About
The character "摩" is constructed from the semantic component "hand" (扌) on the left and the phonetic component "麻" (má) on the right, which also contributes a sense of texture or grain, originally reflecting the action of grinding or rubbing by hand against a surface, such as polishing a stone. Its core meaning has consistently revolved around contact and friction, but its application broadened from purely physical actions to encompass more abstract interactions. This extension is evident in compound words like "摩擦" for physical friction or conflict, "按摩" for the hand-based practice of massage, and "摩挲" describing a gentle, caressing touch. Furthermore, the sense of close contact and grinding against something led to its use in terms meaning to study or investigate closely, as in "观摩". The character itself has retained its traditional form without a structural simplification.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我每天骑摩托车。
摩天大楼很高。
这座城市很摩登。
妈妈给我按摩肩膀。
汽车轮胎有摩擦声。
摩擦会产生热量。
医生建议定期按摩背部。
我们观摩了工厂的生产过程。