Translation guide
A small scar or pit on the skin, often from acne or smallpox. In Japanese, the most common word is あばた, but other terms exist for specific contexts like acne scars or crater-like marks.
The speaker wants to refer to a pockmark in a general sense, such as a scar from smallpox or a similar pit on the skin.
The standard word for pockmarks, especially those from smallpox. It can also refer to acne scars in some contexts, but is most strongly associated with smallpox scars.
彼の顔にはあばたがある。
He has pockmarks on his face.
A more formal or medical term for pockmarks, specifically from smallpox. Less common in everyday speech.
天然痘の後遺症として痘痕が残った。
Pockmarks remained as a sequela of smallpox.
A general medical term for scar, which can include pockmarks. Not specific to pockmarks, but can be used in formal contexts.
顔の瘢痕が気になる。
I'm concerned about the scars on my face.
The speaker specifically means a scar left by acne, often a depressed or pitted mark.
The most common and natural way to say acne scar. It covers all types of acne scars, including pitted ones.
ニキビ跡を治したい。
I want to get rid of my acne scars.
Can be used for severe acne scars that resemble pockmarks, but may sound old-fashioned or imply smallpox scars. Use with caution.
May be misunderstood as smallpox scars rather than acne scars.
Slang term for deep, pitted acne scars that look like craters. Used in casual conversation, especially among younger people.
The speaker describes a surface that is pitted or marked like a pockmark, such as metal, stone, or the moon's surface.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'marks like pockmarks on ~'. It uses あばた metaphorically.
月の表面にはあばたのようなクレーターがある。
The moon's surface has pockmark-like craters.
A general word for dent, hollow, or depression. Not specific to pockmarks, but can describe small pits.
金属の表面に小さなくぼみがある。
There are small dents on the metal surface.
あばた is the traditional word for pockmarks, historically from smallpox. It can be used for severe acne scars, but ニキビ跡 is the standard modern term for acne scars. Using あばた for acne scars may sound old-fashioned or imply a more severe condition.
あばたは天然痘の痕跡だ。
Pockmarks are traces of smallpox.
ニキビ跡は思春期の悩みだ。
Acne scars are a worry of adolescence.
There is no direct one-to-one translation for 'pockmark' that covers all contexts. Choose the term based on the cause (smallpox, acne, etc.) and the context (medical, casual, metaphorical). Using あばた for a small acne scar might be too strong.
ひどいニキビであばたになった。
Severe acne left me with pockmarks.
クレーター肌に悩んでいる。
I'm troubled by my crater-like skin (acne scars).