抚摸

• Pinyin: fǔ mō
• Hanzi breakdown: 抚 = 扌 + 无 (stroke, comfort); 摸 = 扌 + 莫 (touch, feel)

Meaning

To stroke; to caress; to gently touch with the hand in a soothing or affectionate manner.

Implies gentle, affectionate physical contact. Used for touching animals, children, or beloved objects. Has a tender, caring connotation. More intimate than 触摸 and more deliberate than 摸.

Examples

1. 她轻轻抚摸着孩子柔软的头发，哄他慢慢入睡。 She gently stroked her child’s soft hair, soothing him to sleep.
2. 老人坐在摇椅上，静静地抚摸着趴在腿上打盹的老猫。 The old man sat in a rocking chair, quietly petting the old cat dozing on his lap.
3. 他深情地抚摸着父亲留下的那把旧小提琴，眼眶湿润了。 He tenderly ran his hand over the old violin his father left behind, his eyes filling with tears.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, emotional

Tone: tender

Do Say

• 她温柔地抚摸着受伤的小狗，安抚它的情绪。(She gently stroked the injured puppy to soothe it.)
• 父亲抚摸着儿子的肩膀，无声地表达了他的支持。(The father stroked his son's shoulder, silently conveying his support.)

Don't Say

• 抚摸书桌上的灰尘 — 抚摸 implies affection; use 摸 or 擦 for touching objects without emotional intent

Origin & History

抚 (stroke/comfort) + 摸 (touch/feel)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal