1.
freckles
Small light-brown spots on the skin, especially on the face, caused by sun exposure or genetics. Usually written in hiragana.
Usage
そばかす is usually written in hiragana. The kanji 雀斑 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)
- そばかすが目立つ (freckles are noticeable)
- そばかすが増える (freckles increase)
- そばかすを隠す (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.