Arañar vs. rayar
The Spanish words 'arañar' and 'rayar' both translate to 'to scratch' in English but are used differently depending on the context. Their use depends on whether we are talking about an action usually related to an animal or a human, or about marking a surface.
Arañar
The verb 'arañar' typically means 'to scratch' when referring to a scratch made by an animal or a person using nails or claws.
El gato arañó el sofá.
(The cat scratched the sofa.)
Me arañé la cara con una rama.
(I scratched my face with a branch.)
El niño pequeño arañó el espejo mientras jugaba.
(The small child scratched the mirror while playing.)
Rayar
'Rayar' typically means 'to scratch' in the sense of leaving a mark on a surface with a sharp object. It is often used when talking about scratches on inanimate objects.
Alguien rayó mi coche con una llave.
(Someone scratched my car with a key.)
No rayes la mesa con ese cuchillo.
(Don't scratch the table with that knife.)
Rayé mi teléfono cuando se cayó al suelo.
(I scratched my phone when it fell to the ground.)
Summary
'Arañar' and 'rayar' both mean 'to scratch', but 'arañar' is more common when referring to scratches caused by claws, nails, or natural elements like branches. Meanwhile, 'rayar' is used for scratches made by sharp objects on surfaces.