Translation guide
How to express the concept of staining in Japanese, covering both intentional and accidental staining, as well as related processes like dyeing and discoloration.
Expressing that something has become stained or discolored unintentionally, such as a spill on clothing or a surface.
The most common word for a stain or spot caused by something like food, drink, or dirt. Can be used for both the stain itself and the act of staining.
I got a wine stain.
この染みは取れない。
This stain won't come out.
A broader term for dirt, grime, or soiling. Often used when the staining is part of general uncleanliness.
シャツに汚れがついている。
There's a stain on my shirt.
Literally 'become a stain', used to describe something causing a stain or leaving a mark.
コーヒーをこぼしたら染みになった。
I spilled coffee and it left a stain.
Refers to discoloration or change in color, often due to aging, sun exposure, or chemical reaction. More technical than 染み.
日光でカーテンが変色した。
The curtains discolored from sunlight.
Expressing the act of deliberately applying color to something, such as dyeing fabric, wood, or in a laboratory context.
The general term for dyeing or staining, used in contexts like textile dyeing, biological staining, or wood staining.
布を染色する。
Dye fabric.
細胞を染色して観察する。
Stain cells and observe them.
The verb 'to dye', commonly used for hair, fabric, or other materials. More everyday than 染色.
Means coloring or adding color, often used for food, plastics, or surfaces. Can imply staining in a broader sense.
Metaphorical staining, such as tarnishing one's reputation or honor.
Literally 'leave a stain/blemish', used for a blot on one's record or reputation.
彼の経歴に汚点を残した。
It left a stain on his career.
Means 'scar' or 'flaw', often used metaphorically for a stain on one's reputation.
名誉に傷がつく。
One's honor is stained.
染み (shimi) specifically refers to a stain caused by a liquid or substance that has soaked in and left a mark. 汚れ (yogore) is a more general term for dirt or filth, and may not necessarily be a permanent stain. For example, mud on shoes is 汚れ, but a coffee spill on a shirt is 染み.
Avoid directly translating 'stain' as 染み in all contexts. For deliberate dyeing, use 染色 or 染める. For metaphorical stains on reputation, use phrases like 汚点を残す or 傷がつく.
Dye one's hair brown.
Tシャツを藍色に染めた。
I dyed a T-shirt indigo.
食品に着色する。
Add color to food.