Translation guide
A small dark mark on the skin, often on the face, considered attractive. In Japanese, the concept is expressed with specific terms, and cultural context matters.
Referring to a small, dark, natural mark on the skin that is seen as enhancing beauty.
Referring to a mark drawn on the face with makeup to mimic a natural beauty mark.
Literally 'drawn mole'. Used when someone draws a beauty mark with makeup. Common in fashion and cosmetic contexts.
彼女は毎朝、描きぼくろを入れる。
She draws on a beauty mark every morning.
ほくろ is the standard word for any mole, while チャームポイント is a casual, positive term for an attractive feature. Use チャームポイント when you want to emphasize that the mole is a charming point, but be aware it's a loanword and may sound trendy.
あのモデルのチャームポイントは口元のほくろだ。
That model's charm point is the mole near her mouth.
In Japan, beauty marks (especially 泣きぼくろ) are often associated with sexiness or a 'crying face' charm. However, not all moles are considered beauty marks; some may be seen as flaws. Context and placement matter.
The mole on her cheek is charming.
Kanji form of ほくろ, meaning 'black child'. Used in written contexts, but the reading is the same. Can sound slightly more literary or formal.
黒子があると、顔の印象が強くなる。
Having a beauty mark makes a strong impression on the face.
A loanword from English 'charm point', used to describe an attractive feature, including a beauty mark. It's a casual, modern way to refer to a beauty mark as a charming feature.
そのほくろが彼女のチャームポイントだ。
That mole is her charm point.
Specifically a mole under the eye, believed to make a person look like they are crying or prone to tears. It's a specific type of beauty mark with a poetic connotation.
彼女の目の下の泣きぼくろがセクシーだ。
The mole under her eye is sexy.
Literally 'attached mole'. Can refer to a stick-on beauty mark or a drawn one. Slightly less common than 描きぼくろ.
舞台用のつけぼくろを買った。
I bought stick-on beauty marks for the stage.