Japanese word

擦る

Pronunciation

Romajisuru

Meaning

  • verbrub

Example

寒いので、手を擦ります。samu i no de te o su ri ma su

I rub my hands because it is cold.

Illustration for 擦る (rub)

More examples

弟の背中を擦ります。otōto no se naka o su ri ma su

I rub my younger brother's back.

Core concept

Describes moving a hand or object against a surface so that friction produces a physical effect.

Common phrases

  • 手を擦るte o su ru

    rub one's hands

  • 目を擦るme o su ru

    rub one's eyes

  • 布で擦るnuno de su ru

    rub with a cloth

Similar words

こするkosuru: To rub something repeatedly against a surface, often with noticeable pressure.
さするsasuru: To rub a body part gently by moving the hand over it.

Definition in Japanese

物の表面に手や物を押し当てて動かし、摩擦を起こす。mono no hyō men ni te ya mono o o shi a te te ugo ka shi ma satsu o o ko su

Word origin

The native Japanese verb する (suru, "to rub") is written as 擦る (suru), with 擦 (satsu, "rub") showing its meaning.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 擦る (suru) is distinguished from する (suru, "to do") mainly by context when both are heard.

Other meanings

  • chafeverb
  • fileverb
  • frostverb
  • strike a matchverb

Word lists with this word