Definition
摩挲 (mā) is a verb meaning 'to smooth out creases with the hand' — you use it when you're flattening wrinkles in fabric or paper by gently rubbing your palm over the surface. It's a specific, concrete action, not a general 'touch' or 'stroke'. Be careful with the pronunciation: it's mā (first tone), not mó suō (which would be a different character combination meaning 'to stroke/caress').
v.
to smooth out creases (in fabric or paper) with the hand
Examples
- 摩挲。Tā bǎ chuángdān mā píng le.She smoothed the bedsheet flat with her hand.
- 摩挲摩挲。Tā yòng shǒu mā le mā yījiǎo.He smoothed the hem of his clothes with his hand.
- ，摩挲。Zhè zhāng zhǐ zhòu le, nǐ mā yíxià.This paper is wrinkled — smooth it out.
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