rascar
verbCEFR B2
What does “rascar” mean in English?
to scratch
to scratch (rascar + surface — with nails or sharp tool; rascar la superficie — fixed figurative idiom)
Example sentences
El arqueólogo fue rascando cuidadosamente la superficie de la cerámica para no dañar el friso.
The archaeologist carefully scratched the ceramic surface so as not to damage the frieze.
Este análisis apenas rasca la superficie del problema; habría que profundizar mucho más.
This analysis barely scratches the surface of the problem; a much deeper investigation would be needed.
How to use it
Rascar means 'to scratch'. Structure: rascar + surface; rascarse (scratch oneself — reflexive). Common in physical, medical, and technical contexts. Collocations: rascarse la cabeza (scratch one's head — also figurative: puzzlement), rascar la superficie (scratch the surface — figurative).
Common mistake
Rascar (scratch — with nails or a scraper) vs. frotar (rub — back-and-forth motion without breaking surface) vs. arañar (claw/scratch — sharp, often causing a mark). Rascar la superficie is a productive B2 idiom.