攥

zuàn

扌 + 纂

Definitions

zuàn (verb) to hold; to grip; to grasp

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 纂 represents the sound.

Semantic: 扌 Phonetic: 纂

About

攥 is a phonosemantic compound in which the left-side radical 扌 (hand) specifies an action done with the hand, while the right-side component 纂 gives the sound. The character's core sense is the physical act of gripping, clenching, or holding something tightly within a closed fist, it conveys a strong, determined grasp, contrasting with a casual or loose hold. It is employed widely in both written works and spoken language to portray someone clutching an object with force, motivated by anxiety, resolve, or the imperative to keep it from falling or being wrested away.

Example Sentences Hide

我攥住他的手。

Wǒ zuàn zhù tā de shǒu.

I grasped his hand.

他攥着钱不放。

Tā zuàn zhe qián bù fàng.

He clutched the money and wouldn't let go.

孩子攥紧了玩具熊。

Háizi zuàn jǐn le wánjùxióng.

The child clenched the teddy bear tightly.

因为紧张，他攥紧了拳头。

Yīnwèi jǐnzhāng, tā zuàn jǐn le quántou.

Because he was nervous, he clenched his fist.

在风雨中，她攥住了伞柄。

Zài fēngyǔ zhōng, tā zuàn zhù le sǎnbǐng.

In the wind and rain, she gripped the umbrella handle.

他始终攥着那张旧照片。

Tā shǐzhōng zuàn zhe nà zhāng jiù zhàopiàn.

He always held onto that old photo.

尽管疼痛，他仍攥着她的手。

Jǐnguǎn téngtòng, tā réng zuàn zhe tā de shǒu.

Despite the pain, he still held her hand tightly.

她攥着决定命运的信封，手微微发抖。

Tā zuàn zhe juédìng mìngyùn de xìnfēng, shǒu wēiwēi fādǒu.

She clutched the envelope that decided her fate, her hand trembling slightly.

Related Characters

Component: 扌