speck
word
/ˈspɛk/
/spˈɛk/
Definition
A very small spot or tiny piece of something; it can refer to a small mark or particle that is hard to see.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal contexts. Often used with words like 'of dust', 'on the wall', or 'of dirt'. Not to be confused with larger stains ('stain', 'blotch'). 'Speck' usually describes something that is barely noticeable.
Spanish: mota - partícula - manchitaPortuguese (BR): mancha - partícula - pontinhoPortuguese (PT): mancha - partícula - pontinhoChinese (Simplified): 斑点 - 小点 - 微粒Chinese (Traditional): 斑點 - 小點 - 微粒Hindi: धब्बा - बिंदीArabic: بقعة صغيرة - نقطة صغيرةBengali: ছিটে - বিন্দুRussian: крошка - пятнышко - точкаJapanese: 小さな点 - 小さな粒 - ほこり（微細な）Vietnamese: đốm nhỏ - hạt nhỏKorean: 작은 점 - 작은 먼지Turkish: zerrecik - küçük leke - benekUrdu: ذرہ - چھوٹا نشانIndonesian: bintik - noda kecil - debu kecil
Example Sentences
There is a speck of dust on your shirt.
basic
I saw a tiny speck in the sky.
basic
You can barely see the speck on the window if you don’t look closely.
natural
That story made me feel like a speck in the universe.
natural
Don't worry, it's just a speck of dirt.
basic
After cleaning the table, not a single speck remained.
natural