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cicatriz

see-kah-TREES/sikaˈtɾis/

scar

Also: cicatrix
NounfB1
A simple illustration of a prominent, raised, reddish scar on light-colored skin, likely on an arm or leg.

📝 In Action

Tiene una cicatriz grande en el codo por una caída de niño.

B1

He has a large scar on his elbow from a fall as a child.

La crema ayuda a que la cicatriz se vea menos.

B2

The cream helps the scar look less noticeable.

Después de la operación, solo quedó una pequeña cicatriz.

B1

After the operation, only a small scar remained.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • marca (mark)
  • señal (sign/mark)

Common Collocations

  • curar la cicatriz – to heal the scar (figuratively, or treat)
  • dejar una cicatriz – to leave a scar

emotional scar

Also: lasting trauma
NounfC1neutral/formal
A stylized red heart showing a simple, visible, healed line across its surface, representing a mended injury.

📝 In Action

La pérdida de su madre le dejó una cicatriz profunda en el alma.

C1

The loss of his mother left a deep scar on his soul.

Esa traición fue una cicatriz que nunca sanó completamente.

C1

That betrayal was a scar that never fully healed.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • cicatriz emocional – emotional scar
  • cicatriz del pasado – scar from the past

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "cicatriz" in Spanish:

cicatrix→emotional scar→lasting trauma→scar→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: cicatriz

Question 1 of 2

¿Cuál es el mejor sinónimo para 'cicatriz' en un contexto emocional?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
cicatrizar(to heal (a wound), to scar over) — Verb
cicatrización(healing (process)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
actrizdirectriz
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *cicatrix*, which meant 'scar' or 'wound-covering'. It has been used in Spanish since medieval times and its meaning has remained constant.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: cicatrizItalian: cicatrice

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'cicatriz' used only for serious wounds?

No, 'cicatriz' can refer to any mark left after healing, from a minor cut to a major surgical incision. It is also very commonly used to talk about emotional or psychological hurts.

How do I say 'to scar' in Spanish?

The verb is 'cicatrizar.' For example, 'La herida va a cicatrizar pronto' (The wound is going to heal/scar over soon).