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Vocabulary
손잡다

A2 verb 10 min read

손잡다

sonjapda

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 손잡다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 손잡다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '손잡다' is primarily understood in its most literal, physical sense. A beginner learner will encounter this word when learning about family, daily routines, and basic actions. The focus is on the simple combination of '손' (hand) and '잡다' (to hold/catch). At this stage, you might use it to describe a child holding a parent's hand or two friends walking together. The grammar is kept simple, usually in the present or past tense: '손을 잡아요' (I hold hands) or '손을 잡았어요' (I held hands). The concept of 'partnership' is usually too complex for A1, so the word acts as a concrete action verb. You might see it in picture books or hear it in very basic conversations about safety (e.g., 'Hold hands when you cross the street'). The primary goal for an A1 learner is to recognize the two parts of the word and understand that they combine to mean 'holding hands.' You don't need to worry about business alliances or political metaphors yet. Just think of the physical connection between two people. For example, '친구랑 손잡고 학교에 가요' (I go to school holding hands with my friend). This level of understanding provides the essential foundation for the more abstract meanings you will learn later. It's a warm, friendly word that helps you describe basic human interactions and physical proximity in a simple way.

At the A2 level, you begin to see '손잡다' transition from a purely physical action to a simple metaphorical one. While you still use it for 'holding hands' with friends or family, you also start to encounter it in contexts of simple cooperation. For instance, in a classroom setting, a teacher might say, '서로 손잡고 문제를 해결해 보세요,' which means 'Try to solve the problem by working together (joining hands).' At this stage, you should be able to use the particle '-와/과' correctly to indicate the person or group you are 'joining hands' with. You will also start to see the word in simple news stories or social media posts about two companies or groups working together on a small project. The A2 learner should understand that '손잡다' is a more 'colorful' way to say 'together' or 'collaborate.' You'll also learn to use it in the '-고' form to connect actions, such as '손잡고 노래해요' (Let's hold hands and sing). This level requires you to distinguish between the literal 'holding a hand' and the figurative 'starting a partnership.' It is an important step in developing your ability to understand idiomatic Korean. You might even start to use it in your own writing to describe how you and a friend 'joined hands' to study for an exam. It adds a touch of natural, native-like flair to your basic Korean sentences.

By the B1 level, the figurative use of '손잡다' becomes much more frequent and expected. You will encounter it regularly in intermediate reading passages, news articles, and more complex TV dramas. At this level, you should be comfortable using '손잡다' to describe business partnerships, political alliances, and community collaborations without needing to think about the literal meaning of 'hands.' You will see it used in headlines like 'A 기업과 B 기업이 손잡았다' (Company A and Company B joined hands/partnered). You should also be able to recognize the nuance it carries compared to more formal words like '협력하다.' While '협력하다' is clinical and professional, '손잡다' suggests a more active, perhaps even surprising, union. B1 learners should also start noticing how '손잡다' is used in more complex grammatical structures, such as '손잡기로 했다' (decided to join hands) or '손잡을 예정이다' (plan to join hands). You might also hear it in social contexts where it implies reconciliation, such as two friends who had a fight finally 'joining hands' again. Your vocabulary is expanding to include synonyms, so you should be able to explain '손잡다' using words like '같이 일하다' or '함께하다.' This level is about mastering the versatility of the word and using it confidently in both social and semi-professional contexts.

At the B2 level, '손잡다' is a tool for nuanced expression. You understand that while it is a common word, its use in high-level discourse—such as political commentary or economic analysis—carries specific weight. You can identify when '손잡다' is used to imply a strategic, calculated alliance versus a heartfelt, cooperative effort. For example, in a political context, '손잡다' might describe a coalition formed for the sake of winning an election, and you can discuss the implications of such a 'joining of hands.' You are also expected to use the word correctly in various registers. In a formal presentation, you might choose '협력' but then use '손잡다' in the Q&A session to make your point more relatable and vivid. You should also be familiar with related idioms and more advanced collocations, such as '굳게 손잡다' (to join hands firmly/strongly) or '손에 손잡고' (hand in hand - often used for global unity, famously in the 1988 Seoul Olympics theme song). At B2, you are not just learning the word; you are learning the cultural and rhetorical 'punch' it packs. You can use it to describe complex social phenomena, like '정부와 시민이 손잡고 위기를 극복하다' (Government and citizens join hands to overcome a crisis). Your understanding of the word is now deep enough to appreciate its poetic and persuasive power in speeches and editorials.

For C1 learners, '손잡다' is a word whose nuances are fully integrated into your linguistic repertoire. You can use it with precision in academic writing, professional negotiations, and literary analysis. You understand the subtle difference between '손잡다' and its more formal counterparts like '제휴하다' (strategic alliance) or '공조하다' (official cooperation/mutual aid). You can analyze how an author or a journalist uses '손잡다' to frame a narrative—perhaps to humanize a corporate merger or to emphasize the unexpected nature of a political coalition. At this level, you should also be aware of the historical and cultural resonances of the word, such as its role in nationalistic or unification discourse in Korea ('남과 북이 손잡고'). You can use the word in complex sentence structures, including various causative and passive nuances, and you understand when the literal meaning is being used as a metaphor for something much deeper, such as trust or betrayal. Your ability to use '손잡다' in a variety of moods and styles—from the satirical to the inspirational—shows a high level of fluency. You might even explore the word's usage in historical dramas or classical literature, where the act of 'joining hands' might carry different social taboos or meanings compared to modern times. You are a master of the word's many layers.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '손잡다' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use the word with effortless precision, often employing it in sophisticated rhetorical devices. You might use it in a speech to evoke a sense of national destiny or in a philosophical essay to discuss the nature of human connection and collective action. You are fully aware of the most subtle connotations: for instance, how '손잡다' can sometimes subtly imply a 'necessary evil' in a political alliance, or how it can be used with irony. You can effortlessly switch between the literal and figurative, sometimes even using both in a single piece of wordplay. Your understanding extends to the word's etymological roots and its evolution within the Korean language. You can discuss the sociolinguistic implications of '손잡다' in different eras of Korean history. Whether you are drafting a high-stakes business proposal, writing a screenplay, or participating in a deep philosophical debate, '손잡다' is a versatile instrument in your hands. You don't just know what the word means; you know how to make it 'perform' to achieve your specific communicative goals. You understand that '손잡다' is more than just a verb; it is a reflection of the Korean worldview on unity, relationship, and the power of shared effort. Your usage is characterized by total contextual appropriateness and creative flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

손잡다 in 30 Seconds

손잡다 means to hold hands literally or to cooperate/partner metaphorically.
It is a compound of '손' (hand) and '잡다' (to hold/catch).
Commonly used in news for business alliances and in daily life for affection.
Grammatically, it often uses the particle '-와/과' to mean 'with someone'.

The Korean verb 손잡다 is a fascinating compound word formed by combining 손 (hand) and 잡다 (to catch or hold). While its most literal and basic meaning is the physical act of holding someone's hand, its usage in modern Korean has expanded significantly into the realm of metaphorical cooperation and strategic partnership. When you hear this word in a K-drama, it might refer to two lovers walking through a park; however, when you hear it on the evening news, it almost certainly refers to two political parties or global corporations forming an alliance to achieve a common goal. This duality makes it an essential word for learners to master at the A2 level, as it bridges the gap between everyday physical descriptions and more complex social and professional interactions. Understanding the context is key: are we talking about human touch or human synergy? The beauty of the word lies in how it equates the intimacy and trust of holding hands with the professional integrity required for a successful collaboration.

Literal Usage: This refers to the physical connection between two people, often implying affection, guidance, or support. It is common between parents and children, or romantic partners. For example, '아이와 손잡고 길을 건너요' (Crossing the street while holding the child's hand).

두 회사가 새로운 기술 개발을 위해 손잡았다.

The two companies joined hands (collaborated) to develop new technology.

Figurative Usage: This describes a partnership or alliance. It suggests that two parties who might have been independent or even competitors are now working together. It implies a 'joining of forces' where resources and efforts are pooled.

In a societal sense, 손잡다 carries a positive connotation of unity and reconciliation. If two rival politicians 'join hands,' it suggests a breakthrough in negotiations. If neighbors 'join hands' to clean a park, it reflects community spirit. The word captures the Korean cultural emphasis on '우리' (we/us) and collective effort. It is not just about a contract; it is about the symbolic gesture of mutual agreement. You will encounter this word frequently in business headlines, sports commentary when players coordinate, and in songs where it symbolizes emotional solidarity. Its versatility is its strength, allowing it to function as both a simple verb for children and a sophisticated term for diplomats.

우리는 위기를 극복하기 위해 모두 손잡아야 합니다.

Contextual Nuance: While '협력하다' (to cooperate) is more formal and academic, '손잡다' is more evocative and visual. It creates a mental image of connection, making the speech feel more personal or dramatic depending on the setting.

그들은 서로 손잡고 노래를 불렀어요.

정부와 기업이 손잡고 일자리를 만듭니다.

Using 손잡다 correctly requires an understanding of both its grammatical structure and the level of formality required for the situation. As a verb, it follows standard Korean conjugation patterns for 'ㅂ' ending stems (though '잡다' is a regular verb, unlike some 'ㅂ' irregulars). The most common construction involves the particle -와/과 (with) or -랑/이랑 (with - informal). For example, 'A가 B와 손잡다' means 'A joins hands with B.' This structure works perfectly for both physical hand-holding and metaphorical business deals. It is also common to use the adverb 서로 (each other) to emphasize the mutual nature of the action: '서로 손잡다' (to hold each other's hands / to cooperate with each other).

Grammatical Pattern 1: Physical: [Person A]이/가 [Person B]와/과 손(을) 잡다. Note that the object marker '을' is often omitted in the compound form '손잡다', but can be included for emphasis as '손을 잡다'.

엄마는 아이의 손을 잡고 공원에 갔어요.

The mother went to the park while holding the child's hand.

Grammatical Pattern 2: Figurative: [Organization A]이/가 [Organization B]와/과 손잡다. This is used in professional contexts to indicate a merger, partnership, or joint venture.

When conjugating for different politeness levels, remember the following: In formal settings (news, business reports), use 손잡았습니다 (past) or 손잡고 있습니다 (present continuous). In polite everyday speech, use 손잡아요 or 손잡았어요. In intimate or casual speech, 손잡아 or 손잡았어 are appropriate. Additionally, the word often appears in the form 손잡고 followed by another verb, indicating that the second action is performed while 'holding hands' or 'in partnership.' For example, '손잡고 나아가다' (to move forward together/in partnership) is a powerful rhetorical phrase used in speeches to inspire collective action. Mastering these variations allows you to transition seamlessly from a romantic scene in a drama to a business negotiation in a professional environment.

우리는 환경 보호를 위해 시민 단체와 손잡기로 했습니다.

Advanced Nuance: Sometimes, '손잡다' can imply a slightly clandestine or unexpected alliance, similar to the English 'getting into bed with someone' in a political sense, though it is generally more neutral or positive in Korean.

경쟁하던 두 서점이 손잡고 공동 할인 행사를 합니다.

우리 손잡고 같이 걸을까?

The word 손잡다 is ubiquitous in Korean daily life, appearing in diverse contexts from the most intimate to the most public. In the world of K-Dramas and Movies, it is a staple for romantic tension. The moment two characters first '손잡다' is often a major plot point, symbolizing the start of their relationship or a moment of deep emotional support. You will hear it in lines like '내 손잡아' (Take my hand), which functions as both a physical request and a metaphorical promise of protection. However, the word's life outside of romance is equally vibrant. In News and Media, particularly in the business and politics sections, '손잡다' is the go-to verb for reporting on alliances. Headlines frequently read 'A 기업, B 기업과 손잡고 세계 시장 공략' (Company A joins hands with Company B to target the global market).

In Business News: Used to describe mergers, acquisitions, or strategic partnerships. It makes the cold world of business sound more human and collaborative.

삼성과 구글이 폴더블폰 시장에서 다시 손잡았습니다.

Samsung and Google joined hands again in the foldable phone market.

In K-Pop Lyrics: Songs often use '손잡다' to represent friendship, love, or the unity between the artist and the fans. It evokes a sense of warmth and togetherness.

Furthermore, in Educational and Social Campaigns, '손잡다' is used to encourage public participation. A campaign against school bullying might use the slogan '친구와 손잡고 함께 걸어요' (Join hands with your friend and walk together). In this context, it isn't just about the physical act but about fostering an environment of mutual respect and kindness. Even in Sports, commentators might use it when players from different teams show sportsmanship or when teammates coordinate a complex play. Understanding where you hear this word helps you identify the 'vibe' of the conversation—is it a business deal, a romantic confession, or a call for social unity? The word's flexibility across these domains is what makes it a core part of the Korean linguistic landscape.

지역 주민들이 손잡고 마을 축제를 준비했습니다.

In Literature: Authors use it to symbolize reconciliation after a long conflict. When two enemies finally '손잡다', it marks the resolution of the story's tension.

그들은 과거를 잊고 미래를 위해 손잡기로 약속했다.

우리 모두 손잡고 노래해요!

While 손잡다 seems straightforward, learners often encounter a few pitfalls, primarily regarding the distinction between the compound verb and its literal components, as well as the nuances of partnership versus simple help. One common mistake is overusing '손잡다' when '도와주다' (to help) is more appropriate. '손잡다' implies a level of equality or mutual benefit in a partnership. If a teacher is helping a student, they don't '손잡다' unless they are literally holding hands to cross the street; instead, the teacher '도와주다' the student. Another frequent error involves the object marker -을/를. While '손을 잡다' is perfectly correct for the physical act, '손잡다' as a single unit is the preferred form for the metaphorical meaning of 'collaborating.' Using '손을 잡다' in a business context can sometimes sound slightly more literal than intended, though native speakers will still understand.

Mistake 1: Confusing Help with Partnership: Don't use '손잡다' if one person is clearly in a position of power or just providing one-way assistance. Use '도와주다' or '지원하다' instead.

선생님이 학생과 손잡고 숙제를 했어요. (Wrong unless they held hands while doing homework.)
선생님이 학생의 숙제를 도와주었어요. (Correct)

Mistake 2: Incorrect Particle Usage: Learners sometimes use the object marker '-을' on the person they are collaborating with, which is grammatically incorrect. You must use '-와/과' (with).

Additionally, be careful with the passive form. Learners might try to say '손이 잡히다' to mean they were forced into a partnership, but this phrase is almost exclusively used for the literal act of having one's hand grabbed by someone else (often against their will or by surprise). If you want to say you were 'brought into' a partnership, you would use different verbs like '참여하게 되다.' Finally, remember that '손잡다' is a verb of action and state. In many cases, learners forget to use the continuous form '-고 있다' when they want to describe an ongoing partnership. Saying '우리는 그 회사와 손잡아요' sounds like a general habit, whereas '우리는 그 회사와 손잡고 있어요' emphasizes that the partnership is currently active.

우리는 지금 대기업과 손잡고 프로젝트를 진행 중입니다.

Mistake 3: Literal vs. Figurative Overlap: In very formal writing, '손잡다' might be seen as too 'vivid' or 'literary.' In a legal contract, you would see '협력하다' or '제휴하다' instead.

나랑 손잡을래? (Used for dating/walking.)
나랑 협력할래? (Used for a serious project, but '손잡다' is also fine here if it's less formal.)

그는 내 손을 잡았다. (Physical action - focus on the hand.)

Korean has a rich variety of words that express the idea of working together, and choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific nature of the collaboration. While 손잡다 is the most versatile and evocative, it often competes with Sino-Korean terms like 협력하다, 협동하다, and 제휴하다. Understanding these differences will help you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook. 협력하다 (協力) is the general term for 'cooperation.' It is neutral and used in almost any professional or academic setting. 협동하다 (協同) is more often used for group work where people work together as a single unit, such as in a school project or a community effort.

손잡다 vs. 협력하다: 손잡다: Emotional, vivid, implies a strong bond or a new alliance. Common in news headlines and daily speech.
협력하다: Formal, professional, standard term for working together.

두 나라는 경제 발전을 위해 긴밀히 협력하기로 했습니다.

The two countries decided to cooperate closely for economic development.

손잡다 vs. 제휴하다: 손잡다: Can be used for individuals or organizations.
제휴하다 (提携): Specifically refers to a business alliance or partnership, like an 'affiliate' relationship.

In more specific contexts, you might use 합작하다 (合作) which specifically means 'to produce something together' (like a movie or a product), or 공조하다 (共助) which is often used in law enforcement or government contexts to mean 'mutual assistance' (e.g., international police cooperation). If you are talking about a romantic relationship, 사귀다 (to date) or 함께하다 (to be together) are the standard terms, but '손잡다' remains the primary way to describe the actual physical act or the symbolic start of that journey. By learning these alternatives, you can tailor your Korean to be as precise as a legal document or as warm as a personal letter.

우리는 이 문제를 해결하기 위해 힘을 합쳐야 합니다.

Quick Comparison: • 손잡다: Broad, visual, emotional.
• 협력하다: Professional, neutral.
• 제휴하다: Business-specific.
• 공조하다: Official/Governmental.

경찰은 국제 기구와 공조하여 범인을 잡았습니다.

두 화가는 합작하여 커다란 벽화를 그렸습니다.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, '손잡다' was purely physical, but as Korean society became more complex, it naturally evolved into a metaphor for legal and social agreements, much like 'shaking hands' in English.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sʰo̞n.d͡ʑap̚.t͈a̠/

US /soʊn.dʒɑp.tɑ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable '손', with a secondary emphasis on the final syllable '다' when tensed.

Rhymes With

잡다 (japda) 업다 (eopda) 접다 (jeopda) 뽑다 (ppopda) 돕다 (dopda) 입다 (ipda) 씹다 (ssipda) 줍다 (jupda)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '잡' as 'jab' with a voiced 'b' at the end; it should be an unreleased stop.
Forgetting to tense the '다' to '따' after the 'ㅂ' sound.
Pronouncing '손' like 'sun'; it should be closer to 'son' or 'sewn'.
Separating the words too much; they should flow as one compound verb.
Incorrectly aspirating the 'j' sound too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize the components '손' and '잡다'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct particle usage (-와/과).

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires the double 't' sound.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish between literal and figurative based on context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

손 (hand) 잡다 (to hold) 친구 (friend) 같이 (together) 하다 (to do)

Learn Next

협력하다 (to cooperate) 제휴하다 (to partner) 악수하다 (to shake hands) 포옹하다 (to hug) 연대하다 (to show solidarity)

Advanced

전략적 제휴 (strategic alliance) 상생 (win-win/coexistence) 공조 체제 (cooperation system) 일심동체 (one mind, one body)

Grammar to Know

Particle -와/과 (With)

친구와 손잡다. (Hold hands with a friend.)

Conjunctive -고 (And/While)

손잡고 걸어요. (Walk while holding hands.)

Decided form -기로 하다

우리는 손잡기로 했어요. (We decided to join hands.)

Honorific -시-

선생님께서 손잡으셨어요. (The teacher held hands.)

Noun modifying form -는

손잡는 사람들. (People who hold hands.)

Examples by Level

아이와 손잡고 걸어요.

I walk while holding hands with the child.

Simple present tense with '-고' connecting the holding and the walking.

친구랑 손잡았어요.

I held hands with my friend.

Past tense '-았어요' used with the informal '랑'.

엄마 손잡아.

Hold mom's hand.

Casual imperative form '-아'.

우리는 손잡고 학교에 가요.

We hold hands and go to school.

Plural subject '우리는' with present tense.

손잡고 싶어요.

I want to hold hands.

Desire form '-고 싶어요' attached to the stem '손잡-'.

아빠와 손잡고 노래해요.

I sing while holding hands with dad.

Formal '와' used with present tense.

선생님과 손잡아요.

Hold hands with the teacher.

Polite present tense.

동생이랑 손잡고 놀아요.

I play while holding hands with my younger sibling.

Informal '이랑' with present tense.

두 친구가 손잡고 숙제를 해요.

Two friends join hands (work together) to do homework.

Metaphorical use for simple cooperation.

우리 같이 손잡고 청소할까요?

Shall we join hands and clean together?

Suggestive form '-ㄹ까요?'.

팀원들이 손잡고 경기에 나갔어요.

The teammates joined hands and went into the game.

Past tense '-았어요' describing a group action.

이웃과 손잡고 마을을 가꿔요.

We join hands with neighbors to improve the village.

Present tense describing a recurring community action.

가족이 모두 손잡고 여행을 갔어요.

The whole family joined hands and went on a trip.

Metaphorical use for family unity during an activity.

우리는 새로운 프로젝트를 위해 손잡기로 했어요.

We decided to join hands for a new project.

Decided form '-기로 했어요'.

서로 손잡고 도와주면 좋겠어요.

It would be good if we join hands and help each other.

Hypothetical/desire form '-면 좋겠어요'.

친구와 손잡고 비밀을 지켜요.

Join hands with a friend and keep a secret.

Metaphorical use for mutual agreement.

두 회사가 손잡고 신제품을 개발했습니다.

The two companies joined hands and developed a new product.

Formal past tense '-았습니다' in a business context.

정치인들이 나라를 위해 손잡아야 합니다.

Politicians must join hands for the sake of the country.

Obligation form '-아야 합니다'.

환경 단체와 기업이 손잡고 나무를 심어요.

An environmental group and a company join hands to plant trees.

Present tense describing a partnership.

우리는 위기를 극복하기 위해 손잡기로 약속했습니다.

We promised to join hands to overcome the crisis.

Promise structure '-기로 약속했습니다'.

전통 시장과 대형 마트가 손잡고 상생합니다.

Traditional markets and large supermarkets join hands to coexist.

Metaphorical use for economic cooperation.

그들은 서로 손잡고 새로운 길을 개척했습니다.

They joined hands and blazed a new trail.

Metaphorical use for innovation and partnership.

시민들이 손잡고 불평등에 맞서 싸웁니다.

Citizens join hands and fight against inequality.

Metaphorical use for social activism.

연구소들이 손잡고 암 치료법을 연구 중입니다.

Research institutes are joining hands to research cancer treatments.

Present continuous '-중입니다' with the '손잡다' concept.

정부는 민간 기업과 손잡고 일자리 창출에 나섰습니다.

The government joined hands with private companies to start creating jobs.

Formal narrative style describing a policy initiative.

오랜 경쟁 관계였던 두 브랜드가 손잡고 한정판을 출시했습니다.

The two brands, long-time rivals, joined hands and released a limited edition.

Complex sentence describing a strategic shift.

우리는 세계 평화를 위해 모든 국가와 손잡아야 할 때입니다.

It is time for us to join hands with all nations for world peace.

Rhetorical structure '-할 때입니다'.

기술 혁신을 위해 대학과 산업계가 긴밀히 손잡고 있습니다.

Universities and industry are closely joining hands for technological innovation.

Adverb '긴밀히' (closely) modifying '손잡다'.

과거의 아픔을 딛고 두 나라는 화해의 손을 잡았습니다.

Overcoming past pain, the two countries took the hand of reconciliation.

Idiomatic expression '화해의 손을 잡다' (take the hand of reconciliation).

예술과 기술이 손잡고 새로운 장르를 만들어냈습니다.

Art and technology joined hands and created a new genre.

Abstract subjects (Art and Tech) used with '손잡다'.

소비자들과 손잡고 환경 친화적인 캠페인을 전개합니다.

We are conducting an eco-friendly campaign by joining hands with consumers.

Describing a collaborative marketing/social strategy.

지역 사회와 손잡고 소외된 이웃을 돕는 활동을 합니다.

We conduct activities to help marginalized neighbors by joining hands with the local community.

Describing social responsibility through partnership.

글로벌 시장의 불확실성 속에서 기업들은 생존을 위해 경쟁사와도 손잡는 파격적인 행보를 보이고 있습니다.

Amid uncertainty in the global market, companies are taking the unconventional step of joining hands even with competitors for survival.

Highly formal and descriptive newspaper-style sentence.

이번 합의는 남북이 평화와 번영의 미래를 향해 손잡고 나아가는 중요한 이정표가 될 것입니다.

This agreement will be an important milestone for the North and South to join hands and move toward a future of peace and prosperity.

Diplomatic and visionary language.

디지털 전환이라는 거대한 흐름 앞에서 전통 산업들은 IT 기업과 손잡고 체질 개선에 박차를 가하고 있습니다.

In the face of the massive trend of digital transformation, traditional industries are joining hands with IT companies to accelerate their structural improvement.

Metaphorical language ('체질 개선', '박차를 가하다') combined with '손잡다'.

그녀의 소설은 인간의 고독과 연대를 다루며, 결국 우리가 서로 손잡아야만 진정한 구원에 이를 수 있음을 시사한다.

Her novel deals with human solitude and solidarity, suggesting that only when we join hands can we reach true salvation.

Literary analysis register.

정치적 이해관계를 넘어 오직 민생을 위해 여야가 손잡는 모습은 국민들에게 큰 희망을 주었습니다.

The sight of the ruling and opposition parties joining hands solely for the people's livelihood, transcending political interests, gave great hope to the citizens.

Abstract political commentary.

기후 위기라는 전 지구적 난제를 해결하기 위해 인류는 국경을 초월하여 손잡아야 하는 절체절명의 순간에 놓여 있습니다.

To solve the global challenge of the climate crisis, humanity is at a desperate moment where we must join hands across borders.

Urgent and sophisticated tone.

학계와 현장이 손잡고 이론과 실무의 간극을 줄이려는 노력이 다각도로 진행되고 있습니다.

Efforts to bridge the gap between theory and practice by joining hands between academia and the field are underway from various angles.

Professional/Academic discourse.

때로는 적과도 손잡아야 하는 것이 냉혹한 국제 정치의 현실이다.

The cold reality of international politics is that sometimes one must join hands even with an enemy.

Cynical/Realistic political observation.

역사의 소용돌이 속에서 민중들이 손잡고 일궈낸 민주주의의 가치는 그 무엇과도 바꿀 수 없는 소중한 자산이다.

The value of democracy, achieved by the people joining hands amidst the whirlpool of history, is a precious asset that cannot be replaced by anything.

Elevated, historical, and philosophical register.

자본과 권력이 손잡고 진실을 은폐하려 할 때, 언론은 그 어느 때보다 날카로운 감시의 눈을 부릅떠야 한다.

When capital and power join hands to conceal the truth, the media must keep a sharper eye for surveillance than ever before.

Critical social commentary with advanced metaphors.

인간의 이기심과 이타심이 손잡고 문명을 건설해 온 과정은 참으로 아이러니한 역사의 단면이다.

The process by which human selfishness and altruism joined hands to build civilization is truly an ironic aspect of history.

Philosophical abstraction.

전통의 미학과 현대적 감각이 손잡고 빚어낸 이 건축물은 시대를 초월한 아름다움을 보여준다.

This building, crafted by joining hands between traditional aesthetics and modern sensibility, shows a beauty that transcends time.

Artistic and architectural critique.

우리는 타자의 고통에 공감하며 그들의 손을 잡는 행위를 통해 비로소 인간다움을 완성해 나간다.

We complete our humanity only through the act of empathizing with the pain of others and taking their hands.

Ethical and existential reflection.

기술의 진보가 윤리와 손잡지 못할 때, 인류는 통제 불가능한 재앙에 직면할 수도 있다는 경고의 목소리가 높다.

There are loud warning voices that when technological progress fails to join hands with ethics, humanity may face uncontrollable disasters.

Societal warning/Future-oriented discourse.

상상력과 논리가 손잡고 탄생시킨 과학적 발견들은 인류의 지평을 획기적으로 넓혀 왔다.

Scientific discoveries born from the joining of hands between imagination and logic have dramatically expanded the horizons of humanity.

Intellectual history register.

모순과 조화가 손잡고 춤추는 인생의 무대에서 우리는 각자의 역할을 충실히 수행해야 한다.

On the stage of life where contradiction and harmony join hands and dance, we must faithfully perform our respective roles.

Poetic and metaphorical life advice.

Common Collocations

굳게 손잡다

다시 손잡다

손잡고 나아가다

적과 손잡다

시민과 손잡다

손잡고 걷다

손잡고 노래하다

손잡고 일하다

손잡고 극복하다

기업과 손잡다

Common Phrases

우리 손잡을까?

— Shall we hold hands? (Often used in a romantic context.)

분위기가 좋은데, 우리 손잡을까?

손잡고 같이 가요.

— Let's go together holding hands. (Literal or metaphorical.)

길이 험하니까 손잡고 같이 가요.

손잡을 사람이 없어요.

— I have no one to hold hands with / I have no partner.

축제에 가고 싶지만 손잡을 사람이 없네요.

손잡고 응원해요.

— Let's join hands and cheer together.

모두 손잡고 우리 팀을 응원해요!

손잡고 기도해요.

— Let's join hands and pray.

가족들이 모두 손잡고 기도했습니다.

손잡고 춤춰요.

— Let's hold hands and dance.

둥글게 모여서 손잡고 춤춰요.

손잡고 약속해요.

— Let's hold hands and make a promise.

새끼손가락 걸고 손잡고 약속해.

손잡고 웃어요.

— Let's hold hands and smile/laugh.

힘든 일은 잊고 손잡고 웃어 봅시다.

손잡고 뛰어봐요.

— Let's hold hands and try jumping/running.

바다를 향해 손잡고 뛰어봐요!

손잡고 기다려요.

— Let's hold hands and wait together.

좋은 소식이 올 때까지 손잡고 기다려요.

Often Confused With

손잡다 vs 악수하다

This is specifically to shake hands (formal greeting), whereas '손잡다' is to hold hands or partner up.

손잡다 vs 팔짱 끼다

This is to link arms, which is also a sign of closeness but different from holding hands.

손잡다 vs 도와주다

To help. '손잡다' implies a mutual partnership, while '도와주다' can be one-way.

Idioms & Expressions

"손을 잡다"

— Exactly the same as '손잡다', but often emphasizes the physical hand.

그녀는 수줍게 그의 손을 잡았다.

Neutral

"손에 손잡고"

— Hand in hand; used to describe a large group of people united.

전 세계 사람들이 손에 손잡고 평화를 외쳤다.

Poetic/Rhetorical

"화해의 손을 내밀다"

— To reach out a hand of reconciliation (often leads to '손잡다').

먼저 화해의 손을 내미는 것이 용기 있는 행동이다.

Formal

"손이 맞다"

— To have good chemistry or work well together (related to the hands working).

우리는 처음 일해 보는데도 손이 아주 잘 맞아요.

Informal

"손을 씻다"

— To wash one's hands of something (quit a bad habit or illegal job).

그는 이제 나쁜 일에서 손을 씻고 새 삶을 산다.

Idiomatic

"손을 벌리다"

— To ask for help or money (literally 'opening hands').

더 이상 부모님께 손을 벌리고 싶지 않아요.

Informal

"손을 놓다"

— To stop doing something or give up on a task.

바빠서 한동안 공부에서 손을 놓았어요.

Neutral

"손을 쓰다"

— To take action or measures to solve a problem.

상황이 나빠지기 전에 빨리 손을 써야 합니다.

Neutral

"손이 크다"

— To be very generous, especially with food or money.

우리 할머니는 손이 크셔서 항상 음식을 많이 하신다.

Informal

"손을 맞잡다"

— To clasp hands together firmly (emphasizes mutual strength).

두 사람은 결의에 찬 표정으로 손을 맞잡았다.

Formal/Literary

Easily Confused

손잡다 vs 손잡이

Looks like the verb '손잡다'.

It is a noun meaning 'handle' or 'knob'.

문의 손잡이를 돌리세요.

손잡다 vs 손을 잡다

Almost identical.

Often used for the literal physical act, while '손잡다' is more likely to be figurative.

그는 내 손을 꽉 잡았다.

손잡다 vs 손을 씻다

Uses '손' and a verb.

Means to quit a bad life/job, not to hold hands.

그는 도둑질에서 손을 씻었다.

손잡다 vs 손을 대다

Uses '손'.

Means to touch or to start working on something.

음식에 손을 대지 마세요.

손잡다 vs 손을 보다

Uses '손'.

Means to fix something or to punish someone.

고장 난 자전거를 손을 봐야겠어요.

Sentence Patterns

[Person]하고 손잡아요.

동생하고 손잡아요.

[Person]와/과 손잡고 [Verb].

친구와 손잡고 학교에 가요.

[Group]이/가 [Group]와/과 손잡기로 했습니다.

두 학교가 손잡기로 했습니다.

[Abstract]을/를 위해 [Party A]와/과 [Party B]가 손잡았습니다.

평화를 위해 두 나라가 손잡았습니다.

[Context] 속에서 [Party]가 [Partner]와 손잡는 행보는 [Meaning]이다.

위기 속에서 경쟁사와 손잡는 행보는 이례적이다.

[Philosophy]이/가 [Philosophy]와 손잡고 [Result]을/를 빚어내다.

전통과 현대가 손잡고 예술을 빚어내다.

서로 손잡고 도와요.

손잡을 파트너가 필요해요.

Word Family

Nouns

손잡이 (handle/knob)

손 (hand)

잡기 (catching/holding)

Verbs

잡다 (to hold/catch)

붙잡다 (to grab/hold onto)

맞잡다 (to clasp hands together)

엇잡다 (to miss a grip)

악수하다 (to shake hands)

협력 (cooperation)

제휴 (alliance)

파트너십 (partnership)

동업 (business partnership)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, media, and daily romantic/family talk.

Common Mistakes

친구를 손잡다 → 친구와 손잡다
You join hands 'with' someone, not 'join hands the person'. Use -와/과.
Using it for one-way help. → 도와주다
'손잡다' implies a 50/50 partnership. If you are just helping, use '도와주다'.
Writing '손 잡다' with a space for 'cooperate'. → 손잡다
As a metaphorical verb meaning to collaborate, it is usually written as one word.
Confusing '손잡이' with the verb. → 손잡이 (Noun) vs 손잡다 (Verb)
Don't say '나는 문을 손잡았다' to mean you held the handle. Say '손잡이를 잡았다'.
Pronouncing '다' as 'da'. → Pronounce as 'tta' (따).
The 'ㅂ' in '잡' causes the following 'ㄷ' to become tensed.

Tips

Particle Choice

Always use -와/과 or -랑/이랑 when specifying the partner. Using -을/를 on the partner is a common mistake.

Friendship

Don't be shocked if you see Korean friends of the same gender holding hands; it's a sign of a strong bond, not necessarily romance.

Compound Power

Remember that '손잡다' is one of many Korean verbs that use body parts to express abstract ideas (like '발이 넓다' for having many friends).

Softening

Adding '-어 주다' (손잡아 주다) makes the action sound like a kind favor or support.

News Keywords

When you hear '손잡다' on the news, listen for '업무 제휴' (business alliance) or '양해각서' (MOU) nearby.

Titles

Use '손잡다' in your essay titles to make them more engaging and metaphorical.

Visualizing

Picture a handshake that doesn't end—that's the 'cooperation' meaning of '손잡다'.

Global Context

In international relations, '손잡다' implies a strategic move toward peace or trade.

Inference

If the subject is '두 나라' (two countries), '손잡다' almost always means a treaty or alliance.

The 'P' Stop

Make sure to cut the 'ㅂ' sound short; don't let it breathe out like 'puh'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine two hands coming together to catch (잡다) a shared goal. The 'son' (손) is the hand, and 'japda' is the action of holding it.

Visual Association

Visualize a bridge made of two giant hands joining together to help people cross a river of problems.

Word Web

손 (Hand) 잡다 (Hold) 협력 (Cooperation) 친구 (Friend) 회사 (Company) 약속 (Promise) 연인 (Lovers) 함께 (Together)

Challenge

Write three sentences: one about a child, one about a business, and one about a world leader, all using '손잡다' in different ways.

Word Origin

A compound verb formed from Native Korean roots: '손' (son), meaning 'hand,' and '잡다' (japda), meaning 'to catch' or 'to hold.'

Original meaning: To literally grasp someone's hand.

Koreanic (Native Korean words).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it literally with strangers; physical touch in Korea is reserved for established relationships, though it's less formal than an '악수' (handshake).

While English speakers use 'join hands' mostly for prayer or literal actions, Korean uses '손잡다' much more broadly for any strategic partnership.

Song: '손에 손잡고' (Hand in Hand) - 1988 Seoul Olympics Theme. Drama: Many romantic 'first hand-holding' scenes are titled '손잡는 날' (The day we hold hands). Political Slogan: '국민과 손잡고' (Joining hands with the people) is a common campaign phrase.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Romance

처음으로 손잡았어요.
손잡아도 돼요?
손잡고 싶어.
손잡는 게 부끄러워요.

Business

두 회사가 손잡았습니다.
파트너와 손잡고 일해요.
새로운 시장을 위해 손잡아요.
손잡을 파트너를 찾아요.

Family/Safety

엄마 손잡고 가자.
손잡고 놓지 마.
아빠 손잡았어?
손잡고 걸어야 안전해.

Politics/News

여야가 손잡기로 했습니다.
정부와 시민이 손잡아요.
국가 간에 손잡았습니다.
손잡고 위기를 극복해요.

Sports/Games

팀원끼리 손잡고 화이팅!
손잡고 원을 만들어요.
서로 손잡고 격려해요.
손잡고 결승선에 들어왔어요.

Conversation Starters

"처음으로 누군가와 손잡았을 때 기억나요?"

"비즈니스에서 경쟁사와 손잡는 것에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?"

"한국 드라마에서 손잡는 장면이 왜 그렇게 중요할까요?"

"힘든 일이 있을 때 누구와 손잡고 싶나요?"

"우리 사회가 더 좋아지려면 누구와 누가 손잡아야 할까요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 누군가와 손잡고 (협력하고) 한 일에 대해 써 보세요.

만약 내가 큰 회사의 사장이라면, 어떤 회사와 손잡고 싶나요? 그 이유는?

'손잡다'라는 단어를 볼 때 떠오르는 가장 따뜻한 기억은 무엇인가요?

평화로운 세상을 위해 우리가 어떻게 손잡아야 할지 자신의 생각을 적어 보세요.

나와 가장 '손이 잘 맞는' 친구나 동료에 대해 설명하고, 왜 그런지 써 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in Korea, male friends often '손잡다' literally as a sign of friendship, or figuratively as business partners. It is culturally normal.

It is acceptable in speech, but in a written formal contract, you should use '협력하다' or '제휴하다' for more professional precision.

They are often interchangeable. However, '손잡다' is usually a single compound verb meaning 'to collaborate,' while '손을 잡다' emphasizes the physical hand itself.

Not directly, but you can say '손잡고 평생을 함께하다' (Join hands and be together for life) as a poetic way to describe marriage.

Usually, yes. However, in politics, it can be used cynically to describe a 'shady' alliance between rivals who only care about power.

You say '손잡았어요' (son-ja-bat-eo-yo).

The opposite would be '갈라서다' (to part ways) or '대립하다' (to be in conflict).

It sounds a bit personified, but you could use it in a children's story about animals cooperating.

As a compound verb for 'cooperate,' it is written without a space: '손잡다'. For literal hand-holding, both are okay, but '손을 잡다' is common.

The passive is '손잡히다', but it only refers to the literal act of having your hand grabbed, not being 'partnered'.