Japanese word

摩擦

Pronunciation

Romajimasatsu

Meaning

  • nounfriction

Example

意見の違いから摩擦が生じました。i ken no chiga i ka ra ma satsu ga shō ji ma shi ta

Friction arose from a difference of opinion.

Illustration for 摩擦 (friction)

More examples

新しい制度の導入は現場との摩擦を生みました。atara shi i sei do no dō nyū wa gen ba to no ma satsu o u mi ma shi ta

Introducing the new system created friction with frontline staff.

Core concept

Describes resistance or tension that arises when things or people do not move smoothly together.

Common phrases

  • 摩擦が生じるma satsu ga shō ji ru

    friction arises

  • 摩擦を招くma satsu o mane ku

    cause friction

  • 摩擦を生むma satsu o u mu

    create friction

  • 摩擦を避けるma satsu o sa ke ru

    avoid friction

  • 摩擦を減らすma satsu o he ra su

    reduce friction

Similar words

軋轢atsureki: Persistent tension or conflict between people or groups.
不和fuwa: A lack of agreement or harmony between people or groups.
対立tairitsu: A state in which people or groups hold opposing positions.

Definition in Japanese

物と物とが触れ合って動くときに生じる抵抗や、意見などの違いから生じる不和。mono to mono to ga fu re a tte ugo ku to ki ni shō ji ru tei kō ya i ken na do no chiga i ka ra shō ji ru fu wa

Word origin

As a Sino-Japanese compound, 摩擦 (masatsu, "friction") combines 摩 (ma, "rub") and 擦 (satsu, "scrape"), expressing the effect of rubbing.

Usage tips

  • The adjective frictionless is common in English for a process that proceeds without obstacles, extending the physical sense into everyday business language.

Opposites

Related words

  • 摩擦するmasatsusururubverb

Word lists with this word