French word

frotter

Pronunciation

IPA/fʁote/

Meaning

  • verbrub

Example

Je frotte la table avec un chiffon.

I rub the table with a cloth.

Illustration for frotter (rub)

More examples

Il se frotte les mains pour se réchauffer.

He rubs his hands to warm up.

Core concept

A surface receives repeated rubbing from a hand, cloth, or object until it feels cleaner, smoother, or more stimulated.

Common phrases

  • se frotter les mains

    rub one's hands

  • se frotter les yeux

    rub one's eyes

  • frotter une tache

    rub a stain

Similar words

essuyer: To quickly wipe moisture or dirt from a surface with a cloth or paper.
laver: To wash and clean something using water or detergent.
tamponner: To dab a surface with cloth or cotton to absorb liquid or fade a mark.

Definition in French

Frotter signifie passer la main, un chiffon ou un objet sur une surface en produisant un frottement pour enlever une saleté, polir ou provoquer une sensation par contact.

Word origin

French frotter developed from Old French froter, which came from Latin fricare, 'to rub', with the central sense of rubbing preserved.

Usage tips

  • For body parts, French commonly uses the reflexive form, as in se frotter les yeux and se frotter les mains.

Other meanings

  • polishverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word