搓 (cuō) - To rub with the hands & to twist

搓Tone 1

cuō ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

搓 · cuō

To rub with the hands;

to twist;

to knead;

to roll between the palms or fingers.

To rub with the handsto twistto knead

Usage highlights

Rub handsKnead doughPlay mahjongTwist ropeRub pillsMassage

Synonyms

  • 揉— to knead; to rub
  • 捻— to twist with fingers
  • 摩— to rub; to stroke

Antonyms

  • 拍— to pat; to clap (different hand action)
  • 打— to hit; to strike (opposite of gentle rubbing)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He rubbed his hands together to warm them (搓手).
  • She kneaded the dough for the dumplings (搓面团).
  • They played mahjong and rolled the dice (搓麻将).
  • He twisted a rope from hemp fibers (搓绳子).

Collocations

  • Rub hands(搓手)
  • Knead dough(搓面团)
  • Play mahjong(搓麻将)
  • Twist rope(搓绳子)
  • Rub pills(搓丸)
  • Massage(搓揉)

Idioms

  • Rub one's hands in anticipation(搓手顿脚)
  • Anxiously rubbing hands and stamping feet(搓手跺脚)
  • Rub and knead repeatedly(搓来揉去)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Associated with handcraft activities like rope-making and dough preparation in traditional Chinese life.
  • The term '搓麻将' (playing mahjong) comes from the sound and action of shuffling tiles.
  • Reflects the importance of manual dexterity and tactile skills in Chinese material culture.

FAQ