擦 (cā) - To wipe & to rub

擦Tone 1

cā ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

不偲

擦 · cā

To wipe;

to rub;

to scrub;

to clean by friction;

to apply (ointment, etc.

);

to brush against;

to come close to.

To wipeto rubto scrub

Usage highlights

Wipe cleanWipe sweatErasePolish shoesApply medicineBrush against

Synonyms

  • 抹— to wipe; to smear
  • 拭— to wipe; to clean
  • 揩— to wipe; to clean

Antonyms

  • 涂— to smear; to apply thickly
  • 抹— to smear (in some contexts)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please wipe the table (擦桌子).
  • She applied sunscreen to her face (擦防晒霜).
  • The car brushed against the wall (擦到墙).
  • He is scrubbing the floor (擦地板).

Collocations

  • Wipe clean(擦干净)
  • Wipe sweat(擦汗)
  • Erase(擦掉)
  • Polish shoes(擦鞋)
  • Apply medicine(擦药)
  • Brush against(擦过)

Idioms

  • Rub shoulders with(摩肩擦踵)
  • Pass by closely(擦肩而过)
  • Polish until shiny(擦得锃亮)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Associated with cleaning and maintenance in daily life.
  • Used metaphorically for close encounters or near misses.
  • Common in instructions for personal care and household chores.

FAQ