Translation guide
The English word 'blot' can refer to a stain or spot, an act of drying or absorbing liquid, or a blemish on reputation. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a mark or stain, especially from ink or liquid.
General word for a stain or blot, often from liquid. Can be used for ink, food, etc.
Describing the action of soaking up liquid, e.g., with a tissue or cloth.
Referring to a moral stain or something that damages one's good name.
Stain, blot, or disgrace on one's reputation. Often used in formal or serious contexts.
インクの染みがついた。
There's an ink blot on it.
Dirt, stain, or blot in a broader sense. Often implies something that makes an object dirty.
There's a blot on my shirt.
Spot, speck, or blot. More technical or descriptive, often used for patterns or small marks.
There are black blots on the paper.
To absorb or blot up liquid. Commonly used for cleaning spills.
I blotted up the spilled water with a towel.
To blot by pressing and absorbing. Emphasizes the pressing action, like blotting with a tissue.
I blotted the ink with a tissue.
To wipe off or blot away. Often used for cleaning surfaces.
I blotted the water drops from the table.
The incident became a blot on his career.
Literally 'wound', but metaphorically a blot or blemish on reputation.
The scandal left a blot on his reputation.
Dishonor, stigma, or blot on one's name. Stronger and more literary.
He worked hard to clear the blot on his name.