Translation guide
The English phrase 'rub out' has two main meanings: to erase or remove something by rubbing, and a slang meaning of to kill or murder someone. The erasing sense is common and useful for learners, while the murder sense is niche and should be used with caution.
To remove marks, writing, or dirt by rubbing with an eraser, cloth, etc.
To kill someone, often used in crime fiction or colloquial speech.
Slang for 'to kill' or 'to rub someone out'. Common in yakuza movies and crime stories. Use with caution; it's rough and informal.
This is a rough slang term. Do not use in polite conversation.
When 消す means 'to kill', it is rough slang. Avoid using it in formal or polite contexts. The standard verb 殺す is safer for general use.
Don't rub him out.
I rubbed out the pencil marks with an eraser.
Please rub out the writing on the whiteboard.
To wipe off or rub off dirt, liquid, or marks using a cloth or tissue. Emphasizes the wiping action.
I rubbed out the stain on the table with a cloth.
Literally 'rub and erase'. Rare and literary; used for rubbing out marks or sounds.
He rubbed out the letters on the blackboard with his hand.
Rub him out.
He rubbed out the traitor.
Standard verb for 'to kill'. Not specifically 'rub out', but conveys the same meaning without slang nuance.
He rubbed out his enemy.
To erase from existence; to wipe out. Formal and literary, used for killing or completely eliminating someone or something.
The organization rubbed out the witness.