ichidan verb, intransitive verb
Describes two surfaces rubbing against each other, often causing friction or irritation. Intransitive; the subject is the thing being rubbed.
新しい靴でかかとが擦れて痛い。
My heel is rubbing and hurting from the new shoes.
ロープが岩に擦れて切れ
The rope is rubbing against the rock and looks like it might break.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
wear out; become worn
Describes something becoming worn down or damaged through repeated rubbing or use. Often used for clothes, shoes, or mechanical parts.
このジーンズは膝のところが擦れて穴が開いた。
These jeans have worn through at the knees and have a hole.
長年使ったソファの肘掛けが擦れてきた。
The armrest of the sofa has become worn after years of use.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
lose innocence; become worldly; become sly
Metaphorical extension: a person becomes less naive or more cunning through life experience, as if their innocence has been rubbed away. Often used in the phrase 世の中に擦れる.
都会に出てから、彼はすっかり擦れてしまった。
Since moving to the city, he has become completely worldly.
世の中に擦れていない若者は純粋だ。
Young people who haven't been worn down by the world are pure.