notch

Compared meaning: a small cut or mark on a surface (noun).

比较义项：刻痕（名词）。

• nick

  Refers to a small, shallow, often accidental cut or scratch on a surface or skin, with no particular shape; informal and minor in tone.

  指表面或皮肤上一个小的、浅的、常常是不小心造成的划痕或缺口，没有特定形状；语气随意，程度较轻。

  There's a nick on the edge of the glass where it hit the counter.

  玻璃杯边缘有一道小划痕，是碰到台面留下的。

• notch 本词

  Refers to a deliberate, V-shaped cut made in an edge or surface, often to mark something or fit a piece; more precise and purposeful than nick.

  指在边缘或表面上特意刻出的 V 形切口，常用来做标记或方便嵌合；比 nick 更精确、更具目的性。

  She carved a notch in the belt to make it fit her waist.

  她在皮带上刻了一个 V 形刻痕，好让它更合腰围。

Nick and notch both name a small cut on a surface, but the shape and cause differ. Notch describes a deliberate, V-shaped cut, often made to mark something or fit two parts together. Nick describes a small, shallow, accidental scratch, with a lighter, informal tone.

两个词都指物体表面的小凹痕或切口，但 notch 强调呈 V 形、边缘分明的刻痕，常用于做记号；nick 强调随意造成的小划痕或缺口，程度更轻。