傷
kizu[kʲizɨ]
The Japanese word for scar is 傷 (kizu), which is the default form. Wiktionary also lists 瘢痕 (hankon).
Meaning: permanent mark on the skin (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 傷 | kizu | [kʲizɨ] (narrow) |
| 瘢痕 | hankon | [hã̠ŋkõ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
In Japanese, 傷 is a broad term that can mean a wound, a cut or a scar. Unlike English, which often distinguishes between the initial injury and the resulting mark, 傷 encompasses both. It is also used metaphorically to describe emotional wounds.
Which one should you use?
While 傷 is the common term used for a wound or a scar, 瘢痕 is a technical medical term that specifically refers to the scar tissue itself. Additionally, the compound 傷あと is a very common way to specifically refer to the 'mark left by a wound' in everyday conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
kizu
Did you know?
- The phrase 傷をなめ合う literally means 'to lick each other's wounds', but it is used idiomatically to describe people who comfort each other's failures or sorrows to avoid facing reality.
- In the context of Japanese ceramics, 傷 can refer to a flaw or a chip that is sometimes viewed as a mark of character or beauty rather than a defect.
- In Japanese, the word 傷 is used to describe a 'scratch' or 'dent' on an inanimate object, such as a car or a piece of furniture, which English speakers would not call a 'scar'.
Examples in context
- 傷あとが残りますか。Will I have a scar?This sentence is useful for asking if a scar will remain when using 傷.Tatoeba #147218 by small_snow, translation #267343 by CK
- 傷口を見せてください。Please show me the scar.This sentence is useful for asking to see a scar when using 傷.Tatoeba #147201 by bunbuku, translation #9851471 by NurseMeeks
- そのほっぺたの傷、どうしたの？How did you get that scar on your cheek?This sentence is useful for asking about a scar on a cheek when using 傷.Tatoeba #11254146 by small_snow, translation #8626312 by AlanF_US
- 彼女は事故で頬に大きな傷が残ったShe has a big scar on her cheek from the accident.
- ケガの傷跡がまだ残っているThe scar from the injury is still visible.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
They are talking about an old injury.
- 大翔 Hirotoその腕の傷は、いつできたの？Sono ude no kizu wa, itsu dekita no?When did you get that scar on your arm?
- 陽葵 Himari子供の時に転んでできた傷だよ。Kodomo no toki ni koronde dekita kizu da yo.It's a scar from when I fell as a child.
- 大翔 Hiroto意外と目立たないね。Igaito medatanai ne.It's not as noticeable as I expected.
- 陽葵 Himariそうかな。私はずっと気になっていたよ。Sou kana. Watashi wa zutto ki ni natte ita yo.You think so? I've always been bothered by it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scar” translations and entries 傷, 瘢痕, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
