Japanese Conversation · Level 69
75 words
Japanese word
握る
Pronunciation
Romajinigiru
Meaning
- verbgrip
Example
自転車のハンドルを握ります。ji ten sha no ha n do ru o nigi ri ma su
I grip the handlebars of my bicycle.
More examples
先生は子どもの手を握りました。sen sei wa ko do mo no te o nigi ri ma shi ta
The teacher grasped the child's hand.
Core concept
Centers on closing the hand around something so it stays firmly under control.
Common phrases
ハンドルを握るha n do ru o nigi ru
grip a handlebar
手を握るte o nigi ru
grip someone's hand
拳を握るkobushi o nigi ru
clench one's fist
Similar words
掴むtsukamu: To take hold of something with the hand, often using the fingers.
持つmotsu: To have something in the hand or keep it in the hand.
つまむtsumamu: To hold something lightly between the fingers.
Definition in Japanese
手や指で物をしっかり持つ。te ya yubi de mono o shi kka ri mo tsu
Word origin
握る (nigiru) is a native Japanese verb, and its deeper origin is uncertain; its long-standing core meaning involves closing the hand around something.
Usage tips
- In everyday Japanese, 握る (nigiru) applies not only to objects but also to forming rice into a compact shape, as in sushi.