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A2 verb #3,500 가장 일반적인 10분 분량

握る

nigiru 상위 3,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 握る 30초 만에

설명 握る in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic physical meaning of 'nigiru,' which is 'to hold' or 'to grasp' something with your hand. The most common phrase you will learn is 'te o nigiru' (to hold hands). Imagine a child holding their parent's hand while crossing the street; this is the perfect image for 'nigiru.' You might also see it in the context of food, specifically 'onigiri' (rice balls), though at this level, you mostly just need to know the name of the food. Think of 'nigiru' as a simple action where you close your fingers to hold something. It is a very 'physical' word at this stage. You don't need to worry about the abstract meanings like 'holding power' yet. Just remember: hand + object + closing fingers = nigiru. It is a 'u-verb' (Godan), so the polite form is 'nigirimasu.' You can use it when you want to tell someone to hold onto something tight, like a strap on a bus or a handrail. It's a useful word for basic safety and human connection.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'nigiru' in more specific everyday contexts. You will learn that it's the specific verb used for driving—'handle o nigiru' (to grip the steering wheel). This is more specific than just 'holding' a wheel; it implies control. You will also encounter 'nigiru' in the kitchen. If you are learning about Japanese culture, you'll see that chefs 'nigiru' sushi. This means they are molding the rice with their hands. At A2, you should also be able to use the 'te-form' (nigitte) to give simple instructions, like 'nigitte kudasai' (please hold/grip this). You might also start to see the word used for clenching a fist (kobushi o nigiru) in stories or simple manga. This level is about expanding from just 'hands' to 'tools' and 'shaping objects.' You are moving from a simple grasp to a functional grip. You should also be able to distinguish 'nigiru' from 'motsu' (to carry). If you are holding a pen to write, you are 'nigiru'-ing it. If you just have a pen in your pocket, you are 'motsu'-ing it.

At the B1 level, you start to explore the metaphorical and idiomatic uses of 'nigiru.' You will encounter phrases like 'saifu o nigiru' (to control the budget/wallet) and 'yowami o nigiru' (to hold someone's weakness). These aren't about physical hands anymore; they are about power and leverage. You will also see 'nigiru' used in the context of secrets—'himitsu o nigiru' (to hold a secret). This implies that you have possession of information that could be important or damaging. In terms of grammar, you should be comfortable with the passive voice 'nigirareru' (to be held/grasped) and the causative 'nigiraseru' (to make someone hold). For example, 'shudoken o nigiraseru' means to let someone else take the lead. You'll also notice the compound verb 'nigirishimeru,' which means to squeeze or grip very tightly, often used when someone is emotional or determined. Your understanding of 'nigiru' should now include the concept of 'retention'—holding onto something so it doesn't get away, whether that's a physical object or a piece of information.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B2 level, 'nigiru' becomes a key word for discussing social dynamics, politics, and business. You will hear it in news broadcasts about who '実権を握る' (jikken o nigiru - holds the actual power) in a government or company. It describes a firm, often unshakeable control. You will also encounter it in more literary contexts, such as 'unmei o nigiru' (to hold one's destiny in one's hands). At this level, you should understand the nuance of 'nigiru' versus 'shouaku suru' (to command/grasp). 'Nigiru' feels more personal and direct, while 'shouaku' is more systemic. You will also see it used in sports commentary to describe a player's grip on a racket or bat, often with technical adjectives describing the strength or angle of the grip. You should be able to use 'nigiru' in complex sentences with various particles and auxiliary verbs. For instance, 'nigiri-tsubusu' means to crush something in one's hand, which can also be used metaphorically for 'crushing' an idea or a plan. Your vocabulary should now include these more aggressive or decisive variations of the verb.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the subtle psychological nuances of 'nigiru.' It is used to describe the 'grip' someone has over another person's heart or mind, though often in a more forceful or possessive way than 'tsukamu.' You will encounter it in high-level literature and editorials. For example, 'shakai no kousou o nigiru' (to hold the structure of society). You should also be familiar with archaic or highly specific culinary terms related to 'nigiri.' In legal or investigative contexts, 'shouko o nigiru' (to hold evidence) is a common phrase, implying that the evidence is definitive and 'in hand.' You should be able to discuss the etymology of the word and how the kanji '握' (aku/nigiru) relates to the radical for 'hand' and the phonetic component for 'roof/limit,' suggesting a hand that covers or encloses. At this level, you can use the word to describe the 'tension' in a scene—'nigiru yona kincho-kan' (a tension so thick you could grasp it). You are now looking at the word as a tool for expressive, nuanced description in both formal and creative writing.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'nigiru' and all its derivatives. You can distinguish between 'nigiru' and its synonyms in the most abstract philosophical discussions. You might use it to describe the 'grasp' of an era or the 'grip' of a specific ideology on a population. You are familiar with rare idioms and historical uses, such as how the term was used in ancient courtly contexts or specific traditional crafts beyond sushi. You can use 'nigiru' to create sophisticated metaphors in poetry or prose, playing with the contrast between the warmth of a hand (te o nigiru) and the coldness of power (kenryoku o nigiru). You understand the phonological aesthetics of the word—the sharp 'ni' followed by the resonant 'gi' and the trailing 'ru'—and how it sounds in different registers of speech. You can also analyze the use of 'nigiru' in classical Japanese literature (though the verb has remained remarkably stable). Essentially, you see 'nigiru' not just as a verb, but as a conceptual pillar of the Japanese language that connects the physical body to the structures of power and creation.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

握る 30초 만에

Nigiru means to grasp or grip something with your hand, involving the palm and fingers.
It is commonly used for holding hands, driving, and the specific act of molding sushi.
Metaphorically, it describes holding power, secrets, or control over a situation or person.
It is a Godan verb (u-verb) that emphasizes a firm, purposeful hold rather than just carrying.

The Japanese verb 握る (nigiru) is a multifaceted word that primarily describes the action of closing one's hand around an object to hold it firmly. While at its simplest level it translates to 'to grasp' or 'to grip,' its usage in Japanese culture and language extends far beyond mere physical contact. Understanding nigiru requires looking at the intent behind the grip—whether it is to comfort someone, to create something like sushi, or to exert control over a situation or a secret. In the Japanese mindset, the act of 'nigiru' involves the palm and the fingers working in unison to enclose or mold, which distinguishes it from other 'holding' verbs like motsu (to carry/possess) or tsukamu (to snatch/grab).

Physical Grasping: This is the most common use, referring to holding a hand, a steering wheel, or a tool. It implies a firm, purposeful grip where the hand wraps around the object entirely.

お母さんの手をしっかりと握る。(Hold your mother's hand tightly.)

Culinary Arts: In the context of Japanese cuisine, this verb is iconic. It is used for the act of pressing vinegared rice into the shape of sushi or forming rice balls (onigiri). Here, it implies a delicate yet firm molding process.

職人が心を込めて寿司を握る。(The chef molds the sushi with all his heart.)

Abstract Control: Metaphorically, 'nigiru' is used to describe having control over information, power, or someone's weakness. It suggests that you have 'captured' the essence of the situation in your hand.

彼は会社の主導権を握っている。(He holds the leadership/initiative of the company.)

In daily life, you will hear this word when people talk about driving (steering), playing sports (gripping a bat or racket), or even in idioms about money. For example, 'kane o nigiru' means to come into possession of a sum of money, often implying a somewhat greedy or tight-fisted grip. The word carries a sense of 'firmness' and 'retention' that is absent in more passive verbs. Whether you are squeezing a stress ball or holding a knife to cook, nigiru captures the physical and psychological act of bringing something under the direct influence of your palm.

マイクを握って離さない。(Grip the microphone and don't let go.)

秘密を握られてしまった。(My secret has been discovered/held by someone else.)

Using 握る (nigiru) correctly depends on whether you are describing a physical action, a culinary process, or a metaphorical state of control. As a transitive verb (Godan verb ending in -ru), it almost always takes the particle を (o) to indicate the object being grasped. The focus is usually on the strength or the shape of the hand as it interacts with that object. Unlike motsu, which can mean 'to own' or 'to carry in a general sense,' nigiru implies that the hand is physically closed around the thing.

Physical Objects: When holding tools or handles, use 'nigiru' to emphasize the grip. This is essential for safety instructions or sports coaching.

包丁の柄を正しく握りなさい。(Grip the handle of the kitchen knife correctly.)

Human Connection: Holding hands is a primary use case. 'Te o nigiru' is the standard phrase. For a handshake, you use 'akushu o suru,' but the physical act of the grip within that handshake is 'nigiru.'

彼女は怖くて私の腕を握った。(She was scared and gripped my arm.)

Abstract Power: In business or politics, 'nigiru' describes holding power, keys, or information. It suggests a position of leverage.

彼がこのプロジェクトの鍵を握っている。(He holds the key to this project.)

Another interesting usage is in the phrase 'kobushi o nigiru' (to clench one's fist). This is used to show determination, anger, or excitement. In a sporting context, a coach might tell an athlete to 'nigire!' meaning to tighten their grip on the equipment. In culinary contexts, 'onigiri o nigiru' is the standard way to say you are making rice balls. Note that 'nigiru' implies a shaping action here, not just a holding action. If you just hold a rice ball, you use 'motsu'. If you shape it, you use 'nigiru'.

悔しくて拳を強く握りしめた。(I clenched my fists tightly in frustration.)

ハンドルをしっかり握って運転してください。(Please drive while holding the steering wheel firmly.)

You will encounter 握る (nigiru) in a wide variety of real-life settings in Japan, ranging from the local sushi shop to the high-stakes world of corporate negotiations. It is a word that bridges the gap between physical labor and intellectual strategy. In a domestic setting, parents often use it with children to ensure safety. In a professional setting, it appears in news reports regarding political power or economic control. Understanding these contexts helps you grasp the 'vibe' of the word.

The Sushi Bar: The most iconic place to hear this word. Customers might watch the 'itamae' (chef) and say 'Oishisou na sushi o nigiru ne' (He molds delicious-looking sushi). The term 'nigiri' itself is a noun derived from this verb.

目の前で大将が寿司を握ってくれた。(The head chef molded sushi right in front of me.)

The Driving School: Instructors constantly tell students to 'Handle o nigiru' (grip the wheel). It emphasizes the control required for safe driving.

初めてハンドルを握った時は緊張した。(I was nervous when I first gripped the steering wheel.)

The News and Politics: Journalists use 'nigiru' to describe who holds the 'kenryoku' (power) or 'shudoken' (initiative). It implies a firm, unyielding hold on authority.

新政権が実権を握った。(The new administration took/held real power.)

In social settings, the phrase 'yowami o nigiru' (to hold someone's weakness) is common in dramas and gossip. It means you have dirt on someone or know a secret that gives you leverage over them. Similarly, 'saifu o nigiru' (to hold the wallet) means to be the one who controls the finances in a household. In Japan, it is traditionally said that the wife 'saifu o nigiru,' meaning she manages the family budget. These cultural nuances show that 'nigiru' is about the possession of something vital.

妻が我が家の財布を握っている。(My wife holds the purse strings of our home.)

彼は私の秘密を握って脅してきた。(He held my secret and threatened me.)

While 握る (nigiru) seems straightforward, English speakers often confuse it with other Japanese verbs for 'holding' or 'taking.' The most common error is using nigiru when motsu or tsukamu would be more appropriate. Understanding the physical mechanics of each verb is the key to avoiding these pitfalls. Nigiru requires the palm and a closed hand; if the hand isn't closed or the palm isn't involved, it's likely a different verb.

Nigiru vs. Motsu: 'Motsu' is the general word for 'to hold' or 'to carry.' If you are carrying a bag by its handle, you 'motsu' the bag. If you are gripping the handle itself tightly with your whole hand, you 'nigiru' the handle. Using 'nigiru' for just carrying a bag sounds like you are squeezing it.

× カバンを握る (Incorrect for carrying a bag).
○ カバンを持つ (Correct).

Nigiru vs. Tsukamu: 'Tsukamu' means 'to grab' or 'to snatch.' It implies a sudden movement to catch something. 'Nigiru' is the state of holding it once it's in your hand or the deliberate act of squeezing. You 'tsukamu' (grab) a falling ball, then 'nigiru' (grip) it.

× チャンスを握る (Less common).
○ チャンスを掴む (To seize an opportunity).

Sushi Terminology: New learners often say 'sushi o tsukuru' (make sushi). While not grammatically wrong, it sounds amateur. To sound like a pro or to describe a chef's work, always use 'sushi o nigiru.'

彼は寿司を握るのが上手だ。(He is good at molding sushi.)

Another nuanced mistake involves 'te o nigiru.' If you want to say 'shake hands,' the full phrase is 'akushu o suru.' If you say 'te o nigiru,' it implies you are holding someone's hand, perhaps romantically or to comfort them. If you use 'nigiru' during a business introduction, it might be interpreted as you squeezing the other person's hand too hard or holding it for an awkwardly long time! Lastly, remember that 'nigiru' is a physical action. You cannot 'nigiru' a person's heart unless you are a surgeon or a monster; metaphorically, we use 'kokoro o tsukamu' (to grab/win someone's heart).

手を握って励ました。(I squeezed their hand to encourage them.)

おにぎりを握る時は手を濡らす。(Wet your hands when molding rice balls.)

Japanese has several verbs that translate to 'hold' or 'grasp,' but they are not interchangeable. Choosing the right one depends on the speed of the action, the duration of the hold, and the object involved. Here is a breakdown of how 握る (nigiru) compares to its closest relatives. This will help you refine your Japanese and sound more like a native speaker who understands the physical nuances of the language.

掴む (Tsukamu) vs. 握る (Nigiru): 'Tsukamu' is about the 'catch' or 'seize'—a quick action to get something into your hand. 'Nigiru' is about the 'hold'—the firm enclosure of the hand. You 'tsukamu' a thief's arm, but you 'nigiru' a friend's hand.

持つ (Motsu) vs. 握る (Nigiru): 'Motsu' is the most neutral and broad term. It can mean to hold, carry, or own. 'Nigiru' is specifically the action of the fingers closing toward the palm. You 'motsu' a smartphone, but you 'nigiru' a baseball bat.

挟む (Hasamu) vs. 握る (Nigiru): 'Hasamu' means to sandwich or pinch something between two things (like chopsticks or fingers). 'Nigiru' uses the whole hand. You 'hasamu' a pickle with chopsticks, but you 'nigiru' the rice ball it goes into.

掌握する (Shouaku-suru) vs. 握る (Nigiru): This is a formal/academic alternative for the metaphorical 'nigiru.' It means to have a complete command or grasp of something, like a market or an organization. While 'nigiru' is used in daily speech, 'shouaku' appears in business reports.

彼は市場を完全に掌握している。(He has completely grasped/dominated the market.)

In summary, use 握る when the palm is involved and the action is firm or molding. Use 持つ for general possession or carrying. Use 掴む for seizing or grabbing suddenly. Use 握りしめる (nigirishimeru) if you want to emphasize a very tight, emotional squeeze. By distinguishing these, you can describe physical actions with much higher precision. For example, in a martial arts context, the difference between 'tsukamu' (grabbing an opponent's gi) and 'nigiru' (gripping a sword hilt) is fundamental to the technique being described.

ロープをしっかり握って登る。(Climb while holding the rope firmly.)

彼は権力を握るために手段を選ばない。(He chooses no means [stops at nothing] to grasp power.)

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The kanji 握 contains the radical for 'hand' (扌) and the character 屋 (roof/house), which phonetically implies a 'limit' or 'covering,' suggesting a hand that covers something completely.

발음 가이드

UK ni.ɡi.ɾɯ

US ni.ɡi.ɾu

Flat pitch (Heiban style), meaning the pitch starts low and rises, then stays flat.

라임이 맞는 단어

Ikuru Tsukuru Mekuru Okuru Sugiru Shinjiru Tojiru Kanjiru

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'ru' like the English 'roo' with rounded lips.
Making the 'g' sound too nasal (though 'ng' is sometimes acceptable in some dialects).
Stress-accenting the first syllable like 'NI-gi-ru'.
Failing to distinguish the 'gi' from 'ki'.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' at the end.

난이도

독해 2/5

The kanji 握 is common but usually learned around N3 level.

쓰기 3/5

The radical 扌 is easy, but the right side '屋' requires some practice.

말하기 1/5

The pronunciation is simple and follows standard rules.

듣기 1/5

Clear consonants make it easy to distinguish in speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

手持つ寿司米力

다음에 배울 것

掴む放す権力主導権掌握

고급

生殺与奪趨勢掌握統治管轄

알아야 할 문법

Transitive Verb (を)

手を握る。

Te-form for Request

しっかり握ってください。

Potential Form (Grip-able)

このハンドルは握りやすい。

Passive Form (Being held)

弱みを握られた。

Causative Form (Make someone hold)

彼にマイクを握らせる。

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

手をおにぎりを握ります。

I make rice balls.

Direct object 'onigiri' with 'nigiru'.

お母さんの手を握ってください。

Please hold your mother's hand.

Te-form + kudasai for a polite request.

彼はペンを握っています。

He is holding a pen.

Te-iru form shows the ongoing state of holding.

強く握らないでください。

Please don't grip it strongly.

Negative te-form + kudasai.

手を握りましょう。

Let's hold hands.

Mashou form for an invitation.

小さな手を握りました。

I held a small hand.

Past tense of a Godan verb.

これを握って待ってください。

Hold this and wait, please.

Te-form used to connect two actions.

寿司を握るのが好きです。

I like making sushi.

Dictionary form + no ga suki desu.

ハンドルをしっかり握ってください。

Please grip the steering wheel firmly.

Focus on the 'grip' required for driving.

テニスのラケットを握る。

I grip the tennis racket.

Standard use for sports equipment.

彼は怒って拳を握った。

He got angry and clenched his fist.

Specific phrase for 'clench a fist'.

寿司屋で大将が寿司を握る。

The chef molds sushi at the sushi shop.

Nigiru used for the professional act of making sushi.

このひもを握ってください。

Please hold this string/rope.

Using 'nigiru' for a thin object.

ドアノブを握って回す。

Grip the doorknob and turn it.

Describing a sequence of physical actions.

赤ちゃんが私の指を握った。

The baby gripped my finger.

Describes the reflexive grip of an infant.

マイクを握って歌います。

I will hold the mic and sing.

Emphasizes the act of holding the mic.

彼女は我が家の財布を握っている。

She holds the purse strings of our family.

Metaphorical use for financial control.

彼は私の弱みを握っている。

He has something on me (holds my weakness).

Idiomatic expression for leverage/blackmail.

秘密を握られてしまった。

My secret was found out/is being held by someone.

Passive form 'nigirareru' used for secrets.

彼は勝利の鍵を握っている。

He holds the key to victory.

Abstract 'key' as the object of nigiru.

手を握りしめて祈った。

I clasped my hands tightly and prayed.

Compound verb 'nigirishimeru' for intensity.

マイクを握ったら離さない。

Once he grabs the mic, he won't let go.

Conditional 'tara' showing a habit.

主導権を握るために努力する。

I will work hard to take the initiative.

Abstract 'initiative' (shudoken) as the object.

おにぎりを握るコツを教える。

I'll teach you the trick to making rice balls.

Nigiru as a noun-like verb in 'nigiru kotsu'.

その政党が国の実権を握った。

That political party took real power in the country.

Political 'real power' (jikken) as the object.

彼はこの事件の真相を握っている。

He holds the truth/facts of this case.

Abstract 'truth' (shinsou) as the object.

運命を自分の手で握りたい。

I want to hold my destiny in my own hands.

Literary use for 'destiny' (unmei).

握りつぶされた計画。

A plan that was crushed/suppressed.

Compound verb 'nigiri-tsubusu' for crushing/suppressing.

彼は部下の生殺与奪の権を握っている。

He holds the power of life and death over his subordinates.

Advanced idiom for absolute authority.

金を握らせて口を封じる。

To silence someone by making them take money (bribe).

Causative 'nigiraseru' used for bribery.

緊張でハンカチを握りしめた。

I gripped my handkerchief tightly due to nervousness.

Physical expression of an internal state.

市場のシェアを握る。

To hold a share of the market.

Business context for market share.

民衆の心を握る演説。

A speech that gripped the hearts of the masses.

Metaphorical grip on 'hearts' (kokoro).

彼は組織の暗部を握っている。

He holds the dark secrets/underbelly of the organization.

Nuanced object 'dark side/secrets' (anbu).

政界の黒幕が糸を握っている。

The mastermind of the political world is holding the strings.

Metaphor of 'holding the strings' (ito o nigiru).

その技術が未来を握るだろう。

That technology will likely hold the future.

Abstract 'future' (mirai) as the object.

一瞬の隙を握って反撃する。

To seize a momentary opening and counter-attack.

Seizing a 'gap/opening' (suki).

彼は筆を握ると人格が変わる。

His personality changes when he takes up the brush (writes).

Metonymy: 'holding the brush' for the act of writing.

決定権を握っているのは誰か。

Who is the one holding the right to decide?

Formal 'right to decide' (ketteiken).

彼は沈黙を握り続けている。

He continues to hold/maintain his silence.

Metaphorical use for maintaining a state.

時代の趨勢を握る。

To hold the trends/direction of the era.

Very formal 'trends of the era' (jidai no suusei).

生殺与奪の権を握る者の孤独。

The loneliness of one who holds the power of life and death.

Philosophical exploration of power.

彼は情報の生命線を握っている。

He holds the lifeline of information.

Metaphorical 'lifeline' (seimeisen).

筆致に力を握らせる。

To instill power into one's brushstrokes.

Abstract causative for artistic expression.

虚空を握るような空しさ。

An emptiness like grasping at thin air.

Poetic use for 'emptiness' (munashisa).

彼は運命の糸を握り直した。

He took hold of the strings of fate once again.

Literary 'strings of fate' (unmei no ito).

この一手が勝敗を握る。

This one move holds the [outcome of] victory or defeat.

Specific to games/strategy (shouhai o nigiru).

権謀術数を握り、暗躍する。

Grasping machinations and working behind the scenes.

Highly literary and formal vocabulary.

자주 쓰는 조합

手を握る

ハンドルを握る

寿司を握る

拳を握る

弱みを握る

実権を握る

財布を握る

マイクを握る

鍵を握る

おにぎりを握る

자주 쓰는 구문

手に汗を握る

— To be in breathless suspense (lit. to grip sweat in hands).

手に汗を握る試合展開だった。

主導権を握る

— To take the initiative or leadership.

会議で主導権を握る。

秘密を握る

— To hold a secret.

彼は重大な秘密を握っている。

ハンドルを握らせる

— To let someone drive.

初心者にハンドルを握らせるのは怖い。

一石を握る

— To hold a stone (often used in Go or games).

先攻を決めるために一石を握る。

権力を握る

— To hold power.

独裁者が権力を握った。

ペンを握る

— To take up the pen (to write).

作家として再びペンを握る。

胸を握る

— To grip one's chest (usually from pain or emotion).

苦しそうに胸を握る。

証拠を握る

— To hold evidence.

警察はついに決定的な証拠を握った。

手綱を握る

— To hold the reins (to be in control).

経営の手綱を握る。

자주 혼동되는 단어

握る vs 持つ (Motsu)

Motsu is general carrying; Nigiru is specifically gripping with the palm.

握る vs 掴む (Tsukamu)

Tsukamu is the action of grabbing/catching; Nigiru is the hold itself.

握る vs 挟む (Hasamu)

Hasamu is pinching between two things (like chopsticks); Nigiru is the whole hand.

관용어 및 표현

"手に汗を握る"

— A state of extreme tension or excitement, like watching a close game.

手に汗を握る決勝戦だった。

Common

"財布の紐を握る"

— To control the household finances.

家では母が財布の紐を握っている。

Common

"弱みを握る"

— To discover a person's secret or flaw and use it against them.

彼はライバルの弱みを握った。

Common

"実権を握る"

— To hold the actual power, even if not the official leader.

会長が依然として実権を握っている。

Formal

"主導権を握る"

— To take control of the direction of a conversation or project.

若手社員が会議の主導権を握った。

Business

"生殺与奪の権を握る"

— To have absolute power over someone's fate.

彼は部下の生殺与奪の権を握っている。

Literary

"ハンドルを握る"

— To be the driver; metaphorically to be in control of a situation.

人生のハンドルを自分で握る。

Common

"おにぎりを握る"

— Not an idiom, but the culturally essential way to describe making rice balls.

ピクニックのためにおにぎりを握る。

Daily

"金を握らせる"

— To bribe someone (to make them hold money).

役人に金を握らせて許可を得た。

Informal

"胸を握られる"

— To have one's heart gripped by a strong emotion.

彼の悲しい身の上話に胸を握られた。

Literary

혼동하기 쉬운

握る vs 掴む

Both involve hands and grasping.

Tsukamu is a quick action to seize. Nigiru is a firm, sustained grip or molding action.

チャンスを掴む (Seize a chance) vs. 手を握る (Hold hands).

握る vs 持つ

Both mean 'to hold' in English.

Motsu is very broad (possess, carry). Nigiru is specific to the hand's shape (closing fingers).

カバンを持つ (Carry a bag) vs. ハンドルを握る (Grip the wheel).

握る vs 握る

Sometimes confused with 'musubu' in 'onigiri'.

Nigiru is the standard verb for making rice balls. Musubu (to tie/connect) is sometimes used in 'omusubi'.

おにぎりを握る。

握る vs 抱く

Both can mean to hold metaphorically.

Idaku/Daku is to embrace or hold a feeling/belief. Nigiru is a firm grip on an object or power.

夢を抱く (Hold a dream) vs. 実権を握る (Hold power).

握る vs 捕らえる

Both mean to catch or hold.

Toraeru is to capture a criminal or a physical object. Nigiru is the grip once captured.

犯人を捕らえる (Capture a criminal).

문장 패턴

[Object] を握る

手を握る。

[Object] を握って [Action]

ハンドルを握って運転する。

[Abstract] を握っている

秘密を握っている。

[Object] を握りしめる

拳を握りしめる。

[Person] に [Money] を握らせる

彼に金を握らせる。

[Object] を握りつぶす

計画を握りつぶす。

[Abstract] を掌握する (Alternative)

政権を掌握する。

[Outcome] を握る

勝敗を握る。

어휘 가족

명사

握り (Nigiri - a grip/handful)

握り寿司 (Nigiri-zushi)

お握り (Onigiri)

握力 (Akuryoku - grip strength)

握手 (Akushu - handshake)

동사

握りしめる (Nigirishimeru - to squeeze)

握りつぶす (Nigiri-tsubusu - to crush)

握り直す (Nigiri-naosu - to regrip)

형용사

握りやすい (Nigiri-yasui - easy to grip)

사용법

frequency

Very common in both daily conversation and literature.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'nigiru' for carrying a bag. → カバンを持つ (Kaban o motsu).
Nigiru implies squeezing or a tight grip. Motsu is for general carrying.
Using 'nigiru' for 'grabbing' a ball mid-air. → ボールを掴む (Booru o tsukamu).
Tsukamu is for the action of catching. Nigiru is for the sustained hold.
Saying 'sushi o tsukuru' in a professional setting. → 寿司を握る (Sushi o nigiru).
Nigiru is the specific, professional verb for making sushi rice balls.
Using 'nigiru' for 'holding' an opinion. → 意見を持つ (Iken o motsu).
Nigiru is physical or power-based, not for abstract opinions.
Using 'nigiru' for 'shaking hands' as a greeting. → 握手をする (Akushu o suru).
Te o nigiru implies holding hands, which is more intimate than a handshake.

팁

Sushi Pro Tip

When you are at a high-end sushi bar, saying 'Nigitte kudasai' to the chef is the standard way to order. It sounds more natural than 'Tsukutte kudasai.'

Verb Conjugation

Nigiru is a Godan verb. Remember the 'u' to 'i' change for the polite form: Nigiru -> Nigirimasu. The te-form is Nigitte.

Onigiri Spirit

In Japan, a handmade 'onigiri' is considered much more special than a machine-made one because the act of 'nigiru' is seen as infusing the food with care.

Driving Instruction

If you are taking driving lessons in Japan, your instructor will use 'nigiru' for the wheel. 'Handle o shikkari nigitte!' means 'Hold the wheel firmly!'

Sweaty Palms

The idiom 'Te ni ase o nigiru' is perfect for describing a thrilling movie or a sports match. It's a very common expression in reviews.

Hand Holding

Using 'Te o nigiru' implies a deeper connection. If you just want to say you walked hand-in-hand, 'Te o tsunaide' is more common for casual walking.

Power Dynamics

When reading Japanese news, '实権を握る' (jikken o nigiru) is a key phrase to identify who the real 'boss' is in any situation.

Grip Strength

The noun for grip strength is 'akuryoku' (握力). It's a common test in Japanese schools during physical education.

Rhyme Time

Nigiru rhymes with 'Tsukuru' (to make). This is easy to remember since you 'nigiru' to 'tsukuru' sushi!

The Palm

Always visualize the palm being involved. If you are only using fingertips, it's not 'nigiru.'

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a **NI**nja **GI**ving a **RU**ber ball a tight squeeze. Nigiru!

시각적 연상

Picture a sushi chef's hand closing over a small mound of rice. The shape of the hand is the essence of 'nigiru'.

Word Web

Hand Sushi Grip Power Secret Steering Wheel Fist Control

챌린지

Try to say 'Nigiru' every time you pick up a tool or your car keys today.

어원

Derived from the ancient Japanese verb 'nigu,' which meant to hold or to bring together. It has been used since the Nara period (8th century) to describe physical grasping.

원래 의미: To enclose something within the hand.

Japonic

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'kin o nigiraseru' (making someone hold money) as it explicitly implies bribery.

In English, we use 'grasp' for both physical and mental understanding. In Japanese, 'nigiru' is mostly physical or power-related, while 'wakaru' or 'rikai suru' is used for mental understanding.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (documentary about a master who 'nigiru' sushi) The phrase 'te o nigiru' in countless J-Pop love songs Onigiri in almost every anime ever made

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Cooking

寿司を握る
おにぎりを握る
包丁を握る
生地を握る

Driving

ハンドルを握る
ブレーキを握る
レバーを握る
しっかり握る

Relationships

手を握る
腕を握る
指を握る
握りしめる

Business/Politics

実権を握る
主導権を握る
鍵を握る
弱みを握る

Sports

ラケットを握る
バットを握る
ボールを握る
握力を鍛える

대화 시작하기

"寿司を自分で握ったことがありますか？ (Have you ever molded sushi yourself?)"

"家では誰が財布を握っていますか？ (Who holds the purse strings in your house?)"

"初めてハンドルを握った時のことを覚えていますか？ (Do you remember the first time you gripped a steering wheel?)"

"緊張した時、何かを握る癖はありますか？ (Do you have a habit of gripping something when nervous?)"

"このプロジェクトの成功の鍵を握っているのは誰だと思いますか？ (Who do you think holds the key to this project's success?)"

일기 주제

今日、誰かの手を握りましたか？その時の気持ちを書いてください。 (Did you hold someone's hand today? Write about how you felt.)

あなたが人生で「主導権を握りたい」と思う場面は何ですか？ (In what situations in your life do you want to 'take the initiative'?)

美味しいおにぎりを握るための自分なりのコツを説明してください。 (Explain your own tips for making delicious rice balls.)

もし大きな権力を握ったら、最初に何をしますか？ (If you held great power, what would you do first?)

「手に汗を握る」ような体験をしたことがありますか？詳しく書いてください。 (Have you ever had a 'sweaty palms' experience? Write in detail.)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Usually, 'motsu' is better. Use 'nigiru' only if you are squeezing it or emphasizing a tight grip so it doesn't fall.

The handshake itself is 'akushu.' The physical act of gripping the hand during the handshake is 'nigiru.'

It comes from the verb 'nigiru' because the chef molds the rice by hand into a specific shape.

'Nigirishimeru' is much stronger and often implies emotion, like squeezing a hand in support or clenching a fist in anger.

Yes, 'himitsu o nigiru' means you know a secret and have control over it.

It is transitive and takes the particle 'o' for the object being grasped.

For teeth, we use 'kuishibaru' (ha o kuishibaru), not 'nigiru.'

No, unlike 'grasp' in English, 'nigiru' is rarely used for mental understanding. Use 'tsukamu' for 'grasping a meaning.'

Yes, for gripping bats, rackets, or clubs. Proper 'nigiri' (grip) is a common topic in sports coaching.

It literally means 'to hold the wallet,' but it refers to the person who makes the financial decisions in a family.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기