While 擦 (cā) is a common, everyday verb, its extended meanings reveal something about Chinese expression. The most significant cultural nuance comes from the idiom 擦肩而过 (cā jiān ér guò), which literally means “to brush shoulders and pass by.” In English, “brushing past someone” is a simple physical description. In Chinese, however, 擦肩而过 is a deeply poetic and often melancholic phrase. It's used to describe a missed connection or a twist of fate. Two people who could have been great friends or lovers but never got the chance are said to have `擦肩而过`. This reflects a cultural perspective where encounters (or near-misses) can be seen as part of a larger, fated narrative. It highlights a sensitivity to the “what ifs” in life, a concept frequently explored in Chinese dramas, music, and literature. This contrasts with a more direct Western approach, where a near-miss is often just a near-miss without the same layer of fatalistic or romantic sentiment.
擦 (cā) is an extremely common verb used in many daily situations.