Translation guide
A contusion is a medical term for a bruise, an injury where blood vessels are damaged but the skin is not broken. In everyday English, 'bruise' is far more common. This guide focuses on how to express this concept naturally in Japanese, from casual to clinical.
The common, non-technical word for a bruise.
The standard word for a bruise. Used in everyday conversation.
転んで、膝にあざができた。
I fell and got a bruise on my knee.
How did you get that bruise?
Literally 'blue bruise', often used for fresh bruises that appear bluish.
There's a big bruise on my arm.
The formal medical term, used in doctor's offices or medical documents.
Focusing on the visible purplish mark left by a bruise.
How to say 'to bruise' or 'to get bruised'.
あざ is the everyday word for bruise, used in casual conversation. 打撲傷 is the formal medical term, used in clinical settings or official documents. In most situations, あざ is sufficient.
Japanese often describes bruises by color: 青あざ (blue bruise) for fresh ones, 紫あざ (purple bruise), or 黄色いあざ (yellow bruise) as it heals.
Rest is necessary for treating a contusion.