握

• Pinyin: wò
• Hanzi breakdown: 握 = 扌(hand) + 屋 (phonetic), to grasp with the hand

Meaning

To grasp; to hold; to grip; to shake (hands).

A physical action of holding something firmly in one's hand, or shaking hands in greeting. Common in expressions like 握手 (shake hands), 握拳 (clench fist), 把握 (to grasp/master an opportunity or skill). Can be extended metaphorically to mean having control or mastery over something.

Examples

1. 他紧紧握住我的手，眼里满是感激。 He gripped my hand tightly, his eyes full of gratitude.
2. 见面时大家都站起来握手，气氛非常友好。 Everyone stood up to shake hands when they met, and the atmosphere was very friendly.
3. 她握着方向盘，专心致志地开着车。 She gripped the steering wheel, driving with full concentration.

Usage Guide

Context: greeting, physical action, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 握手言和。(Shake hands and make peace.)
• 把握机会。(Seize the opportunity.)

Don't Say

• 握一个苹果 meaning to hold an apple — 握 implies a firm grip; use 拿 or 拿着 for casually holding objects

Origin & History

Pictophonetic: 扌(hand radical) + 屋 (phonetic component), indicating an action done with the hand.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal