How to say "groove" in Japanese

• 轍わだちCommon
  nounCovers 'groove' only as a rut or wheel track — the groove left in a road by wheels. For a groove in any other surface, this is not the word you want.
• 溝みぞCommon
  nounThe general word for a groove: a long, narrow indentation or channel in a surface, including the grooves of a tire tread. For most senses of 'groove', this is the word you want.

Use 溝 for a groove as a channel or indentation in a surface, including tire tread; 轍 covers 'groove' only as a rut or wheel track left in a road by wheels.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 轍わだちrut
• グルーヴgroove
• 開先かいさきgroove (in welding)
• 溝みぞgroove