撫でる

• Reading: なでる
• Romaji: naderu
• Kanji breakdown: 撫 (nade/bu) — to stroke, pat, caress
• Pronunciation: /na.de.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To stroke; to caress; to brush gently; to pat. A gentle touching motion along a surface.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb. Used for gentle physical contact — stroking a pet, patting a child's head, or smoothing something with the hand. In Japanese culture, 頭を撫でる (patting the head) is a common gesture of affection toward children.

Examples

1. 猫の背中を優しく撫でた。 I gently stroked the cat's back.
2. 母は泣いている子供の頭を撫でてあげた。 My mom patted the crying child on the head.
3. 風が頬を撫でるように吹いている。 The wind is blowing as if brushing against my cheek.

Usage Guide

Context: pets, family, poetic description

Tone: gentle

Origin & History

From Old Japanese 撫づ. The kanji 撫 combines 扌(hand) with 無 (nothing/without), suggesting a light, effortless touch.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal