Translation guide
A pothole is a hole in a road surface caused by wear or weather. In Japanese, the most common term is 穴 (あな), but specific words like ポットホール or 道路のくぼみ are used in formal or technical contexts.
Referring to a depression or cavity in a paved surface, typically caused by damage.
General word for 'hole'. In context, it clearly means a pothole when talking about roads. Very common in everyday speech.
There's a big pothole in the road.
Watch out for that pothole.
Loanword from English. Used in technical, engineering, or news contexts. Less common in casual conversation.
Pothole repair work is being carried out.
Literally 'road depression'. A descriptive phrase used in formal or written descriptions.
I got a flat tire from a pothole.
Literally 'pitfall' or 'trap hole'. Can be used metaphorically for a pothole that feels like a trap, but it's not the standard term.
Usually means a literal trap or pitfall, not a road pothole. Only use if you want to emphasize the surprising or damaging nature of the hole.
That road has several holes that are like traps.
In Japanese, 穴 (あな) is a very common word for any kind of hole. When talking about roads, it naturally means a pothole. You don't need a special word unless you're in a technical setting.
The street is full of potholes.
My car hit a pothole.