Translation guide
A small, raised spot on the skin, often red and inflamed. In Japanese, the most common word is にきび, but there are other terms depending on type and context.
I have a pimple.
Don't pop your pimples!
The learner wants to refer to a common pimple or acne in everyday conversation.
The standard, neutral word for a pimple or acne. Can refer to a single pimple or the condition in general.
I got a pimple on my face.
My pimples won't go away.
A slightly more formal or medical term for a skin eruption, including pimples. Often used in written contexts or by adults.
A technical, dermatological term for a comedo or pimple. Rarely used in daily conversation.
The learner wants to distinguish between types of pimples, specifically whiteheads or blackheads.
Literally 'white pimple', this refers to a whitehead (closed comedone). Common in skincare contexts.
The learner wants to specifically describe a pimple with pus, often a yellow or white head.
A medical term for a pustule, a pimple containing pus. Used in dermatology or formal descriptions.
The learner wants to use a casual, possibly cute or slangy word for a pimple, often among young people.
The same as にきび but written in katakana, often used in casual writing, manga, or by young people. It can feel slightly more informal or emphatic.
にきび is the everyday word for pimples, especially among younger people. 吹き出物 is broader, covering any skin eruption like rashes or hives, and is often used by adults or in formal contexts. If you're talking about teenage acne, stick with にきび.
When I was young, I suffered from pimples.
I broke out due to stress.
Comedones occur when pores become clogged.
It's better not to pop whiteheads.
Literally 'black pimple', this refers to a blackhead (open comedone).
I'm bothered by the blackheads on my nose.
It hurts when a pustule forms.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'festered pimple' or 'pimple with pus'. More colloquial than 膿疱.
I popped a pus-filled pimple.
Oh no, I got a pimple!
An onomatopoeic word describing a small, isolated spot. Can be used metaphorically for a single pimple, often in a cute or self-deprecating way.
Ah, I've got another little spot.
最近、吹き出物が増えた気がする。
Lately, I feel like I've been getting more breakouts.
English phrases like 'pimple face' or 'pimple cream' don't translate directly. Instead, use にきび顔 (pimply face) or にきび用クリーム (cream for pimples).
I bought medicine for pimples.