Translation guide
Small spots or marks on a surface. In Japanese, the most common way to describe speckles is with the noun 斑点 (はんてん) or the mimetic word まだら (斑). The choice depends on size, pattern, and context.
Describing small, distinct spots or dots, like on an eggshell, fabric, or skin.
General term for spots, specks, or flecks. Can be used for natural markings, stains, or medical spots.
卵の殻に茶色の斑点がある。
The eggshell has brown speckles.
この布には小さな斑点がたくさんついている。
This cloth has many small speckles on it.
Describes a mottled or patchy pattern of spots, often larger or more irregular than 斑点. Commonly used for animal coats or uneven coloring.
その犬は白と黒のまだら模様だ。
That dog has a black and white speckled pattern.
Literally 'dots', often used adverbially to describe something dotted or speckled with spots.
壁にカビの点々ができている。
Speckles of mold have formed on the wall.
Specifically refers to freckles on human skin. Not used for inanimate objects.
彼女の顔にはそばかすがある。
She has speckles (freckles) on her face.
Referring to very small bits of something, like dust, powder, or light particles.
Fine particles; often used in scientific or technical contexts for tiny specks.
空気中に微粒子が浮かんでいる。
Tiny speckles are floating in the air.
Literally 'fine points', used to describe very small dots or specks.
画面に細かい点がたくさん見える。
I can see many tiny speckles on the screen.
斑点 is the most general term for spots or specks. まだら implies a mottled, irregular pattern, often used for animals or large surfaces. 点々 emphasizes the dotted nature and is often used adverbially (点々と).
そばかす specifically means human freckles. Using it for inanimate objects would sound strange.