Translation guide
The act of creating a dent or depression in a surface, or the state of being dented. This guide covers how to express 'denting' in Japanese, focusing on common verbs and nouns for different contexts.
Expressing the action of causing a dent in an object, such as a car body or metal surface.
The most common transitive verb meaning 'to dent' or 'to make a dent in'. Used for deliberate or accidental denting of surfaces.
I accidentally dented the car door.
Means 'to make a hollow' or 'to dent'. Often used for softer materials or when creating a depression intentionally.
He dented the clay with his finger.
Literally 'to inflict a bruise/dent by hitting'. Used for dents caused by impact, but less common than へこませる.
The hail dented the car's hood.
Describing the state change when something gets a dent, often due to external force.
The standard intransitive verb for 'to become dented' or 'to cave in'. Used for metal, plastic, and other surfaces.
The bumper got dented when I hit something.
Means 'to become hollow' or 'to be dented'. Often implies a concave shape, used for natural or gradual depressions.
Referring to the physical depression or hollow in a surface.
The most common noun for 'dent'. Used for dents in cars, appliances, etc.
This car has a small dent.
Refers to a hollow, depression, or dent. Often used for natural or designed indentations.
Specifically a dent caused by impact, like a bruise on a surface. Less common than へこみ.
へこむ is the most common word for 'dent' and is used for accidental dents in hard surfaces like metal. くぼむ often implies a more gradual or intentional hollow, and can be used for soft materials or natural depressions.
English 'denting' as a gerund is not directly translated. Use the appropriate verb or noun form depending on context. For example, 'denting the car' is 車をへこませること, but it's more natural to say 車をへこませる.
The sofa cushion is dented.
A dent formed in the ground.
The door got a dent (from being hit).