Translation guide
How to express 'dent' in Japanese, covering physical dents, metaphorical dents, and related actions.
A depression or hollow in a hard surface, like metal or plastic, caused by impact or pressure.
The most common and general word for a dent. Can be used for dents in cars, cans, walls, etc.
There's a dent in the car.
This can has a dent.
Often refers to a natural or intentional depression, like a hollow in the ground or a dimple. Can also be used for dents, but へこみ is more common for impact damage.
There's a small dent/hollow in the ground.
Technical term for a dent or impact mark, often used in manufacturing, automotive repair, or forensics.
There are dents remaining on the body.
The action of causing a dent in something.
The state of getting a dent, without specifying who caused it.
Intransitive verb meaning to become dented, to cave in. Very common.
The part I hit got dented.
This material doesn't dent easily.
Intransitive verb meaning to become hollow or dented. Often used for natural depressions or softer surfaces.
A negative impact on something abstract, like pride, budget, or trust.
Literally 'to get scratched', but used metaphorically for damage to reputation, pride, or trust. Often translated as 'to be dented' or 'to be damaged'.
His reputation was dented.
His confidence was dented by that failure.
Means 'to deal a blow', often used for financial or emotional dents. Stronger than 傷がつく.
The news dented the economy.
Slang/casual for feeling down or depressed. Can be used when someone's spirit is 'dented'.
To make a small reduction in an amount, like savings or work.
General phrase meaning 'to reduce a little'. Not a direct translation of 'dent', but conveys the idea of making a small dent in a quantity.
I made a small dent in my savings and went on a trip.
Means to gradually use up or chip away at something, like savings or a large task. Implies a more sustained effort.
へこみ is the default for accidental dents (car, can). くぼみ often implies a natural or designed hollow (dimple, ground depression). For impact damage, use へこみ.
Repair the dent in the car.
The dimple on the cheek is cute.
The loanword デント exists but is very rare and technical (e.g., in auto repair jargon). For everyday use, stick to native Japanese words like へこみ.
The sofa got dented/saggy.
I got dumped and I'm feeling really down (my ego is dented).
He gradually made a dent in his debt.