Meaning and Usage
"にきび" refers to pimples or acne, commonly appearing on the face, especially during adolescence. It is a noun used in everyday conversation and medical contexts.
Common Contexts
People often talk about にきび when discussing skin care, puberty, or concerns about appearance. It can be a source of embarrassment or discomfort.
Collocations and Patterns
- にきびができる: to get pimples
- にきびをつぶす: to pop pimples (usually discouraged)
- にきび跡 (にきびあと): acne scars
Register and Politeness
"にきび" is neutral and can be used in casual and formal speech. It is not a technical term but widely understood.
Learner Tips
Avoid confusing にきび with other skin conditions like そばかす (freckles) or しみ (spots). Also, when talking about treatment, use appropriate verbs like 治る (to heal) or できる (to appear).