Translation guide
This phrase describes something that has a downward curve, indentation, or hollow, or an action done while lowering something briefly. It is not a single Japanese word but is expressed through descriptive verbs, nouns, or mimetic words depending on the context.
Describing an object or surface that is not flat but has a concave shape, a dent, or a hollow.
The past tense of the verb くぼむ (to become hollow/indented), used as an adjective to describe something with a dip or dent. Common for surfaces, ground, or objects.
この道は真ん中がくぼんでいる。
This road has a dip in the middle.
a doll with sunken eyes
Past tense of へこむ (to be dented/hollow), often used for dents caused by impact or pressure. Slightly more casual than くぼんだ.
ボールが当たって車のドアがへこんだ。
The car door got a dent from the ball.
Kanji form of へこんだ, used in written or technical contexts. Same meaning but less common in everyday writing.
凹んだ缶をリサイクルに出した。
I put the dented can out for recycling.
Referring to a physical depression in the ground, a road, or a surface.
Noun meaning a hollow, depression, or dip. Neutral and widely used for natural or man-made dips.
地面にくぼみがある。
There's a dip in the ground.
道路のくぼみに水がたまっている。
Water is collecting in a dip in the road.
Noun form of へこむ, often implying a dent or depression caused by force. More casual than くぼみ.
フライパンにへこみができた。
The frying pan got a dent.
Technical term for a depression or basin, used in geography or formal descriptions.
この凹地は昔湖だった。
This depression was once a lake.
Describing an action where something is briefly lowered into a liquid or substance and then raised.
Pattern meaning 'with a quick dip into (liquid)'. 浸す (ひたす) means to soak or dip. ちょっと adds the sense of briefly.
野菜をちょっと浸して食べる。
Eat the vegetables with a quick dip.
筆を水にちょっと浸してから使う。
Use the brush after giving it a quick dip in water.
Loanword from English 'dip', used in casual contexts, especially for food. Often used with sauces.
チップスをソースにディップして食べる。
Eat the chips with a dip in the sauce.
Verb phrase meaning to dip quickly. さっと implies a swift, light motion.
麺をさっと浸してからどんぶりに入れる。
Give the noodles a quick dip, then put them in the bowl.
Referring to a temporary decrease or drop in numbers, quality, or intensity.
Noun meaning a drop, slump, or dip. Commonly used for economic figures, mood, or performance.
売り上げに落ち込みが見られた。
There was a dip in sales.
気分の落ち込みを感じる。
I feel a dip in my mood.
Formal noun meaning decline or drop. Suitable for technical or business contexts.
Loanword used in financial or technical jargon for a temporary dip in graphs or markets.
くぼみ is a general hollow or depression, often natural or designed. へこみ implies a dent caused by impact or pressure, and is more casual. Use くぼみ for landscape features or intentional shapes; use へこみ for accidental dents.
ソファのくぼみに座る。
Sit in the dip of the sofa.
壁にへこみができた。
The wall got a dent.
English 'with a dip' often describes a manner of doing something. In Japanese, you usually need to use a verb phrase like 浸して (dipping) or an adjective like くぼんだ (dented). Avoid direct word-for-word translation.
The dip in quality is a problem.
Buy when the stock price dips.