verb
rascar
scratch · scratch oneself
Acción de frotar con las uñas u otro objeto una parte del cuerpo o una superficie para calmar picor o quitar algo pegado.
Definition & meaning
The verb rascar generally means to scratch or scrape. It has several specific applications:
- To rub the skin with nails or an object to relieve an itch: "Me pica la espalda, voy a rascarme."
- To scrape or grate a surface, often to remove something adhering to it, such as dried paint or dirt.
- To obtain something with great effort or difficulty, often used figuratively regarding money or time: "Rascar algo de dinero" (to scrape together some money).
- In certain regional dialects, it can be used colloquially to mean to do nothing or to be lazy.
Grammar & Word origin
rascar is a regular -ar verb.
- Origin: It is believed to have originated from the Vulgar Latin rasicare, which is a frequentative form of the Latin radere (to scrape or shave).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Rascunear (often used for minor scratches)
- Arañar (to claw or scratch)
- Frotar (to rub)
- Raspar (to scrape)
- Rebuscar (in the context of searching or scraping together)
Antonyms:
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Examples
No te rasques la picadura de mosquito.verb
Do not scratch the mosquito bite.
Ayer me rasqué la mano.verb
Yesterday I scratched my hand.
El gato rasca la alfombra.verb
The cat scratches the carpet.
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