To hold something firmly in your hand or to gain control over a situation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To grasp or hold something firmly with the hand.
- Used for physical objects and abstract concepts like power.
- Commonly used when making sushi or holding hands.
概要
「握る」は、五指を曲げて対象を包み込む動作を表す動詞です。物理的な接触だけでなく、抽象的な概念を自分の支配下に置く際にも頻繁に使用されます。2) 使用パターン: 基本的な文型は「AがBを握る」です。Bには、手、ペン、ハンドル、財布、あるいは寿司、権力、秘密などが来ます。3) 一般的な文脈: 日常生活では「手を握る」「ペンを握る」といった動作の描写に使われます。ビジネスやニュースでは「主導権を握る」「秘密を握る」のように、状況をコントロールする意味で使われます。4) 類語との比較: 「掴む（つかむ）」は、指を広げて対象をひっかけるような動作を含むのに対し、「握る」は指を曲げて対象を指で囲い込む動作を強調します。また、「持つ（もつ）」は単に手にしている状態を指すのに対し、「握る」はより強く、指の力を使って保持するニュアンスが強いです。
Examples
子供が母親の手を握る。
everydayThe child holds the mother's hand.
交渉の主導権を握る。
formalTake the lead in the negotiation.
おにぎりを握る。
informalMake an onigiri (rice ball).
彼は事件の鍵を握っている。
academicHe holds the key to the case.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
握手をする
To shake hands
鍵を握る
To hold the key
拳を握る
To clench one's fist
Often Confused With
Tsukamu means to grab or catch something often suddenly or with force. Nigiru implies a more steady, controlled grip with the hand closed.
Motsu is the general verb for holding or carrying. It doesn't necessarily imply the fingers are wrapped around the object tightly.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'nigiru' when the fingers are wrapped around an object. It is used in both literal physical contexts and abstract contexts like power or secrets. It is a standard verb used in formal and informal registers.
Common Mistakes
Don't use 'nigiru' for holding a book or a flat object that you can't wrap your fingers around. Also, ensure you don't confuse it with 'tsukamu' when describing catching a ball, where 'tsukamu' is more appropriate.
Tips
Focus on the physical hand shape
Imagine curling your fingers to hold something tight. This physical image helps you remember both literal and metaphorical meanings.
Don't confuse with just holding
Unlike 'motsu' (to hold/carry), 'nigiru' implies active pressure with your fingers. Use it when you are gripping something tightly.
The art of sushi
In Japan, chefs are called 'sushi-shokunin' who 'nigiru' sushi. It reflects the skill of shaping rice with hands.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'nigiru' which originates from the movement of fingers closing together to form a grip. It has historical roots in manual labor and tool usage.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'nigiru' is central to Japanese culinary culture, specifically sushi and onigiri. It represents the craftsmanship of shaping food by hand.
Memory Tip
Imagine you are holding a ball tightly in your hand. The shape of your hand forming a 'nigiri' (grip) is the key.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「握る」は指を曲げて包み込む動作を指し、「掴む」は指を広げて力を込めて対象を捕らえる動作を指します。状況に応じて使い分けますが、手でしっかり保持する場合は「握る」が一般的です。
物事の進行をコントロールする立場になるという意味の慣用句です。ビジネスの交渉などで、有利な状況を作った際に使われます。
主におにぎりやお寿司を作る時に使います。ご飯を手のひらで形を整える動作が「握る」という言葉で表現されます。
過去形は「握った」です。否定形は「握らない」、テ形は「握って」となります。
Test Yourself
彼は緊張して、ずっと拳（こぶし）を___いた。
拳を固く閉じる動作には「握る」が最適です。
次のうち、正しい使い方はどれですか？
ハンドルは手で包み込むように持つため「握る」が適しています。
（秘密を / 彼は / 握っている / 重要な）
主語＋目的語＋述語の順序が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
To hold something firmly in your hand or to gain control over a situation.
- To grasp or hold something firmly with the hand.
- Used for physical objects and abstract concepts like power.
- Commonly used when making sushi or holding hands.
Focus on the physical hand shape
Imagine curling your fingers to hold something tight. This physical image helps you remember both literal and metaphorical meanings.
Don't confuse with just holding
Unlike 'motsu' (to hold/carry), 'nigiru' implies active pressure with your fingers. Use it when you are gripping something tightly.
The art of sushi
In Japan, chefs are called 'sushi-shokunin' who 'nigiru' sushi. It reflects the skill of shaping rice with hands.
Examples
4 of 4子供が母親の手を握る。
The child holds the mother's hand.
交渉の主導権を握る。
Take the lead in the negotiation.
おにぎりを握る。
Make an onigiri (rice ball).
彼は事件の鍵を握っている。
He holds the key to the case.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More body words
内臓
B2Internal organs, viscera.
伸ばす
A2To stretch, to extend.
曲げる
A2To bend, to flex.
清潔な
A2Clean, hygienic.
抱く
A2To embrace; to hug; to hold in one's arms.
筋肉
A2muscle
ぐうぐう
B1Gūgū, rumbling sound (e.g., stomach).
気持ち悪い
A2Unpleasant; nauseating; disgusting.
身長
A2Height (of a person).
満たす
B1To satisfy, to fill (e.g., hunger).
