verb HSK 4
to grasp · to master · to control · to have a good command of
Meaning
掌握 means to have firm control or thorough understanding of something, whether it's a skill, knowledge, information, or a situation. It implies not just knowing something superficially, but having mastered it to the point where you can use it effectively and confidently.
Usage
Commonly used in educational and professional contexts to describe mastering skills, languages, knowledge, or techniques. It's more formal than casual alternatives like 会 (huì). Often appears with objects like 知识 (knowledge), 技能 (skills), 语言 (languages), or 情况 (situation/information).
Examples
- 01她已经完全掌握了这门外语。.She has already completely mastered this foreign language.
- 02我们需要掌握更多的信息才能做决定。.We need to grasp more information before we can make a decision.
Characters
Common collocations
- 掌握知识to master knowledge
- 掌握技能to master skills
- 掌握情况to have command of the situation
- 完全掌握to completely master
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 掌 (palm, control) and 握 (to grasp), creating a metaphor of holding something firmly in one's palm, representing complete control or mastery.