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.
The most common and general word for a physical scar. Literally 'wound mark'.
I have a big scar on my arm.
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.
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.
A deep scar was etched on his face.
Lasting emotional pain or trauma from a past experience.
Literally 'heart wound', the most common way to express emotional scars or trauma.
That experience left deep emotional scars.
She carries emotional scars.
Loanword from English 'trauma', commonly used in psychological contexts.
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.
A mark or damage on an object or surface, like a scratch or gouge.
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.
子供の頃のトラウマが今も残っている。
The trauma from my childhood still remains.
彼の言葉に深く傷ついた。
I was deeply hurt by his words.
There are nail marks (scars) left on the wall.