抓

• Pinyin: zhuā
• Hanzi breakdown: 抓 = 扌 (hand) + 爪 (claw), indicating grasping with the hand like a claw

Meaning

To grab; to catch; to seize. A physical action of gripping something tightly or apprehending someone.

Used both literally (grabbing objects, catching animals) and figuratively (seizing opportunities, focusing on key issues). Also appears in law enforcement contexts meaning to arrest or apprehend. Common in compound words like 抓住 (grab hold of) and 抓紧 (hurry up, grasp tightly).

Examples

1. 猫一下子就抓到了那只老鼠。 The cat caught that mouse in an instant.
2. 他抓了一把糖果放进口袋里。 He grabbed a handful of candy and put it in his pocket.
3. 警察很快就抓到了那个小偷。 The police quickly caught the thief.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, law enforcement, figurative

Tone: direct

Do Say

• 快抓住绳子！(Quickly grab the rope!)
• 我们要抓住这次机会。(We need to seize this opportunity.)

Don't Say

• 我抓了他的手表示感谢。(Don't use 抓 for a friendly handshake or gentle touch — 抓 implies a forceful grip; use 握 for holding hands politely)

Origin & History

Pictophonetic character: 扌 (hand radical) indicates the action involves hands, 爪 (claw) is both the phonetic and semantic component.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal