Meaning
The kanji 握 (aku, nigiru) directly refers to the physical act of grasping, holding, gripping, or clinching something firmly in one's hand. It conveys the action of closing one's fingers around an object or taking firm control. Beyond this literal meaning, 握 also extends to metaphorical senses. For example, it can describe 'grasping a concept,' 'holding power,' or 'seizing an opportunity.' This nuance of firm control or understanding is key to its use in more abstract compounds.
Etymologically, 握 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字, keisei moji). This common kanji construction combines one part that suggests meaning with another that indicates sound. The left-hand radical, 手 (て, te), meaning 'hand,' clearly links the kanji to manual actions. Meanwhile, the right-hand component, 屋 (オク, oku), which means 'house' or 'roof,' serves primarily as the phonetic component, suggesting the 'aku' sound. Interestingly, you can also interpret 屋 visually to imply something being 'covered' or 'enclosed' by the hand, further reinforcing the idea of grasping or clenching. Thus, the combined image of a 'hand' and an 'enclosure' effectively conveys the core meaning of seizing or holding firmly within the palm. This kanji has 12 strokes and is a Jōyō kanji, meaning it's designated for general use. It is frequently encountered in everyday Japanese and is essential for advanced learners, corresponding to the N1 level of the JLPT.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi (音読み) readings of kanji originate from their historical Chinese pronunciations. They are typically used in compound words (熟語, jukugo) when 握 is combined with other kanji.
- アク (AKU)
アク (AKU) is the primary On'yomi reading for 握. It appears frequently in formal or technical contexts, especially in nouns related to physical grasping or conceptual understanding. This reading often conveys a sense of strong, decisive action.
握手 (akushu) — handshake (literally "grasp hand")
把握 (haaku) — grasp, understanding, comprehension (to grasp information or a situation)
握力 (akuryoku) — grip strength (the physical power of grasping)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi (訓読み) readings are native Japanese pronunciations linked to a kanji's meaning. They are often used when the kanji appears alone or as part of a verb or adjective stem. For 握, the Kun'yomi readings are closely tied to the everyday physical act of holding.
- にぎる (nigiru)
にぎる (nigiru) is the most common Kun'yomi. This verb means 'to grasp,' 'to hold,' 'to clench,' or 'to squeeze.' It implies closing one's hand around something, whether literally or metaphorically.
握る (nigiru) — to grasp, to hold, to clench
包丁を握る (houchou o nigiru) — to hold a kitchen knife
チャンスを握る (chansu o nigiru) — to seize an opportunity
にぎり (nigiri)
にぎり (nigiri) is commonly found in compound nouns, especially those describing food items or specific types of grips. Here, the act of 'grasping' or 'forming by hand' is central to the meaning.
握り寿司 (nigirizushi) — hand-formed sushi (sushi shaped by hand)
おにぎり (onigiri) — rice ball (a common Japanese snack, often written in hiragana, sometimes with the kanji 握り飯 or 御握り)
握り方 (nigirikata) — how to hold/grip, manner of gripping
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 握 appears in a wide range of words and compounds, showcasing its versatility for both physical and abstract concepts of grasping, holding, and control. Below are some common examples, organized by their thematic usage.
Actions and Physicality
握手 (akushu) — handshake; the act of clasping hands as a greeting or sign of agreement.
握る (nigiru) — to grasp, to hold, to clench (e.g., a fist, a tool, or someone's hand). This is the fundamental verb form.
握り拳 (nigirikobushi) — a clenched fist; a closed hand.
握力 (akuryoku) — grip strength; the physical power exerted by the hand in grasping.
握り寿司 (nigirizushi) — hand-formed sushi; a type of sushi where ingredients are pressed by hand onto a small mound of rice.
おにぎり (onigiri) — rice ball; a popular Japanese snack formed by hand.
Control and Understanding
把握 (haaku) — grasp, understanding, comprehension; to firmly understand a situation, fact, or concept. It implies not just knowing, but having a firm command of information.
掌握 (shouaku) — grasp, control, command; to take firm control or command of a situation, organization, or power. This term is stronger than 把握 in terms of control.
政権を握る (seiken o nigiru) — to seize political power; to take control of the government.
主導権を握る (shudouken o nigiru) — to take the lead; to gain the initiative or control in a situation.
Figurative and Other Usages
情報を握る (jouhou o nigiru) — to hold information; to be in possession of crucial data or secrets.
弱みを握る (yowami o nigiru) — to hold a person's weakness; to have compromising information about someone.
手を握る (te o nigiru) — to hold hands; a direct expression of holding someone's hand.
しっかり握る (shikkari nigiru) — to hold firmly; to grasp tightly.
Example Sentences
彼女は不安そうに私の手を強く握った。
Kanojo wa fuan-sou ni watashi no te o tsuyoku nigitta.
She nervously gripped my hand tightly.
子供たちは公園で手を握り合って遊んでいた。
Kodomo-tachi wa kouen de te o nigiriatte asonde ita.
The children were playing in the park, holding hands.
会議の内容を正確に把握することが重要だ。
Kaigi no naiyou o seikaku ni haaku suru koto ga juuyou da.
It is important to accurately grasp the content of the meeting.
彼は目標達成のために主導権を握った。
Kare wa mokuhyou tassei no tame ni shudouken o nigitta.
He took the lead to achieve the goal.
この仕事には強い握力が必要です。
Kono shigoto ni wa tsuyoi akuryoku ga hitsuyou desu.
This job requires strong grip strength.
日本の伝統的な料理である握り寿司は世界中で人気がある。
Nihon no dentouteki na ryouri de aru nigirizushi wa sekaijuu de ninki ga aru.
Nigiri sushi, a traditional Japanese dish, is popular all over the world.
彼らは契約を結ぶ前に堅い握手を交した。
Karera wa keiyaku o musubu mae ni katai akushu o kawashita.
They exchanged a firm handshake before signing the contract.
すべての情報を掌握し、計画を実行した。
Subete no jouhou o shouaku shi, keikaku o jikkou shita.
They grasped all the information and executed the plan.
この難しい理論を完全に把握するのに時間がかかった。
Kono muzukashii riron o kanzen ni haaku suru no ni jikan ga kakatta.
It took time to fully grasp this difficult theory.
Memory Tip
To remember 握, focus on its two main components. The left side is 手 (て), meaning 'hand.' The right side, 屋 (オク, oku), means 'house' or 'shop.' While primarily a phonetic component suggesting the 'aku' sound, 屋 also visually suggests an enclosed space or something being covered. You can imagine your hand (手) reaching into a house (屋) to firmly grasp something hidden inside. Alternatively, visualize someone tightly gripping the hand of a friend at their house for a firm handshake (握手). These images of a hand taking firm hold, perhaps in an enclosed space, directly connect the components to the kanji's core meaning of 'grasp' or 'hold.'