to rub

JLPT N3 17 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of

The verb (cā) primarily means 'to rub' or 'to wipe.' It is commonly used when talking about cleaning surfaces, such as tables, windows, or floors. For example, 桌子 means 'wipe the table.'

It can also mean 'to scratch' or 'to graze' when referring to minor injuries caused by rubbing against something rough, as in (cāshāng), meaning 'scratch' or 'abrasion.'

Common Collocations

  • 桌子 (wipe the table): used in daily cleaning contexts.
  • 窗户 (wipe the window): common household chore.
  • (scratch, abrasion): refers to minor skin injuries.

Notes

is often followed by the object being wiped or rubbed. It is a transitive verb and requires a direct object. Avoid confusing with (guā), which means 'to scrape' or 'to shave off,' as implies rubbing rather than scraping.

In conversation, can also appear in idiomatic expressions or as part of compound verbs, but its core meaning remains related to rubbing or wiping.

Example Sentences

Please use a cloth to wipe the table.

He accidentally scratched his hand.

Mom wipes the windows every day.