also: ふすぶる
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.
たき火がくすぶって、煙だけが立ちのぼっている。
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.
長年使った台所の天井がくすぶっている。
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.
社内には不満がくすぶっている。
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.
彼は大学を出てからずっと実家でくすぶっている。
He has been languishing at his parents' house ever since graduating from university.
あの俳優は最近くすぶっているね。
That actor has been staying out of the limelight lately.