握 (wò) - to hold & to grasp

握Tone 4

wò ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

握 · wò

to hold;

to grasp;

to grip;

to clutch;

to shake hands.

to holdto graspto grip

Usage highlights

to hold firmlyto shake handsto grasp in handto masterto hold powerto grip strength

Synonyms

  • 持— to hold; to maintain
  • 抓— to grab; to seize
  • 拿— to take; to hold

Antonyms

  • 放— to release; to let go
  • 松— to loosen; to relax

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He firmly grasped the handle (握紧把手).
  • They shook hands to seal the deal (握手成交).
  • She held the pen in her hand (手握钢笔).
  • The team has a firm grasp of the situation (掌握局势).

Collocations

  • to hold firmly(握紧)
  • to shake hands(握手)
  • to grasp in hand(手握)
  • to master(掌握)
  • to hold power(握权)
  • to grip strength(握力)

Idioms

  • To have a plan already formed(成竹在胸, also 胸有成竹)
  • To grasp the opportunity(把握机会)
  • To hold the world in one's hand(握发吐哺)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 握 is associated with control, authority, and skill, as in 掌握 (to master).
  • The handshake (握手) is a universal gesture of greeting, agreement, and reconciliation in Chinese culture.
  • In martial arts and calligraphy, the way one holds (握) a weapon or brush is fundamental to proper form and effectiveness.

FAQ