Japanese Conversation · Level 38
90 words
Japanese word
握手
Pronunciation
Romajiakushu
Meaning
- nounhandshake
Example
二人は会ってすぐに握手をしました。futa ri wa a tte su gu ni aku shu o shi ma shi ta
The two people shook hands as soon as they met.
More examples
緊張しましたが、相手の目を見て握手をしました。kin chō shi ma shi ta ga ai te no me o mi te aku shu o shi ma shi ta
I was nervous, but I looked the other person in the eye and shook hands.
Core concept
Describes two people briefly clasping and moving their hands to mark a social connection or agreement.
Common phrases
固い握手kata i aku shu
firm handshake
握手をするaku shu o su ru
shake hands
握手を交わすaku shu o ka wa su
exchange handshakes
Definition in Japanese
二人が互いに手を握り合って、あいさつや親愛、合意などを示すこと。futa ri ga taga i ni te o nigi ri a tte a i sa tsu ya shin ai gō i na do o shime su ko to
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese compound 握手 (akushu, "handshake") combines 握 (aku, "grasp") and 手 (shu, "hand").
Usage tips
- In English, a handshake deal is an informal agreement made without a written contract, extending the word beyond the physical greeting.
Related words
- 握手するakushusurushake handsverb