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.
虫歯が痛い。
My cavity hurts.
虫歯を治療してもらった。
I had a cavity treated.
A technical/medical term for dental caries. Used by dentists or in formal medical contexts.
う蝕の予防にはフッ素が効果的です。
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.
壁の中に空洞がある。
There is a cavity inside the wall.
この岩には空洞ができている。
This rock has a cavity in it.
Used mainly in anatomical or technical terms for body cavities (e.g., oral cavity, nasal cavity). Often appears in compound words.
口腔内を清潔に保つ。
Keep the oral cavity clean.
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.
The English loanword 'cavity' used in manufacturing and engineering contexts for a mold cavity.
金型のキャビティに樹脂を流し込む。
Pour resin into the mold cavity.
Can also be used for a mold cavity, but キャビティ is more specific in technical contexts.
鋳型の空洞に金属を流す。
Pour metal into the mold cavity.
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.
虫歯があるので歯医者に行く。
I have a cavity, so I'm going to the dentist.
洞窟は自然の空洞だ。
A cave is a natural cavity.
Fluid has accumulated in the thoracic cavity.
There is a hole (cavity) in the tree.