Chinese word

掌握

Pronunciation

Pinyinzhǎng wò

Meaning

  • verbmaster

Example

我已经掌握了这个技能。wǒ yǐ jīng zhǎng wò le zhè ge jì néng

I have already mastered this skill.

Illustration for 掌握 (master)

More examples

学习新知识时，要花时间才能掌握这些概念。xué xí xīn zhī shí shí yào huā shí jiān cái néng zhǎng wò zhè xiē gài niàn

When learning something new, it takes time to master these concepts.

Core concept

Knowledge, a skill, or a situation sits securely in the hand, no longer slipping away when it must be understood or handled.

Common phrases

  • 掌握一门语言zhǎng wò yì mén yǔ yán

    master a language

  • 掌握语法zhǎng wò yú fǎ

    grasp grammar

Similar words

学会xué huì: Learn a new skill or area of knowledge and become able to use it.
运用yùn yòng: Put learned knowledge or a method into practical use.
了解liáo jiě: Know about something and understand its facts or content.

Definition in Chinese

把某种技能、知识或情况牢牢置于自己掌控之中，既理解其要点又能熟练运用。bǎ móu zhǒng jì néng zhī shí huò qíng kuàng láo láo zhì yú zì jǐ zhǎng kòng zhī zhōng jì lí jiě qí yào diǎn yòu néng shú liàn yùn yòng

Word origin

掌握 (zhǎngwò, "master") joins 掌 (zhǎng, "palm") and 握 (wò, "grip") to suggest keeping something in hand, a concrete image that extends to knowing how it works and handling it effectively.

Usage tips

  • Its meaning is not limited to expert-level achievement; everyday study, work, and practical skills can all be described this way.

Other meanings

  • graspverb
  • understandverb
  • controlverb

Opposites

  • 不了解bù liáo jiěnot understandverb

Word lists with this word