To Ache
To Hurt, To Be In Pain
intransitive verb, godan verb
Remember how 痛い is "painful"? This is the verb version of that, so it means to ache, to hurt, or to be in pain.
痛む is an intransitive verb that suggests an ongoing sensation of pain or aching. It's a little more descriptive than 痛い, so you might see it used in writing or to describe a more persistent or recurring condition. It's also often used figuratively, especially in expressions like 心が痛む (my heart aches).
This word uses the kun'yomi reading, which you learned already!
週末に買った靴が合わなくて、かかとが痛むんです。
The pumps I bought over the weekend don't fit properly, and my heels hurt.
母は最近よくヒザが痛むと言っていました。
Lately, my mother has often been complaining about her knees hurting.
やせ細ってエサを探し回るクマの姿を見て、胸が痛みました。
It was heartbreaking to see the bears, emaciated and searching for food.
昨日の夜から歯が酷く痛むんですが、診てもらえますか。
I've had a bad toothache since last night, so could you check that for me please?