mo1 caat3摩擦
Jyutpingmo1 caat3
Yalemō chaat
Definition
To rub or scrape.
neutraldaily actionsbody
How it's used
Use this word primarily for the physical action of rubbing two surfaces together to create friction or warmth. It is also frequently used in a metaphorical sense to describe interpersonal conflict or tension between people. Note that the character 磨 is often written as 摩 in this specific compound, though both are widely accepted.
Examples
Why are you rubbing your wound?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to mean scratching an itch, for which 搲 is the correct colloquial term. Using 摩擦 for an itch sounds like you are aggressively sanding down your skin.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
