Meaning
握住 means to hold something firmly in your hand or to grasp something tightly. It emphasizes maintaining a secure grip on an object or concept, combining 握 (to hold/grasp) with the resultative complement 住 (to stay fixed/stable), indicating that the holding action is successful and sustained.
Usage
This verb is commonly used both literally (gripping physical objects like handles, ropes, or someone's hand) and figuratively (seizing opportunities, grasping concepts). It often implies conscious effort to maintain control. Native speakers use it when emphasizing that something should not slip away or be lost.
Examples
- 01他紧紧握住我的手，说一定会回来。, .He gripped my hand tightly and said he would definitely come back.
- 02你要握住这次机会，不然以后会后悔的。, .You need to seize this opportunity, otherwise you'll regret it later.
Characters
Common collocations
- 握住机会to seize the opportunity
- 握住手to hold someone's hand
- 紧紧握住to grip tightly
- 握住方向盘to grip the steering wheel
Antonyms
Origin
The character 握 depicts a hand (手) holding something, while 住 as a resultative complement indicates the action is maintained or successful. Together they form a compound verb expressing sustained grasping.