Translation guide
Describes something marked or covered with blood, either literally or figuratively. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether the blood is fresh, dried, or metaphorical.
To describe an object, surface, or clothing that has visible blood on it.
The most common and natural way to say 'covered in blood' or 'bloodstained'. Emphasizes that something is thoroughly soaked or smeared with blood.
His shirt was bloodstained.
A bloodstained knife was found.
Literally 'blood-dyed', often used for clothing or fabric that has been stained with blood. Slightly more literary or dramatic than 血まみれ.
bloodstained garment
A more neutral, descriptive phrase meaning 'with blood on it'. Can be used for small amounts of blood or when the staining is not extreme.
a bloodstained bandage
A technical/forensic term meaning 'with bloodstains attached'. Used in crime reports or formal contexts.
clothing with bloodstains
To describe a person, history, or reputation that is metaphorically stained by bloodshed or wrongdoing.
Literally 'smeared with blood', used figuratively for a history, regime, or hands that are stained by violence or murder. Strong literary and dramatic connotation.
a bloodstained history
bloodstained hands
Similar to 血塗られた but slightly less intense. Often used for hands, money, or land metaphorically stained by blood.
bloodstained money
Can also be used figuratively, though it is more common in literal contexts. For example, 'bloodstained hands' can be 血のついた手.
bloodstained hands
血まみれ emphasizes being completely covered or soaked in blood, often with a visceral feel. 血染め is more about the staining of fabric or material, and can sound literary. 血のついた is a neutral, descriptive phrase for having blood on something, without implying the extent.
There is no single Japanese adjective that perfectly matches 'bloodstained' in all contexts. Use the appropriate phrase based on the degree and nature of the staining.