US Medical Term · emergency
Pain Scale
Escala del dolor
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Pain Scale |
| Spanish (Español) | Escala del dolor |
| Chinese (中文) | 疼痛評估量表 |
| Korean (한국어) | 통증 척도 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thang đo mức độ đau |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Sukatan ng sakit |
| Portuguese (Português) | Escala de dor |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | มาตรวัดความเจ็บปวด |
| Japanese (日本語) | 疼痛スケール |
What it means
The pain scale is a tool used by hospital staff to understand how much pain you are experiencing. The most common version asks you to rate your pain from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). Some facilities use visual scales with facial expressions for children or people who cannot speak. Nurses document your pain score and reassess it after treatments. Accurately reporting your pain helps ensure you receive appropriate medication or interventions. Do not underreport your pain thinking it is unimportant. Your comfort is part of your medical care and affects outcomes, including your ability to breathe and recover.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
On a scale of 0 to 10, how bad is your pain right now?
En una escala del 0 al 10, ¿qué tan fuerte es su dolor ahora mismo?
My pain is an 8 out of 10 and it is getting worse.
Mi dolor es un 8 de 10 y está empeorando.
The nurse asked me to rate my pain on the pain scale.
La enfermera me pidió que calificara mi dolor en la escala del dolor.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026