is commonly used in both medical descriptions and literary writing to convey discomfort that is present but not overwhelming.
Examples
我的胃这几天一直隐隐作痛，可能需要去看医生。
wǒ de wèi zhè jǐ tiān yīzhí yǐnyǐn zuòtòng, kěnéng xūyào qù kàn yīshēng.
My stomach has been having a dull ache for the past few days; I might need to see a doctor.
跑完步之后，他的膝盖开始隐隐作痛。
pǎo wán bù zhīhòu, tā de xīgài kāishǐ yǐnyǐn zuòtòng.
After his run, his knees began to ache dully.
每次想起那段往事，心里就隐隐作痛。
měi cì xiǎng qǐ nà duàn wǎngshì, xīnlǐ jiù yǐnyǐn zuòtòng.
Every time I think of that past experience, my heart aches dully.