alforza
/alˈfoɾθa/colloquial, feminine
The English phrase scar is translated into Spanish as alforza. Wiktionary also lists facial chirlo.
Meaning: permanent mark on the skin (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alforza | /alˈfoɾθa/ /alˈfoɾsa/ |
colloquial, feminine |
| facial chirlo | /faθjal t͡ʃiɾlo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /fasjal t͡ʃiɾlo/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
The term alforza refers to a permanent mark on the skin. Cicatriz is the most common and neutral word for scar in Spanish.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form alforza is considered colloquial. In contrast, the word facial chirlo is a masculine form.
How do you pronounce it?
/alˈfoɾθa/
Did you know?
- The word alforza points to the deep historical influence of Andalusian Arabic on the Spanish language, specifically through the term al-ḥúzza.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, describing a mark as an alforza might evoke more of a 'dent' or 'groove' than a typical raised scar.
Examples in context
- Tengo una pequeña cicatriz en la pierna.I have a small scar on my leg.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are looking at old photos.
- Alejandro¿De dónde salió esa alforza?Where did that scar come from?
- SofíaMe caí de la bicicleta.I fell off my bike.
- AlejandroParece que fue un accidente fuerte.It looks like it was a bad accident.
- SofíaSí, pero ahora solo es una alforza.Yes, but now it is just a scar.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scar” translations and entries alforza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alforza, chirlo, facial, CC BY-SA 4.0.
