Translation guide
How to express that something is stained, marked, or discolored in Japanese. The most common and versatile verb is 染みる (shimiru) for stains that soak in, while 汚れる (yogoreru) is used for general dirtiness. Other options depend on the type of stain and context.
The shirt is stained with coffee.
Describing something that has absorbed a stain, such as fabric, paper, or a surface, often from a liquid like coffee, ink, or blood.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be stained' or 'to soak in'. Used when a stain has penetrated a material. Often used in the form 染みている (shimite iru) for the resulting state.
The shirt is stained with coffee.
This cloth stains easily.
Phrase meaning 'a stain forms' or 'gets stained'. Focuses on the stain appearing. 染み (shimi) is the noun 'stain'.
A wine stain has formed (on it).
Intransitive verb meaning 'to become dirty'. Broader than just stains; can refer to any soiling. Use when the stain is seen as dirtiness.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to blur' or 'to run' (as of ink). Used when colors spread or bleed, creating a stain-like effect. Often for ink or watercolors.
Expressing that someone or something is tainted by a bad reputation, sin, crime, or dishonor.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be defiled' or 'to be stained' in a moral or spiritual sense. Often used in formal or literary contexts. Note the reading is けがれる, not よごれる.
His honor was stained.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be dyed' or 'to be stained' (by a color or influence). Can be used metaphorically for being influenced by bad habits or ideologies.
Phrase meaning 'a stain/blemish is attached' to one's record or reputation. 汚点 (oten) is a stain or blot on one's character.
A stain was left on his career.
Describing something that has been colored or dyed, often intentionally, such as wood, glass, or fabric.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be dyed' or 'to be colored'. Used for fabrics, hair, or anything that takes on a color. Often implies a thorough or beautiful coloring.
Passive form of 着色する (to color/apply color). Used for deliberate staining or coloring, such as in manufacturing or art. More technical.
The wood was stained.
染みる (shimiru) specifically means a stain that has soaked into a material, like coffee on a shirt. 汚れる (yogoreru) means general dirtiness or soiling, which may not be a permanent stain. For moral stains, use 汚れる (kegareru).
If something is just dirty on the surface (e.g., dust, mud that can be brushed off), use 汚れる (yogoreru). 染みる implies absorption.
服が泥で汚れた。
My clothes got dirty with mud.
インクが滲んで字が読めない。
The ink has bled and the characters are unreadable.
A heart stained by evil.
The cloth was dyed blue.