also: ふすぶる
くすぶる · godan verb (-ru)
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | くすぶる | くすぶらない |
| Polite | くすぶります | くすぶりません |
| Past polite | くすぶりました | くすぶりませんでした |
| Past | くすぶった | くすぶらなかった |
| Te-form | くすぶって | くすぶらないで |
| Desire | くすぶりたい | くすぶりたくない |
| Potential | くすぶれる | くすぶれない |
| Passive | くすぶられる | くすぶられない |
| Causative | くすぶらせる | くすぶらせない |
| Causative passive | くすぶらせられるalso くすぶらされる | くすぶらせられないalso くすぶらされない |
| Volitional | くすぶろう | |
| Polite volitional | くすぶりましょう | |
| Imperative | くすぶれ | くすぶるな |
| Conditional | くすぶれば | くすぶらなければ |
| Tara conditional | くすぶったら | くすぶらなかったら |
godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb
smolder; smoke without flame
Describes something burning slowly with smoke but no open flame. Often used for fires, cigarettes, or incense.
The bonfire is smoldering, with only smoke rising.
godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb
be sooty; be smoke-stained
Only with reading くすぶる / ふすぶる
Describes a surface or object that has become blackened or discolored by smoke. Often used for ceilings, walls, or kitchenware.
The kitchen ceiling, used for many years, is smoke-stained.
godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb
Only with reading くすぶる
Figurative use for disputes, dissatisfaction, or tension that persists without open outbreak. Common in phrases like 不満がくすぶる.
Dissatisfaction is simmering within the company.
godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb
stay obscure; languish; seclude oneself
Only with reading くすぶる / ふすぶる
Describes a person remaining in a low or unchanging position, living quietly out of the spotlight, or staying at home without advancing. Sense 4 (seclude oneself) is rarer and overlaps with sense 5.
He has been languishing at his parents' house ever since graduating from university.
That actor has been staying out of the limelight lately.