Chinese word

练手

Pronunciation

Pinyinliàn shǒu

Meaning

  • verbpractice

Example

比赛前他先练手一下。bǐ sài qián tā xiān liàn shǒu yí xià

Before the competition, he gets in a little practice.

Illustration for 练手 (practice)

More examples

她在家练手，准备明天的表演。tā zài jiā liàn shǒu zhǔn bèi míng tiān de biáo yǎn

She gets some practice at home to prepare for tomorrow's performance.

Core concept

A small real-world run used to check one's ability and gain experience.

Common phrases

  • 先练手一下xiān liàn shǒu yí xià

    get some practice first

  • 在家练手一下zài jiā liàn shǒu yí xià

    get some practice at home

Similar words

练习liàn xí: Regular repetition helps develop a skill or gain knowledge.
试试shì shì: A brief attempt finds out whether something works or can be done.
热身rè shēn: Gentle movement before an activity prepares the body or hands for action.
尝试cháng shì: Using a new thing or method for the first time tests how it works.

Definition in Chinese

为了检验自己水平或积累经验而进行的短时间实操或尝试。wèi le jiǎn yàn zì jǐ shuǐ píng huò jī lěi jīng yàn ér jìn xíng de duǎn shí jiān shí cāo huò cháng shì

Word origin

练 (liàn, "train") + 手 (shǒu, "hand") links skill-building with using one's hands, so the compound refers to gaining skill through a short practical attempt.

Usage tips

  • The expression often describes trying a tool, recipe, craft, or activity before taking on a bigger task, so it is not limited to contests or performances.

Other meanings

  • test one's skillsverb
  • warm-upnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word