Definitions

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

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "攥" is structured with the hand radical (扌) on the left and the component "纂" on the right, which provides phonetic indication and a semantic association with gathering or compiling. Etymologically, this combination reflects an action of the hand that brings things together, leading to its core meaning of gripping or clutching tightly. Over time, the meaning has specialized to denote a firm physical grasp, without expanding into broader or abstract uses, while the character's composition has remained consistent in its traditional form.

Example Sentences Hide

住他的手。

Wǒ zuàn zhù tā de shǒu.

I grasped his hand.

着钱不放。

Tā zuàn zhe qián bù fàng.

He clutched the money and wouldn't let go.

孩子紧了玩具熊。

Háizi zuàn jǐn le wánjùxióng.

The child clenched the teddy bear tightly.

因为紧张,他紧了拳头。

Yīnwèi jǐnzhāng, tā zuàn jǐn le quántou.

Because he was nervous, he clenched his fist.

在风雨中,她住了伞柄。

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,他仍着她的手。

Jǐnguǎn téngtòng, tā réng zuàn zhe tā de shǒu.

Despite the pain, he still held her hand tightly.

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.