To rub or crumple something by pressing and kneading it (e.g., crumpling paper or rubbing cloth).
紙を丸める前に少し揉んでしわをつけた。
I crumpled the paper a little to make wrinkles before rolling it up.
寒くて手を揉んで温めた。
I rubbed my hands to warm them because it was cold.
To massage, especially by kneading or pressing muscles such as the shoulders or back.
疲れたと言うと、彼女が肩を揉んでくれた。
When I said I was tired, she massaged my shoulders for me.
駅前で腕を揉むサービスをするお店を見かけた。
I saw a shop in front of the station offering arm-massage services.
To argue or have a heated discussion; used in contexts of negotiation or disagreement (colloquial usage).
条件についてまだ取引先と揉んでいるところだ。
We are still negotiating the terms with the business partner.
この件で社内が揉めているので、結論は出せない。
The company is divided over this matter, so we can't make a decision.
To train or toughen someone by putting them through difficult experiences; to give someone hard practice.
新人は現場で先輩に揉まれて一人前になった。
The new hire became competent after being trained strictly by seniors on site.
彼は厳しい修業に揉まれてプロになった。
He became a pro after being put through harsh training.
To jostle or be jostled in a crowd; to be pushed and shaken by a throng of people.
通勤ラッシュで駅のホームは乗客に揉まれて大変だった。
The station platform was packed and people were being jostled during the rush hour.
コンサート会場で前の方に押されて揉まれた。
I was pushed forward and jostled at the concert venue.
To go through various life experiences or hardships and be shaped by them; often used in passive forms like もまれる.
若い頃にいろいろともまれたおかげで、今の仕事ができる。
Because I was put through a lot of hardships when I was young, I can do my current job.
社会にもまれて人間として成長したと感じる。
I feel I grew as a person after being tested by society.