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How to Say "scar" in Spanish

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cicatriz

see-kah-TREES/sikaˈtɾis/

nounB1
Use 'cicatriz' specifically for the physical mark left on the skin after a wound has healed.
A simple illustration of a prominent, raised, reddish scar on light-colored skin, likely on an arm or leg.

Examples

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

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

La crema ayuda a que la cicatriz se vea menos.

The cream helps the scar look less noticeable.

Después de la operación, solo quedó una pequeña cicatriz.

After the operation, only a small scar remained.

Feminine Noun Ending in -Z

Even though many Spanish nouns ending in -z are masculine, 'cicatriz' is feminine. Remember to use 'la' or 'una' with it: 'la cicatriz'.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “El cicatriz”

Correction: La cicatriz. This word is always feminine.

marca

MAR-cah/ˈmaɾka/

nounA2
Use 'marca' for any kind of permanent mark or trace left on a surface, including skin, but it's less specific to healed wounds than 'cicatriz'.
A deep, clear footprint pressed into smooth, damp beach sand.

Examples

Hay una marca de zapato en el suelo.

There is a shoe mark on the floor.

Su caída dejó una pequeña marca en la rodilla.

His fall left a small mark (scar) on his knee.

Necesitas hacer una marca con lápiz antes de cortar.

You need to make a mark with a pencil before cutting.

señal

nounB2
Use 'señal' when referring to a mark on the skin that serves as an indicator or reminder of a past event, like an operation or injury.

Examples

La cicatriz en su brazo es una señal de su operación.

The scar on his arm is a mark from his surgery.

Cicactriz vs. Marca vs. Señal

The most common mistake is using 'marca' or 'señal' when you specifically mean a healed wound. Reserve 'cicatriz' for these instances. 'Marca' is broader for any mark, and 'señal' implies the mark signifies something.

Related Translations

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