抓紧

• Pinyin: zhuā jǐn
• Hanzi breakdown: 抓 = 扌(hand radical) + 爪 (claw), to grab/seize; 紧 = 臣 + 又 (hand) + 糸 (thread), tight/taut

Meaning

To seize; to make the most of; to keep a firm grip on. Often used figuratively to mean 'to make full use of time or an opportunity'.

Literal: 抓紧扶手 (hold the handrail firmly). Figurative: 抓紧时间 (make the most of time), 抓紧机会 (seize the opportunity). The figurative usage is far more common. Implies urgency and not letting go. Often used as a directive: 抓紧！(Hurry up! / Don't waste time!)

Examples

1. 考试马上要到了，你应该抓紧时间复习。 The exam is coming up soon — you should make the most of your time to revise.
2. 这是一个难得的机会，一定要抓紧，不能错过。 This is a rare opportunity — you must seize it and not let it slip away.
3. 项目截止日期快到了，大家要抓紧完成各自的任务。 The project deadline is approaching — everyone needs to get on with completing their respective tasks.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, workplace, education

Tone: urgent

Do Say

• 上车后请抓紧扶手，小心安全。(After boarding, please hold the handrail firmly and take care.)
• 趁年轻，抓紧时间多学一些有用的技能。(While you're young, make the most of the time and learn more useful skills.)

Don't Say

• 把'抓紧'用于描述慢慢来、不着急的情况 (Don't use 抓紧 in contexts where there is no urgency — it always implies a pressing need to act or hold on; use 慢慢来 or 不急 for relaxed situations)

Origin & History

From 抓 (to grab/seize, 扌hand + 爪 claw) and 紧 (tight/urgent, 臣 + 又 + 糸 thread — something bound tightly), together meaning 'to grab and hold tight'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal