把 (bǎ) - to hold & to grasp

把Tone 3

bǎ ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 扌

傲不

把 · bǎ

to hold;

to grasp;

a handle;

measure word for objects with handles or things that can be held;

marks a direct object in certain constructions.

to holdto graspa handle

Usage highlights

To holdHandleTo controlTo grasp firmlyMeasure word for chairsMeasure word for keys

Synonyms

  • 握— to hold; to grasp
  • 持— to hold; to maintain
  • 柄— handle

Antonyms

  • 放— to release; to let go

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please hold the umbrella (把伞).
  • He bought a knife (一把刀).
  • I need to clean the room (把房间打扫一下).
  • This is the handle of the cup (杯子的把).

Collocations

  • To hold(把握)
  • Handle(把手)
  • To control(把持)
  • To grasp firmly(把住)
  • Measure word for chairs(一把椅子)
  • Measure word for keys(一把钥匙)

Idioms

  • Take the helm(把舵)
  • To take advantage of an opportunity(投机取把)
  • A sure grasp(十拿九把)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The 'ba-construction' (把字句) is a distinctive grammatical feature in Mandarin Chinese used to indicate disposal or handling of an object.
  • As a measure word, it commonly quantifies objects that have handles or can be gripped, reflecting its core meaning of 'grasping'.

FAQ