Japanese symbol for “rub”

擦る

する

Romaji: suru

to rub; to chafe; to strike (match); to file

In Japanese, rub is 擦る, read する (suru).

Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.

Meanings

v5r, vt to rub; to chafe; to strike (match); to file; to frost (glass)
v5r, vt to squander (one's money); to run through (one's fortune); to lose money (e.g. by gambling)

Written forms: 擦る、擂る、摩る、磨る. Readings: する.

Kanji and stroke order

擦

grate, rub, scratch

on: サツ
kun: す.る、す.れる、-ず.れ、こす.る

17 strokes · JLPT 1

Other Japanese words for “rub”

Word	Reading	Meaning
揉む	もむ momu	to rub; to crumple
擦り付ける	なすりつける nasuritsukeru	to rub (on); to wipe; to daub
擦れる	すれる sureru	to rub; to chafe
撫でる	なでる naderu	to stroke; to caress; to brush gently
擦れ	すれ sure	chafing; sore; scrape

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

Word	Reading	Meaning
摩擦	まさつ masatsu	friction
擦り傷	すりきず surikizu	scratch; graze; scrape
擦り	こすり kosuri	rubbing; scrubbing; scraping
擦れ	すれ sure	chafing; sore; scrape