verb HSK 4
to hold · to grasp · to grip · to shake (hands)
Meaning
握 means to hold something firmly in your hand or to grasp. It emphasizes a firm, purposeful hold rather than a light touch. The character shows a hand radical (扌) on the left, indicating it's an action performed with the hand.
Usage
Most commonly used in the phrase 握手 (wò shǒu, to shake hands). It typically describes holding something with intention or firmness, like gripping a tool, holding someone's hand, or grasping an opportunity. Less common for casual or light holding.
Examples
- 01他们见面时热情地握了握手。.When they met, they warmly shook hands.
- 02她紧紧握住孩子的手，生怕他走丢。, .She held the child's hand tightly, afraid he would get lost.
Common collocations
- 握手to shake hands
- 握住to hold firmly, to grasp
- 把握to grasp (opportunity), certainty
- 掌握to master, to grasp (knowledge/skill)
Antonyms
Origin
The character combines the hand radical 扌(shǒu) with 屋 (wū, house), which provides the phonetic component. The hand radical indicates the meaning relates to hand actions.