抚摸

fǔmō

to gently caress and stroke

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"抚摸" means to gently stroke or caress something with the hand, often conveying tenderness or care. It is commonly used when describing actions towards babies, animals, or delicate objects.

Common Contexts

This verb is frequently used in intimate or caring contexts, such as a mother soothing her child or someone showing affection to a pet. It can also describe careful tactile examination, like an artist feeling the texture of a sculpture.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 抚摸 (stroke the head): often used to comfort or soothe.
  • 抚摸 (stroke fur): used when touching animals.
  • 抚摸 (gently stroke): emphasizes tenderness.

Usage Notes

"抚摸" implies a soft, deliberate touch, different from rough or accidental contact. It is more formal and descriptive than simply "" (to touch), highlighting the gentle and caring nature of the action.

Avoid confusing "抚摸" with "" alone, which can be neutral or even intrusive depending on context. "抚摸" always carries a positive, affectionate nuance.

Example Sentences

妈妈轻轻地抚摸着宝宝的头,安抚他入睡。

Māmā qīngqīng de fǔmō zhe bǎobǎo de tóu, ānfǔ tā rùshuì.

The mother gently stroked the baby's head to soothe him to sleep.

他用手抚摸着那只流浪猫,表达自己的关心。

Tā yòng shǒu fǔmō zhe nà zhī liúlàng māo, biǎodá zìjǐ de guānxīn.

He stroked the stray cat with his hand to show his care.

艺术家在雕塑上抚摸细节,确保每个部分都完美。

Yìshùjiā zài diāosù shàng fǔmō xìjié, quèbǎo měi gè bùfèn dōu wánměi.

The artist touched the details on the sculpture to ensure every part was