掌 (zhǎng) - Palm — the inner surface of the hand & to be in control of

掌Tone 3

zhǎng ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

悦丈

掌 · zhǎng

Palm — the inner surface of the hand;

to be in control of;

to manage;

to slap;

also refers to certain mechanical parts shaped like a palm.

Palm — the inner surface of the handto be in control ofto manage

Usage highlights

Palm of the handTo control/masterTo applaudPalm printSole of hoofTo slap

Synonyms

  • 手— hand (more general term)
  • 控— to control (in the sense of management)

Antonyms

  • 背— back of the hand (anatomical opposite)
  • 足— foot (opposite extremity)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He clapped his hands (鼓掌).
  • She has the situation under control (掌握).
  • The horse's hoof has a tough sole (蹄掌).
  • This is the palm of my hand (手掌).

Collocations

  • Palm of the hand(手掌)
  • To control/master(掌握)
  • To applaud(鼓掌)
  • Palm print(掌纹)
  • Sole of hoof(蹄掌)
  • To slap(掌嘴)

Idioms

  • Easy as turning over one's hand(易如反掌)
  • To rub one's palms in anticipation(摩拳擦掌)
  • To slap the table and stand up(拍案而起)
  • A slap in the face(掌掴)
  • To have everything under control(了如指掌)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 掌 originally depicted the palm of the hand, evolving to mean control or authority.
  • In Chinese martial arts, palm strikes (掌法) are distinct from fist techniques.
  • The phrase '易如反掌' (easy as turning over one's hand) emphasizes how simple a task is.

FAQ