握 — meaning in English: grip

wò · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for grip

握

wò

朋友

péngyǒu

热

rè

暂停

zàntíng

食品

shípǐn

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 握 (wò) in various contexts, such as when discussing physical actions like shaking hands or gripping an object firmly. It can also be applied in metaphorical situations, such as '握住机会' (wò zhù jī huì), meaning 'to seize an opportunity'.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 抓 (zhuā), which means 'to grasp' or 'to catch', but 抓 often implies a more abrupt or active action. You would use 握 (wò) when referring to holding something steadily or in a controlled manner, while 抓 (zhuā) might be chosen in a more dynamic context.

Culture

The character 握 has a fascinating origin, combining the radical for 'hand' with a phonetic component. In Chinese culture, a firm handshake often symbolizes respect and sincerity, making this word significant in social interactions. It’s interesting to note that the concept of a strong grip is often linked to trustworthiness and reliability in business dealings.

FAQ

Q.What does 握 mean in Mandarin?

握 (wò) means 'to grip' or 'to hold'. It can refer to physically holding something, like a tool or a person’s hand, as well as metaphorically grasping an opportunity.

Q.How do you use 握 in a sentence?

You can use 握 in sentences like '我握住他的手' (wǒ wò zhù tā de shǒu), meaning 'I hold his hand'. It's commonly used in both everyday conversation and writing.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 握?

A common mistake is to confuse 握 with 抓 (zhuā). While both involve holding, 握 is more about a steady grip, whereas 抓 implies a more forceful action. Choose the word based on the context of how you're holding or grasping.

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Chinese (Mandarin) 2000