Translation guide
A pothole is a hole in a road surface caused by wear or weather. In Japanese, the most common term is 穴 (あな), but specific words like ポットホール or 道路のくぼみ are used in formal or technical contexts.
Referring to a depression or cavity in a paved surface, typically caused by damage.
General word for 'hole'. In context, it clearly means a pothole when talking about roads. Very common in everyday speech.
Loanword from English. Used in technical, engineering, or news contexts. Less common in casual conversation.
Literally 'road depression'. A descriptive phrase used in formal or written descriptions.
道路のくぼみでタイヤがパンクした。
I got a flat tire from a pothole.
Literally 'pitfall' or 'trap hole'. Can be used metaphorically for a pothole that feels like a trap, but it's not the standard term.
In Japanese, 穴 (あな) is a very common word for any kind of hole. When talking about roads, it naturally means a pothole. You don't need a special word unless you're in a technical setting.
その通りは穴だらけだ。
The street is full of potholes.
車が穴にぶつかった。
My car hit a pothole.
There's a big pothole in the road.
あの穴に気をつけて。
Watch out for that pothole.
ポットホールの補修工事が行われている。
Pothole repair work is being carried out.
Usually means a literal trap or pitfall, not a road pothole. Only use if you want to emphasize the surprising or damaging nature of the hole.
その道には落とし穴みたいな穴がいくつもある。
That road has several holes that are like traps.