Translation and Meaning of: 面皰 - nikibi

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about specific words in the language, you may have come across the term 面皰[にきび]. This word, which may seem simple at first glance, carries interesting nuances about its meaning, origin, and usage in everyday Japanese. In this article, we will explore what it represents, how it is written, and in what contexts it appears, as well as tips for memorizing it efficiently.

ニキビ (にきび) is a common word in Japanese vocabulary, especially among youth and adults, as it relates to a well-known skin issue. Understanding its correct usage and structure can be useful not only for Japanese learners but also for those interested in Japan's culture and language. Let's start by unraveling its meaning and then dive into details about its writing and practical application.

Meaning and Translation of 面皰[にきび]

The word 面皰 [にきび] is used to refer to "pimples" or "acne." It describes those small inflammations on the skin that appear mainly on the face, back, and chest. In Japan, just like in many other countries, this is a common issue, especially during adolescence, due to hormonal changes.

It's worth highlighting that にきび is the most common reading, while 面皰 is the kanji writing, less used in daily life. Many Japanese people prefer to write it in hiragana because it's simpler, but knowing the kanji helps to understand its composition and origin. The first part, 面, means "face," and the second part, 皰, is related to "bubbles" or "eruptions," which makes perfect sense in context.

Origin and Structure of Kanji

The kanji that make up 面皰 [にきび] have an interesting history. 面 (men) is a character frequently used in words related to the face, such as 面白い (omoshiroi - interesting) or 面接 (mensetsu - interview). On the other hand, 皰 (hō) is a rarer kanji, generally associated with eruptions or blisters on the skin, which reinforces the meaning of the word.

Although the writing in kanji is correct, it is rarely seen in everyday materials, such as magazines or advertisements. This happens because many Japanese people consider these characters complex and choose hiragana for easier reading. However, understanding its composition helps to memorize the word and recognize it in more formal or medical contexts.

Lies in Everyday Life and Japanese Culture

In Japan, にきび is a recurring theme in conversations among teenagers and even in beauty products. Many cosmetic brands offer specific lines to combat pimples, and TV programs often discuss tips to avoid this issue. The word also appears in manga and anime, especially in stories that depict school life.

Culturally, having clear skin is highly valued in Japan, which makes にきび a sensitive topic for many people. Therefore, it is common to find remedies and home treatments being shared on forums and social media. Knowing how to use this word correctly can be helpful in conversations about health, beauty, or even in medical consultations.

Tips for Memorizing 面皰[にきび]

An effective way to fix this word is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, when seeing an advertisement for an acne product, try to remember the term にきび. Another tip is to create flashcards with the kanji and hiragana, reviewing them regularly to reinforce visual memory.

Additionally, practicing the writing of the kanji 面 and 皰 can help you understand their structure and meaning. Even though the hiragana version is more common, knowing the original characters enriches your vocabulary and facilitates the learning of other related words. How about trying to write 面皰 a few times now?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• にきび (nikibi) - Pimple or acne, common in adolescence.
• ぶつぶつ (butsubutsu) - Generic term for small bumps on the skin, which can include pimples.
• にきび瘡 (nikibi-ura) - A more technical way to refer to the condition of acne, usually in a medical context.

面皰

Romaji: nikibi
Kana: にきび
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Pimple; acne

Meaning in English: pimple;acne

Definition: Red and protruding pimples and pimples that appear on the skin of the face.

Example Sentences - (面皰) nikibi

See below some example sentences:

私の顔には面皰があります。

Watashi no kao ni wa mentsu ga arimasu

I have acne on my face.

There is a face on my face.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "de" in English
• 顔 - noun that means "face" in Japanese
• に - particle that indicates the place where something is or happens, equivalent to "in" in Portuguese
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about" in Portuguese
• 面皰 - Noun that means "spine" in Japanese
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, equivalent to "the" in Portuguese
• あります - The verb that means "to exist" in Japanese, conjugated in the affirmative present tense.