1.
rust (oxidation on metal)
The reddish-brown coating that forms on iron or steel when exposed to moisture and air.
自転車のチェーンに錆がついている。
There's rust on the bicycle chain.
錆を落とすのは大変だ。
Removing rust is hard work.
雨ざらしにすると錆が出る。
If you leave it exposed to rain, it will rust.
錆 refers to the oxidation that forms on metal surfaces, especially iron and steel when exposed to moisture.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 錆がつく: to become rusty
- 錆が出る: rust appears
- 錆を落とす: to remove rust
- 錆止め: rust prevention/rust inhibitor
- 錆だらけ: covered in rust
VERB FORM:
錆びる is the verb meaning 'to rust.' Example: 鉄が錆びた (the iron rusted).
TYPES OF RUST:
- 赤錆: red rust (iron oxide, the most common type)
- 青錆: verdigris (green patina on copper or bronze)
- 黒錆: black rust (stable oxide, sometimes protective)
FIGURATIVE USE:
腕が錆びる means 'to lose one's skill/touch' from disuse.