擦(こす)る

こする
verb (godan)
to rub; to scrub
1. to rub; to scrub
To move something back and forth against a surface with pressure.
目(め)を擦(こす)ってはいけません。
You shouldn't rub your eyes.
鍋(なべ)を擦(こす)って汚(よご)れを落(お)とした。
I scrubbed the pot to remove the stains.
背中(せなか)を擦(こす)ってくれる？
Can you scrub my back?
マッチを擦(こす)って火(ひ)をつけた。
I struck a match to light a fire.
肌(はだ)を強(つよ)く擦(こす)らないで。
Don't scrub your skin too hard.
2. to graze; to scrape against
To brush or scrape lightly against something while passing.
石(いし)に足(あし)を擦(こす)った。
I scraped my foot against a rock.
電柱(でんちゅう)に車(くるま)を擦(こす)った。
I scraped the car against a utility pole.
ドアに腕(うで)を擦(こす)った。
I scraped my arm on the door.
石(いし)に靴(くつ)を擦(こす)ってしまった。
I scraped my shoes against a rock.
狭(せま)い道(みち)でミラーを擦(こす)った。
I scraped the mirror on a narrow road.

擦(こす)る is a transitive verb (他動詞(たどうし)) meaning to rub or scrub with friction.

INTRANSITIVE: 擦(こす)れる (to rub against, to become worn)

ASPECT (ている):
擦(こす)っている indicates the rubbing action is ongoing.

PARTICLE PATTERNS:

  • [body part]を擦(こす)る — to rub [body part]
  • [object]を[surface]に擦(こす)る — to scrape [object] against [surface]
  • [thing]で擦(こす)る — to scrub with [thing]

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 目(め)を擦(こす)る (rub one's eyes)
  • 背中(せなか)を擦(こす)る (scrub one's back)
  • マッチを擦(こす)る (strike a match)
  • 車(くるま)を擦(こす)る (scrape a car)

OFTEN IN HIRAGANA:
This verb is frequently written as こする.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 揉(も)む: to knead, massage (more pressing)
  • 擦(こす)る: to rub, scrub (more friction)
  • 撫(な)でる: to stroke (gentle, one direction)
basic
Added 2026.1.14 17:40 · Revised 2026.3.4 11:09
04000/04262_kosuru