Translation guide
A smudge is a dirty mark or smear, or the act of making one. This guide covers how to express the noun and verb in Japanese.
The learner wants to refer to a smudge as a physical mark, such as on glass, paper, or skin.
General word for dirt, stain, or smudge. Very common and natural.
The learner wants to express the action of smudging something, like ink or makeup.
Transitive verb meaning to make something dirty or to smudge. Use with object marked by を.
The learner wants to say that something gets smudged on its own, like makeup or ink.
汚れ is a general term for any kind of dirt or smudge, while シミ specifically refers to a stain or blotch, often from a liquid. Use 汚れ for smudges from rubbing or general grime, and シミ for marks left by spilled coffee, ink, etc.
For makeup smudging, にじむ is the most natural choice. You can also use 落ちる (to come off) or よれる (to crease/smudge) for foundation or eyeshadow.
窓に汚れがついている。
There's a smudge on the window.
Refers to a stain or blotch, often from liquid. Can be used for smudges that are like stains.
インクのシミが紙についた。
An ink smudge got on the paper.
Specifically an ink smudge or blur, often in calligraphy or printing.
書類にスミがついて読めない。
There's an ink smudge on the document and I can't read it.
インクで手を汚した。
I smudged my hands with ink.
To cause ink or color to blur or run, creating a smudge effect. Often used for watercolor or ink.
水で絵の具をにじませた。
I smudged the paint with water.
To blur or shade off, often intentionally in art. Can mean to smudge lines or colors.
鉛筆の線を指でぼかした。
I smudged the pencil lines with my finger.
Intransitive verb meaning to become dirty or smudged.
白いシャツがすぐ汚れる。
White shirts get smudged easily.
For ink or color to blur or run, becoming smudged.
涙でアイラインがにじんだ。
My eyeliner smudged from tears.