斑

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 斑 is read as まだら and is a noun for an uneven blotch or mottled, spotted pattern.
• Basic usage: A wall’s color becoming blotchy appears in 壁の色が斑になる, while a black-and-white spotted pattern appears in 白と黒の斑模様.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A state and a pattern
  • Use 斑になる for becoming uneven in color and 斑模様 for the pattern itself.
• Difference from 水玉
  • Unlike the term for regular round polka dots, this word describes irregular blotches or spots.