摩擦

• Pinyin: mó cā
• Hanzi breakdown: 摩 = 麻 (hemp) + 手, to rub; 擦 = 扌(hand) + 察, to wipe or rub

Meaning

Friction; to rub. Physical rubbing or interpersonal conflict.

Has both literal (physics: 摩擦力) and figurative meanings (interpersonal friction, trade disputes). The verb use means to rub surfaces together. Often appears in news about international relations or workplace conflicts.

Examples

1. 两国之间的贸易摩擦越来越严重了。 The trade friction between the two countries is getting more and more serious.
2. 冬天穿毛衣容易产生静电摩擦。 Wearing sweaters in winter easily generates static electricity friction.
3. 同事之间有些小摩擦是正常的，关键是怎么解决。 Some minor friction among colleagues is normal; the key is how to resolve it.

Usage Guide

Context: physics, international relations, interpersonal

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 中美之间的贸易摩擦影响了全球经济。(The trade friction between China and the US has affected the global economy.)
• 用力摩擦双手可以取暖。(Rubbing your hands together vigorously can warm you up.)

Don't Say

• 我和他摩擦了一架。(For a fight/quarrel, use 吵架 — 摩擦 refers to friction or minor conflicts, not actual quarrels)

Origin & History

摩 (mó, to rub) + 擦 (cā, to wipe/scrub). Two synonymous characters reinforcing the meaning of rubbing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal