Translation guide
A smudge is a dirty mark or smear, or the act of making one. This guide covers how to express the noun and verb in Japanese.
The learner wants to refer to a smudge as a physical mark, such as on glass, paper, or skin.
General word for dirt, stain, or smudge. Very common and natural.
There's a smudge on the window.
Refers to a stain or blotch, often from liquid. Can be used for smudges that are like stains.
An ink smudge got on the paper.
Specifically an ink smudge or blur, often in calligraphy or printing.
There's an ink smudge on the document and I can't read it.
The learner wants to express the action of smudging something, like ink or makeup.
Transitive verb meaning to make something dirty or to smudge. Use with object marked by を.
I smudged my hands with ink.
To cause ink or color to blur or run, creating a smudge effect. Often used for watercolor or ink.
I smudged the paint with water.
To blur or shade off, often intentionally in art. Can mean to smudge lines or colors.
The learner wants to say that something gets smudged on its own, like makeup or ink.
汚れ is a general term for any kind of dirt or smudge, while シミ specifically refers to a stain or blotch, often from a liquid. Use 汚れ for smudges from rubbing or general grime, and シミ for marks left by spilled coffee, ink, etc.
For makeup smudging, にじむ is the most natural choice. You can also use 落ちる (to come off) or よれる (to crease/smudge) for foundation or eyeshadow.
I smudged the pencil lines with my finger.
My eyeliner smudged from tears.