Spanish Conversation · Level 49
75 words
Spanish word
asir
Pronunciation
IPA/aˈsiɾ/
Meaning
- verbgrasp
Example
Trató de asir la rama para no caerse.
He tried to grasp the branch so he wouldn't fall.
More examples
Antes de subir, debes asir el pasamanos.
Before climbing, you should grasp the handrail.
Core concept
Hand tightly holding a branch to avoid falling.
Common phrases
asir el pasamanos
grasp the handrail
asir el brazo
grasp the arm
asir el borde
grasp the edge
Similar words
agarrar: Grips something forcefully with the hand and keeps a firm hold.
tomar: Picks up or takes something into the hand to hold or use.
sujetar: Holds an object firmly so it stays fixed in place.
Definition in Spanish
Tomar firmemente con la mano un objeto o a una persona para mantenerlo sujetado o impedir que se escape o caiga.
Word origin
From Vulgar Latin in which the Latin prefix ad- assimilates to the following s and fuses with a Romance root meaning 'take', yielding Old Spanish asir and the modern verb asir.
Usage tips
- In everyday speech asir is less common than agarrar or coger, and speakers often use the reflexive asirse to mean hold on physically.