1.
to wear down, to become worn
To become thinner or smoother through friction or repeated use. Used for physical objects like shoes, tires, and surfaces.
靴底がすり減った。
The soles of my shoes are worn down.
タイヤがすり減っているので交換が必要だ。
The tires are worn, so they need to be replaced.
長年使い続けて、階段の角がすり減っている。
After years of use, the edges of the stairs have worn down.
2.
to be worn out, to be depleted (figurative)
Used figuratively for nerves, patience, or spirit being gradually worn away through stress or hardship.
神経がすり減る。
My nerves are being worn thin.
毎日のクレーム対応で心がすり減った。
Dealing with complaints every day wore me down emotionally.
長時間の残業が続いて、体も気力もすり減ってしまった。
After long hours of overtime, both my body and willpower were worn down.
CONJUGATION:
- すり減らない（否定）
- すり減ります（丁寧）
- すり減って（て形）
- すり減った（過去）
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 靴底がすり減る: shoe soles wear down
- タイヤがすり減る: tires wear down
- 神経がすり減る: nerves get worn thin
- 心がすり減る: the spirit gets worn down
PAIR: すり減る（自動詞）↔ すり減らす（他動詞）= to wear down (something)