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How to Say "emotional scars" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cicatrices

/see-kah-TREE-sehs//sikaˈtɾises/

nounB2general
Use 'cicatrices' when referring to deep, lasting psychological or emotional damage resulting from past traumatic experiences, akin to a permanent mark on one's psyche.
A small, colorful cracked ceramic heart that has been carefully glued back together with gold lines.

Examples

Las cicatrices emocionales de la infancia pueden afectar las relaciones adultas.

The emotional scars from childhood can affect adult relationships.

Las cicatrices del alma tardan más en sanar.

The scars of the soul take longer to heal.

Esa mala experiencia le dejó cicatrices emocionales.

That bad experience left him with emotional scars.

heridas

eh-REE-dahs/eˈɾi.ðas/

nounA2general
Use 'heridas' for more general emotional pain or hurt that is still present, or when the damage is not necessarily deep or permanent, and can sometimes even refer to physical wounds.
A close-up view of a human forearm showing three distinct, small cuts or scrapes, some partially covered by small, square bandages.

Examples

Su comentario hirió mis sentimientos; todavía siento las heridas.

His comment hurt my feelings; I still feel the wounds.

Las heridas en su brazo necesitan limpieza inmediata.

The wounds on his arm need immediate cleaning.

Después del accidente, las heridas fueron superficiales.

After the accident, the injuries were superficial.

El tiempo cura todas las heridas, dicen.

Time heals all wounds, they say.

Always Feminine

The word 'herida' (singular) and 'heridas' (plural) is always feminine, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'las heridas').

Cicatrice vs. Herida for Emotional Damage

Learners often confuse 'cicatrices' and 'heridas' for emotional damage. Remember that 'cicatrices' implies a deep, permanent psychological mark from trauma, while 'heridas' suggests more superficial or recent emotional pain that may or may not heal completely.

Related Translations

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