() — to wipe, to rub (with a cloth or towel); to apply (lipstick, cream, lotion, etc.) by rubbing or patting

Definition

擦 (cā) means to wipe or rub with a cloth/towel (e.g. 擦桌子), and also to apply cosmetics or cream by rubbing — lighter, everyday strokes than the more written 涂.

verb
to wipeto rub (with a cloth or towel)to apply (lipstick, cream, lotion, etc.) by rubbing or patting

Examples

  • Qǐng bǎ zhuō zi cā gān jìng.
    Please wipe the table clean.
  • Tā měi tiān zǎo shàng dōu cā kǒu hóng.
    She applies lipstick every morning.
  • Tā qí chē cóng wǒ men shēn biān cā guò.
    He brushed past us on his bike.

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