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N2

Kanji 錆: meanings, readings, and example words.

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Kanji 錆: rust, tarnish

Key takeaways

Kanji 錆: rust, tarnish. Readings and core meaning.

See vocabulary and examples below.

Kanji at a glance

N2

Meaning

rusttarnish

On reading

しょうせい

Kun reading

さびくわ.しい

Radical

Core meaning / core image

Core meaning: 錆

rust, tarnish

Kanji structure breakdown

Structure breakdown

金 + 青

Mnemonic story

Mnemonic story

Imagine blue or green (青) oxidation forming on the surface of a metal (金). This kanji represents rust or tarnish, much like how copper develops a distinct blue-green patina over time.

On'yomi and kun'yomi

Kun reading

さび
  • 錆びさび

    rust / rusting

  • さび

    rust / corrosion

  • 錆びるさびる

    to rust / become rusty

Commonly used words

  • 錆び
    さび

    rust / rusting

  • さび

    rust / corrosion

  • 錆びる
    さびる

    to rust / become rusty

Example sentences

Example 1

この自転車はびている。

Translation

This bicycle is rusted.

Example 2

古い釘がびて取れない。

Translation

The old nail is rusted and won't come off.

Example 3

古い自転車にさびがついている。

Translation

The old bicycle has rust on it.

Example 4

金属のさびを落とすのは大変だ。

Translation

Removing rust from metal is difficult.

Kanji 錆: rust, tarnish | Daily Nihongo