抓
zhuā
The English word 'grip' is translated into Chinese as 抓 (zhuā).
抓 refers to a hold or a way of holding, particularly using the hand. You can use the compound verb 抓住 to express the action of gripping or grasping something, as it is more commonly used than the single syllable 抓. Additionally, 抓紧 can be used literally to mean holding something tightly or figuratively to mean seizing an opportunity or making the most of your time.
Meaning: A hold or way of holding, particularly with the hand (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 抓 is the basic form, 抓住 is a more common way to express the action of grasping. In formal contexts, you might use 握持 to refer to a firm grip on an object or weapon or 紧握 in professional settings to emphasize a tight and secure grip.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate that the action of gripping or catching has been completed, you can add the particle 了 after the verb, resulting in 抓住了.
How do you pronounce it?
zhuā
Did you know?
- The term 抓周 refers to a traditional one-year-old birthday custom where a child 'grips' an object to predict their future career.
- While 抓 means to grip, the phrase 抓狂 literally means 'to grip madness' and is used as slang for going crazy with frustration or anxiety.
- In certain contexts, 抓 is used to describe the act of scratching an itch, since scratching involves a gripping or clawing motion of the fingers.
Examples in context
- 当你使用剪刀时，请牢牢地握持住它。When using scissors, please firmly grip them.
- 他的抓握力很强。Tā de zhuāwòlì hěn qiáng.His grip is very strong.
- 这种球拍的抓力很好。Zhè zhǒng qiúpài de zhuālì hěn hǎo.This racket has a good grip.
- 请注意你的抓取方式。Qǐng zhùyì nǐ de zhuāqǔ fāngshì.Please pay attention to your grip.
Example conversation
Zihan is teaching Zhiqiang how to hold a tennis racket.
- 梓涵 Zihan志强，你的抓法不对。Zhìqiáng, nǐ de zhuā fǎ bù duì.Zhiqiang, your grip is wrong.
- 志强 Zhiqiang真的吗？怎么抓才对？Zhēnde ma? Zěnme zhuā cái duì?Really? How should I hold it?
- 梓涵 Zihan你要这样抓。Nǐ yào zhèyàng zhuā.You need to grip it like this.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我明白了，这样感觉好多了。Wǒ míngbai le, zhèyàng gǎnjué hǎo duō le.I see, this feels much better.
