Chinese word

摩擦

Pronunciation

Pinyinmó cā

Meaning

  • nounfriction

Example

最近他们之间有些摩擦，需要沟通。zuì jìn tā men zhī jiān yǒu xiē mó cā xū yào gōu tōng

There has been some friction between them recently, and they need to talk.

Illustration for 摩擦 (friction)

More examples

文化摩擦常在交流中出现，需要相互理解。wén huà mó cā cháng zài jiāo liú zhōng chū xiàn xū yào xiāng hù lí jiě

Cultural friction often occurs during interaction and requires mutual understanding.

Core concept

Rubbing that prevents smooth movement, literally between objects and figuratively between people or groups.

Common phrases

  • 国际摩擦guó jì mó cā

    international friction

  • 文化摩擦wén huà mó cā

    cultural friction

  • 人际摩擦rén jì mó cā

    interpersonal friction

Similar words

冲突chōng tū: A fierce clash caused by opposing positions or interests.
矛盾máo dùn: A conflict in which two ideas, claims, or facts cannot both be accepted.
争执zhēng zhí: A quarrel caused by people holding different opinions.
误会wù huì: A wrong idea about another person's words, actions, or intentions.

Definition in Chinese

指人与人或团体之间因意见、利益或性格差异而产生的不和、冲突或紧张关系，也可用于物体接触时产生的阻力。zhǐ rén yǔ rén huò tuán tǐ zhī jiān yīn yì jiàn lì yì huò xìng gé chā yì ér chǎn shēng de bù hé chōng tū huò jǐn zhāng guān xì yě kě yòng yú wù tǐ jiē chù shí chǎn shēng de zǔ lì

Word origin

The compound 摩擦 (mócā, "friction") joins 摩 (mó, "rub") with 擦 (cā, "wipe or rub"), and its physical sense develops into the idea of social resistance.

Usage tips

  • When discussing relationships or cooperation, this noun can describe repeated minor clashes without suggesting that the people involved are permanent enemies.

Opposites

Word lists with this word