Dörzsölni

Dörzsölni is a Hungarian verb meaning to rub, scrub, or polish by applying friction. It can also describe rubbing to irritate or to generate heat through friction. In everyday usage, it covers actions from cleaning a surface to warming the hands and even older contexts where rubbing a object produces light or sound.

Usage and constructions: The verb is typically transitive, as in dörzsölni valamit valamivel (to rub something with something). Common examples include dörzsölni egy ruhadarabot a folt eltávolításához (to rub a piece of clothing to remove a stain) or dörzsölni a fém felületét a fényesítéshez (to rub a metal surface for polishing). It also appears in reflexive or semi-reflexive phrases: a tenyerét dörzsöli össze (he rubs his/her hands together to warm them) or dörzsölni a szemét (to rub the eyes).

Other uses: historically, lámpát dörzsölni referred to striking or rubbing a lamp to produce light. The noun dörzsölés denotes the act or process of rubbing, while dörzsölő can denote an implement or agent that rubs (an abrasive or polisher). The term is common in both technical and colloquial Hungarian.

Origin and related terms: the word comes from the Hungarian root dörzs- meaning to rub or scrub and belongs to the typical -ölni verb family. Related terms include dörzsölés (friction) and dörzsölő (an implement or agent that rubs). Safety note: excessive rubbing can irritate skin or surfaces, so care is advised when applying force.