Translation guide
The English word 'cavity' refers to a hole or hollow space. In Japanese, the translation depends on the context: a hole in a tooth, a hollow space in an object or body, or a general empty space.
A hole in a tooth caused by decay.
The most common and natural word for a dental cavity or tooth decay. It literally means 'bug tooth' and is used in everyday conversation.
My cavity hurts.
I had a cavity treated.
A technical/medical term for dental caries. Used by dentists or in formal medical contexts.
Fluoride is effective in preventing dental caries.
An empty space inside something solid, like a cavity in a wall, a mold, or an anatomical cavity.
A general term for a hollow space or cavity inside an object or structure. Can be used for natural or artificial cavities.
There is a cavity inside the wall.
Used mainly in anatomical or technical terms for body cavities (e.g., oral cavity, nasal cavity). Often appears in compound words.
A very common word for 'hole'. Can be used for a cavity in a casual sense, but it is broader and less specific than 空洞.
The hollow part of a mold used to shape material.
虫歯 is specifically for tooth decay. 空洞 is a general hollow space. 腔 is used in anatomical compound words. Do not use 虫歯 for non-dental cavities.
I have a cavity, so I'm going to the dentist.
A cave is a natural cavity.
This rock has a cavity in it.
Keep the oral cavity clean.
Fluid has accumulated in the thoracic cavity.
There is a hole (cavity) in the tree.
鋳型の空洞に金属を流す。
Pour metal into the mold cavity.