Translation guide
The English word "acne" refers to a common skin condition involving pimples, blackheads, and inflamed spots. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is にきび (nikibi). There are also more formal/medical terms and some colloquial expressions.
To refer to acne in everyday conversation, including pimples and breakouts.
The most common and neutral word for acne or pimples. Used in both casual and polite contexts.
Lately I've been breaking out and it's bothering me.
If you pop a pimple, it'll leave a scar.
Literally 'something that breaks out'. Refers to pimples or skin eruptions, often used for occasional breakouts rather than chronic acne. Slightly more descriptive.
I broke out because of stress.
Medical term for acne, specifically comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). Rarely used in daily conversation.
Comedones are caused by clogged pores.
To refer to acne in a formal, medical, or dermatological context.
To use very casual or slang expressions for pimples, often among young people.
Same as にきび but often written in katakana for emphasis or in casual contexts like social media.
My acne is so bad, I'm gonna go to a dermatologist.
Generic term for any skin bump or growth, including pimples. Not specific to acne, but can be used colloquially.
にきび is the general term for acne/pimples and is used for both teenage acne and adult acne. 吹き出物 often implies a temporary breakout due to some trigger (stress, diet, etc.) and can sound slightly less clinical. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but にきび is more common.
The verb できる (to appear, to form) is commonly used with にきび to say 'I got a pimple' or 'I'm breaking out'. For example: にきびができた (I got a pimple).
I have acne on my forehead.
She's worried about her acne scars.
The causes of acne are complex.
顔にできものができた。
I got a bump on my face.