そばかす

そばかす
noun
freckles
1. freckles
Small light-brown spots on the skin, especially on the face, caused by sun exposure or genetics. Usually written in hiragana.
(はな)にそばかすがある。
There are freckles on the nose.
(なつ)になるとそばかすが()える。
Freckles increase in summer.
日焼(ひや)()めを()らないと、そばかすが目立(めだ)つようになる。
If you don't apply sunscreen, your freckles will become more noticeable.

USAGE:
そばかす is usually written in hiragana. The kanji 雀斑(そばかす) exists but is rarely used. The word is typically used with the particle が.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • そばかすがある (to have freckles)
  • そばかすが目立(めだ)つ (freckles are noticeable)
  • そばかすが()える (freckles increase)
  • そばかすを(かく)す (to conceal freckles)

SIMILAR WORDS:
シミ refers to age spots or liver spots, which are larger and darker than freckles. そばかす are smaller, lighter, and often appear in childhood or with sun exposure.