摩る

• Reading: さする
• Romaji: sasuru
• Kanji breakdown: 摩 (ma/sa) — rub, grind, scrape
• Pronunciation: /sa.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To rub; to stroke; to massage. A physical action of gently moving the hand over a surface or body part.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb used for gentle rubbing or stroking motions. Commonly describes massaging a sore area, rubbing hands together for warmth, or comforting someone by stroking their back. Distinguished from こする (scrub forcefully) by its gentler connotation.

Examples

1. お腹が痛い子供の背中を優しく摩った。 I gently rubbed the back of the child who had a stomachache.
2. 寒くて手を摩りながら歩いた。 It was so cold that I rubbed my hands together as I walked.
3. 祖母が膝を摩っている姿をよく見かける。 I often see my grandmother rubbing her knees.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, caregiving, health

Tone: gentle

Origin & History

The kanji 摩 means to rub or grind, sharing a root with 摩擦 (friction). The verb form さする has been used since the Heian period for gentle rubbing actions.

Cultural Context

Era: Heian period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal