Definition
摩擦 (mócā) as a verb means 'to rub', often two surfaces together (e.g., hands). It is more general than its siblings: 擦 (wipe with cloth), 磨 (grind/polish), 揉 (knead/massage), and 搓 (roll between palms). As a noun, it means 'friction' — both physical resistance and figurative conflict.
noun
friction (physical resistance between surfaces)frictionconflicttension (figurative, between people or groups)
verb
to rubto chafe
Examples
- 摩擦。Jīqì yùnzhuǎn shí huì chǎnshēng mó cā.Friction is generated when the machine runs.
- 摩擦，。Tāmen zhījiān yǒu yìxiē mó cā, xūyào hǎohǎo gōutōng.There is some friction between them; they need to communicate well.
- 摩擦。Tā bùtíng de mó cā shuāngshǒu qǔnuǎn.He kept rubbing his hands together to warm them.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.