Translation guide
The English word "snot" refers to nasal mucus, often in a casual or childish register. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 鼻水 (hanamizu), but there are other words and expressions depending on formality, consistency, or context.
The most common, everyday word for liquid nasal mucus, used by all ages.
The standard word for runny nose mucus. Used in casual and polite contexts. Literally 'nose water'.
A rare kanji for nasal mucus, often used in literary or old-fashioned contexts. Usually written in kana as はな. Not common in modern daily use.
洟をすする。
To sniffle (suck up snot).
Refers to solid or semi-solid nasal mucus, often picked from the nose.
The most common word for dried snot or boogers. Casual and slightly vulgar, like 'booger' in English. Used by children and adults informally.
鼻くそをほじる。
To pick one's nose (boogers).
鼻くそがたまってる。
I have boogers built up.
Kanji form of 鼻くそ, using 糞 (excrement). Rarely used in writing; the kana form is standard.
Describing the state of having a runny nose, often due to cold or allergies.
Standard phrase for 'to have a runny nose'. Literally 'nose water comes out'.
風邪で鼻水が出る。
I have a runny nose because of a cold.
Means 'the runny nose won't stop'. Useful for emphasizing continuous flow.
花粉症で鼻水が止まらない。
My nose won't stop running because of hay fever.
The action of drawing mucus back into the nose instead of blowing it out.
Verb meaning to sniffle or slurp (snot). Often used with 鼻を (hana o).
鼻をすする音がうるさい。
The sound of sniffling is annoying.
Full phrase for 'to sniffle' or 'to suck up snot'.
彼はいつも鼻をすすっている。
He is always sniffling.
The act of expelling snot into a tissue or handkerchief.
Standard phrase for 'to blow one's nose'.
ティッシュで鼻をかんだ。
I blew my nose with a tissue.
While 鼻糞 (はなくそ) is a direct translation, it specifically means dried boogers. Using it for runny mucus would be incorrect. Stick to 鼻水 for liquid snot.
鼻水 (hanamizu) is liquid nasal mucus (runny nose), while 鼻くそ (hanakuso) is dried, solid boogers. They are not interchangeable.
鼻糞をほじる。
To pick one's nose (boogers).