Definitions

(verb) to hold; to grasp
(verb) to clench (one's fist)
(verb) to master; to control

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 握 is structured as a phono-semantic compound, integrating the hand radical 扌 to semantically denote actions involving the hand and the component 屋 which primarily functions as a phonetic indicator. Its core meaning is to grasp or hold firmly, directly derived from the hand radical, while the phonetic element 屋, meaning house, does not contribute semantically but historically guided pronunciation. Over time, the character's usage has expanded to include metaphorical applications like controlling or wielding authority, yet the fundamental sense of physical grip remains central to its meaning.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

住他的手。

Wǒ wòzhù tā de shǒu.

I hold his hand.

她紧紧着钱包。

Tā jǐnjǐn wòzhe qiánbāo.

She tightly holds her wallet.

手是礼貌的。

Wòshǒu shì lǐmào de.

Shaking hands is polite.

他掌了新技术。

Tā zhǎngwòle xīn jìshù.

He has mastered new technology.

我们需要把机会。

Wǒmen xūyào bǎwò jīhuì.

We need to seize the opportunity.

有重要证据。

Tā wò yǒu zhòngyào zhèngjù.

He holds important evidence.

方向盘,注意安全。

Jǐn wò fāngxiàngpán, zhùyì ānquán.

Hold the steering wheel tightly, pay attention to safety.

在谈判中,他始终着主动权。

Zài tánpàn zhōng, tā shǐzhōng wòzhe zhǔdòngquán.

In the negotiation, he always holds the initiative.