causing emotional or physical pain

The old photograph brought back painful memories. 这张老照片唤起了痛苦的回忆。

A painful injury forced her to withdraw from the game. 伤痛迫使她退出了比赛。

If something is painful to watch or listen to, it is so bad that it makes you feel embarrassed.

It was painful to listen to his pathetic excuses. 听他那些牵强的借口实在让人觉得难受。