How to say "friction" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

摩擦まさつJLPT N2approx.Common
nounThe physical sense: rubbing or resistance between surfaces. It also extends figuratively to friction between people or groups, so it covers both the scientific and the interpersonal readings of the English word.
タイヤはゴムと路面ろめんの摩擦まさつによってすり減へる。↗
Tires wear down because of friction between the rubber and the road surface.
不和ふわCommon
nounCovers only the interpersonal sense of friction, meaning discord, disagreement, or trouble in a relationship. It never refers to physical rubbing or resistance, so it is wrong for the scientific sense.
２人ふたりの少年しょうねんは口論こうろんがもとで不和ふわになった。↗
A quarrel estranged one boy from the other.

Use 摩擦 for friction as physical rubbing or resistance, and for figurative friction between people; 不和 covers only the interpersonal sense, meaning discord or strained relations.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

摩擦まさつfriction
不和ふわdiscord
フリクションfriction
軋轢あつれきfriction
揉め事もめごとquarrel
抵抗ていこうresistance
きしりfriction (between people)
軋みきしみdiscord
さざ波さざなみripple (e.g. of uneasiness)

Say it right, write it right