How to say "rub" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- godan verb, transitive verbThe broadest everyday verb for rubbing: moving a hand or object back and forth over a surface, as in rubbing tired eyes or scrubbing at a stain. Usually written in kana.
- godan verb, transitive verbRubbing gently and repeatedly to soothe, as when rubbing someone's shoulders or back; close to patting or massaging. Choose this when the touch is comforting rather than scrubbing.
- 擦るするgodan verb, transitive verbRubbing that involves real friction — chafing the skin, striking a match, filing something down. Be aware it reads する, exactly like the verb 'to do'.
- godan verb, transitive verbRubbing by pressing and working with the hands or fingers, as when rubbing sore shoulders; also covers crumpling, like crumpling paper into a ball. Usually written in kana.
- 撫でるなでるichidan verb, transitive verbSeldom the right word for actual rubbing: it means stroking or caressing with a light, gentle pass of the hand, as in stroking a dog or a child's hair.
Use 「こする」 for general rubbing and scrubbing, 「さする」 for gentle, soothing rubbing, 「擦る」 for friction such as chafing or striking a match, 「もむ」 for working on something with the hands, and 「撫でる」 for light stroking rather than true rubbing.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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