‘阵痛’ literally combines 阵 (zhèn), meaning 'a sudden, short burst' or 'a wave', and 痛 (tòng), meaning 'pain'. Together, it refers specifically to rhythmic, intermittent pain—most commonly the contractions experienced during childbirth. These are not constant but occur in waves, intensifying and receding over time.

Beyond its medical sense, ‘阵痛’ is also used figuratively to describe difficult but temporary struggles during growth or transformation—such as economic restructuring, organizational change, or personal development. In both contexts, the word emphasizes the episodic, unavoidable, yet ultimately transitional nature of the pain. It carries a neutral-to-serious register and is rarely used for minor discomforts; instead, it implies significance, intensity, and a larger process underway.