To smoke or smoulder: to burn slowly with smoke rather than flames; to sputter.
古い紙が少しくすぶっていて、煙が上がっている。
Some old paper is smouldering a bit and smoke is rising.
焚き火の残りが夜中までくすぶっていた。
The remnants of the bonfire smouldered until night.
炭がまだくすぶっていて火力が弱い。
The coals are still smouldering and the heat is weak.
To be sooty or smoke-stained; to become covered in soot.
暖炉の周りの壁がくすぶって黒くなっている。
The wall around the fireplace is blackened from soot.
長年使った工場の屋根は煙でくすぶっていた。
The roof of the long-used factory was stained with smoke.
To smoulder figuratively: a dispute, resentment, or problem continues quietly without erupting.
社内の不満がくすぶっていて、いつ問題化してもおかしくない。
Discontent within the company is smouldering and could become a problem at any time.
二人の間には誤解がくすぶっていたが、話し合いで解決した。
There was a lingering misunderstanding between the two, but it was resolved through discussion.
領土問題が長年くすぶっている。
The territorial dispute has been smouldering for many years.
To seclude oneself; to keep a low profile and withdraw from public life.
彼は失敗後、外に出ずに家でくすぶっている。
After his failure, he has withdrawn and stayed at home.
売れない頃は地方でくすぶっていたミュージシャンが、ある日突然注目された。
A musician who had been smouldering in the provinces suddenly gained attention one day.
To live in obscurity; to stay at the same (often low) level without advancement or recognition.
彼は才能はあるのに、長年くすぶったままだ。
He has talent, but he's remained in obscurity for years.
若い研究者が認められずにくすぶっている現状は問題だ。
It's a problem that young researchers are being overlooked and remain stagnant.
その会社は新技術に乗り遅れ、業界でくすぶっている。
The company missed out on new technology and remains stuck in the industry.