(さび)

さび
noun
rust
1. rust (oxidation on metal)
The reddish-brown coating that forms on iron or steel when exposed to moisture and air.
自転車(じてんしゃ)のチェーンに(さび)がついている。
There's rust on the bicycle chain.
(さび)()とすのは大変(たいへん)だ。
Removing rust is hard work.
(あめ)ざらしにすると(さび)()る。
If you leave it exposed to rain, it will rust.

(さび) refers to the oxidation that forms on metal, particularly iron and steel.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • (さび)がつく (to become rusty)
  • (さび)()る (rust appears)
  • (さび)()とす (to remove rust)
  • (さび)()め (rust prevention)
  • (さび)びる (to rust) [verb form]

RELATED VOCABULARY:

  • 赤錆(あかさび) (red rust)
  • 青錆(あおさび) (verdigris, green rust on copper)