Translation guide
A flat, brown spot on the skin caused by aging and sun exposure. In Japanese, the most common term is しみ, but there are also more specific medical or descriptive terms.
The most common, everyday word for a liver spot, used in conversation and skincare contexts.
The standard, everyday word for any kind of skin spot or blotch, including liver spots, freckles, and sun spots. Often used in compounds like しみ対策 (anti-spot measures).
顔にしみができた。
I got a liver spot on my face.
このクリームはしみに効きます。
This cream works on liver spots.
Katakana version of しみ, often used in cosmetics advertising and packaging for emphasis.
シミ対策美容液
Anti-spot serum
A more clinical or precise term used by dermatologists or in medical contexts.
Medical term literally meaning 'senile pigment spot'. Used by doctors, but not in everyday conversation.
老人性色素斑は紫外線が原因です。
Liver spots are caused by UV rays.
Another medical term, literally 'sunlight black spot'. Rarely used outside dermatology.
日光黒子は良性の色素斑です。
Solar lentigo is a benign pigmented spot.
A way to describe a liver spot without using a specific noun, useful when the listener might not know the term.
Literally 'brown spot'. Clarifies the color and is easily understood.
手に茶色いしみが増えてきた。
I've been getting more brown spots on my hands.
Means 'spots due to age'. A clear, polite way to refer to liver spots.
年齢によるしみが気になります。
I'm concerned about age spots.
The direct translation '肝臓の斑点' (かんぞうのはんてん) is not used and would not be understood. Always use しみ or a descriptive phrase.