伤痕 shānghén scar
scar; bruise
How to remember 伤痕: 伤 to injure + 痕 scar = scar.
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How it is used
- A scar / mark left by a wound - 他身上留下了许多伤痕 (tā shēnshàng liúxiàle xǔduō shānghén) he was left with many scars.
- Physical scar, but often figurative: 心灵的伤痕 (emotional scars), 伤痕文学 (post-Cultural-Revolution 'scar literature').
- Contrast 伤疤 (shāngbā, a healed scar, more colloquial); 伤痕 works for both fresh marks and lasting traces.