Translation guide
The English word "scar" can refer to a physical mark on the skin or an emotional wound. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the type and context.
A mark left on the skin after a wound or surgery has healed.
Lasting emotional pain or trauma from a past experience.
Literally 'heart wound', the most common way to express emotional scars or trauma.
その経験は深い心の傷を残した。
That experience left deep emotional scars.
A mark or damage on an object or surface, like a scratch or gouge.
General word for scratch, flaw, or damage on a surface. Can be used for scars on objects.
傷 (きず) refers to a wound or injury itself, while 傷跡 (きずあと) specifically refers to the scar left after healing. If you want to say 'I have a scar', use 傷跡. If you say 傷がある, it means you currently have a wound or injury.
Avoid directly translating 'scar' as スカー (sukā), which is not commonly used. Use the appropriate Japanese word based on context.
The most common and general word for a physical scar. Literally 'wound mark'.
腕に大きな傷跡がある。
I have a big scar on my arm.
手術の傷跡がまだ残っている。
The scar from the surgery still remains.
Often used for scars or marks left by something, can be used for physical scars but also for traces or remnants. Slightly more formal or literary than 傷跡.
やけどの痕が消えない。
The burn scar won't go away.
Similar to 傷跡 but can have a slightly more literary or dramatic nuance. Often used in written language.
彼の顔には深い傷痕が刻まれていた。
A deep scar was etched on his face.
She carries emotional scars.
Loanword from English 'trauma', commonly used in psychological contexts.
子供の頃のトラウマが今も残っている。
The trauma from my childhood still remains.
Verb meaning 'to be hurt' or 'to be wounded', often used for emotional hurt. Can be used to describe the act of being scarred emotionally.
彼の言葉に深く傷ついた。
I was deeply hurt by his words.
テーブルに傷がついた。
The table got a scratch (scar).
Mark or trace left behind, can be used for scars on surfaces.
壁に釘の跡が残っている。
There are nail marks (scars) left on the wall.