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
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 |
See also: Chinese symbol for “rub”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.
Last posts
- What Is a Suburito and Is It Worth Buying for Strength
- Buying a Wooden Wakizashi for Two-Sword Practice
- Buying Chanbara Swords for Sparring and Competition
- What Size Shinai Does a Child Need for Kendo Practice
- Best Polypropylene Bokken for Hard Contact Training
- Best Foam Swords for Kids Martial Arts and Safe Practice
- Are Cold Steel Training Swords Good for Practice
- Shinai Maintenance and Essential Tools for Bamboo Care
- Best Shinai for Kendo Beginners Choosing Your First Sword
- Choosing the Best Bokken for Kendo Kata