How to say "scar" in Japanese

• 傷跡きずあとCommon
  nounThe default noun for a scar: the visible mark left on the skin after a wound has healed. Use it when talking about the trace itself, e.g. a scar on one's arm or face.
  彼かれのほおの傷きずあとは今いまではほとんどわからない。↗

  The scar on his cheek hardly shows now.
• 古傷ふるきずCommon
  nounSpecifically an old wound or a scar from one; often used of an injury from the past, including figuratively for old emotional wounds. Choose it when the scar's age or past origin matters.
• 傷きずJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounPrimarily means the wound, injury, cut, or gash itself rather than the mark it leaves. It is not the usual word when you specifically mean a healed scar; 傷跡 is better for that.
  海水かいすいが傷きずにしみて痛いたいよ。↗

  The seawater stings my cut.
• 付くつくJLPT N4approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbA verb, not the noun 'scar': it means a mark, scar, or stain forms or remains on something. Seldom the word you want for the noun 'scar'; use it when saying a scar has been left.
  それらの牛うしには焼き印やきいんがついている。↗

  The cattle are marked with brands.

Use 傷跡 for the mark left by a healed wound, 傷 for the wound or injury itself, 古傷 for an old or former injury, and 「付く」 only as a verb meaning a mark or scar forms or remains.

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

• 傷跡きずあとscar
• 古傷ふるきずold wound
• 傷きずwound
• 痕こんscar (e.g. from operation, injection)
• 引きつりひきつりscar
• 瘢痕はんこんscar
• 創痕そうこんscar
• 残痕ざんこんvestige
• 付くつくto remain imprinted
• 跡あとscar