肩が凝る

かたがこる
Alternative writings: 肩がこる
Frequency:
1

To have stiff shoulders; to feel tension or tightness in the neck/shoulder muscles.

ExpressionU-Verb

Examples

長時間パソコンを使っていたら肩が凝ってしまった。

After using the computer for a long time, my shoulders became stiff.

マッサージを受けたら肩が凝りにくくなった。

After getting a massage, my shoulder stiffness became less frequent.

荷物を長く持っていたので肩が凝った。

Because I carried the luggage for a long time, my shoulders got stiff.

寒い日は血行が悪くなって肩が凝りやすい。

On cold days circulation worsens and shoulders are more likely to stiffen.

2

To feel ill at ease or tense; to feel uncomfortable or awkward in a situation.

ExpressionU-VerbIdiomatic Expression

Examples

初対面の人が多くて肩が凝った。

There were many people I was meeting for the first time, and I felt awkward/tense.

会議中に上司の意見と違って、説明している間ずっと肩が凝っていた。

I disagreed with my boss during the meeting, and I felt tense the whole time I was explaining.

あの映画は重苦しくて、観終わった後もしばらく肩が凝る感じがした。

That film was heavy; even after watching it I felt tense for a while.

3

Serious or sober (used prenominally to modify a noun; indicates a stiff or formal tone).

Noun or Verb Acting Prenominally

Examples

彼の話は肩が凝る話題ばかりで、場が和まなかった。

His conversation was all serious topics and it didn't lighten the mood.

肩が凝る式典が長時間続き、疲れてしまった。

The formal, stiff ceremony went on for a long time and I became tired.