かする

か

す

る

JLPTN1

Meanings

1

godan verb (-ru), transitive verb

graze; brush against; touch lightly

usually written using kana alone

Describes something moving past and making very light contact, often without causing significant damage. Common with bullets, branches, or a light touch.

弾たまが耳みみをかすった。
The bullet grazed my ear.
車くるまが壁かべをかすって止

と

まっ

た

。

The car brushed against the wall and stopped.

2

godan verb (-ru), transitive verb

take a cut; skim off; exploit

usually written using kana alone

Used for taking a portion of money or profit, often in a shady or exploitative context. Implies taking a small amount off the top, like skimming.

彼かれは売うり上あげから少すこしだけかすっているらしい。
He seems to be skimming a little off the sales.
仲ちゅう介かい業ぎょう者しゃが手て数すう料りょうをかする。
The intermediary takes a cut as a commission.

Written forms

かするUsage90%
Usually written in kana; the kanji forms 掠る and 擦る are less common and may be confused with other readings.
掠かするUsage10%
Rare kanji form; can also be read りゃくする or confused with 掠める (かすめる).
擦かする
Rare kanji form; more commonly read する or こする.

Kanji

掠pillage, rob, graze
擦grate, rub, scratch

Similar words

擦する
擦る (する) means to rub or chafe with more pressure and friction, while かする implies a light, glancing contact.
掠かすめる
掠める (かすめる) can also mean to graze or to steal, but it often implies a swift, sneaky action, whereas かする focuses on the light touch itself.

Etymology

The origin is uncertain. The kanji 掠 and 擦 are associated with the meaning of light contact or rubbing, but the word itself is native Japanese.