1.
to wipe off; to wipe away
To remove liquid, dirt, or something unwanted by wiping with a cloth or hand.
タオルで汗を拭った。
I wiped off the sweat with a towel.
涙を拭って笑顔を見せた。
She wiped away her tears and showed a smile.
2.
to dispel; to clear away
Figuratively, to eliminate or remove something negative like doubts or suspicions.
不安を拭い去ることができない。
I can't dispel my anxiety.
TRANSITIVITY:
他動詞 (transitive)
Pattern: Xを拭う
ASPECT (ている):
拭っている - is wiping (action in progress)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 汗を拭う - to wipe off sweat
- 涙を拭う - to wipe away tears
- 口を拭う - to wipe one's mouth
FIGURATIVE USAGE:
- 不安を拭う - to dispel anxiety
- 疑惑を拭う - to clear away suspicions
- 汚名を拭う - to clear one's name
RELATED:
- 拭く - to wipe (more common, everyday)
- 拭い去る - to wipe away completely
NOTE:
拭う is slightly more literary/formal than 拭く.