In 15 Seconds
- Standard term for shaking hands in all contexts.
- Used primarily in business and first-time introductions.
- Keep the grip firm but not aggressive in China.
Meaning
This phrase literally means to shake hands. It is the universal gesture for greeting someone or sealing a deal in a professional setting.
Key Examples
3 of 6Meeting a new business partner
很高兴见到你，我们可以握手吗？
Nice to meet you, can we shake hands?
Ending a successful negotiation
合作愉快，我们握手吧。
Happy to cooperate, let's shake hands.
Teasing a close friend who is acting too formal
你为什么要跟我握手？太客气了！
Why are you shaking my hand? You're being too polite!
Cultural Background
While now universal, the Chinese handshake is often softer than the 'firm' Western version. Historically, the 'Kowtow' or 'Gongshou' were preferred to avoid physical contact. Today, it is the gold standard for diplomatic and commercial success in China.
The 'Soft' Shake
In China, a very firm 'bone-crushing' handshake can be seen as aggressive. Aim for a gentle but steady grip.
Order Matters
Usually, the person with higher status (older or the boss) should extend their hand first. Wait a second to see if they do!
In 15 Seconds
- Standard term for shaking hands in all contexts.
- Used primarily in business and first-time introductions.
- Keep the grip firm but not aggressive in China.
What It Means
握手 is the standard way to say 'shake hands' in Chinese. The first character 握 means to grip or hold. The second character 手 means hand. Together, they describe the physical act of greeting someone. It is a bridge between two people. It signals respect, agreement, or a simple 'nice to meet you.'
How To Use It
You usually use it as a verb. You can say 跟他握手 (shake hands with him). It is very straightforward. You don't need complex grammar here. Just remember the person you are shaking hands with comes first. It feels active and intentional. Don't worry about overthinking the sentence structure.
When To Use It
Use it in business meetings. It is perfect for first-time introductions. Use it when you finish a negotiation. It is great for formal ceremonies. If you meet a teacher or a boss, it is appropriate. It shows you are professional and polite. In a world of bowing and nodding, this is your safe bet.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it with your best friends. It will feel way too stiff. They might think you are joking or being sarcastic. Avoid it with family members. Hugs or nods are better there. Also, don't force a handshake if the other person bows. Just follow their lead to avoid an awkward 'hand dance.'
Cultural Background
Handshaking wasn't always the norm in China. Traditionally, people used the 拱手 (cupping hands) gesture. Western influence made 握手 the standard for modern business. In China, a handshake is often lighter than in the West. Don't try to crush their bones! A soft, lingering grip is quite common. It shows warmth rather than dominance.
Common Variations
You might hear 握个手 which sounds more casual. It’s like saying 'let's have a quick handshake.' There is also 握手言和 which means to make peace. This is used after a long argument. If you want to be fancy, use 热烈握手 for a 'warm handshake.' It adds a bit of emotional flavor to the action.
Usage Notes
Mainly formal or neutral. Avoid in intimate or very casual settings to prevent sounding robotic or overly distant.
The 'Soft' Shake
In China, a very firm 'bone-crushing' handshake can be seen as aggressive. Aim for a gentle but steady grip.
Order Matters
Usually, the person with higher status (older or the boss) should extend their hand first. Wait a second to see if they do!
Don't use with peers
Shaking hands with a classmate or a close friend will make you look like you're running for office. Keep it chill!
Examples
6很高兴见到你，我们可以握手吗？
Nice to meet you, can we shake hands?
A polite way to initiate contact in a professional setting.
合作愉快，我们握手吧。
Happy to cooperate, let's shake hands.
Sealing a deal with a physical gesture.
你为什么要跟我握手？太客气了！
Why are you shaking my hand? You're being too polite!
Highlights that handshaking is rare among close friends.
两位领导人友好地握手。
The two leaders shook hands in a friendly manner.
Standard journalistic description of a formal event.
别生气了，我们握手言和吧。
Don't be angry anymore, let's shake hands and make peace.
Uses a common idiom for reconciliation.
我跟他的爸爸握了手。
I shook hands with his father.
Shows respect to the older generation.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the professional greeting.
初次见面，我想跟你 ___ 。
`握手` (shake hands) is the correct greeting, while `拍手` is clapping and `洗手` is washing hands.
How do you say 'to shake hands and make peace'?
他们决定握手 ___ 。
`握手言和` is a set phrase meaning to reconcile after a disagreement.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 握手
Rarely used with family or close friends.
Hugs or nods are preferred.
Meeting acquaintances or friends of friends.
A quick, light handshake.
Standard for business and official meetings.
The core use of 握手.
When to 握手
Job Interview
Greeting the interviewer.
Signing a Contract
Closing a business deal.
Diplomacy
Meeting a foreign guest.
Reconciliation
Ending a long argument.
Practice Bank
2 exercises初次见面，我想跟你 ___ 。
`握手` (shake hands) is the correct greeting, while `拍手` is clapping and `洗手` is washing hands.
他们决定握手 ___ 。
`握手言和` is a set phrase meaning to reconcile after a disagreement.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really as a verb, but there is a handshake emoji 🤝 that is used frequently to mean 'deal' or 'I agree'.
Yes, it is polite, but usually a respectful nod is enough unless the teacher initiates the 握手.
No, for romantic hand-holding, you use 牵手 (qiānshǒu). 握手 is strictly for greetings or agreements.
They will likely laugh and ask why you are being so formal. It’s like wearing a tuxedo to a pizza party.
It can actually last a bit longer than in the West. Sometimes people keep holding hands while talking to show warmth.
Yes, it is very common in business. However, a man should usually wait for a woman to extend her hand first.
There isn't a direct opposite gesture, but 挥手 (huīshǒu) means to wave goodbye.
Yes! Adding 个 makes it sound more relaxed and less like a textbook command.
Yes! You can use it when training a dog to 'shake' or 'give paw'. You'd say 跟狗狗握手.
Yes, using two hands to cover the other person's hand shows extra sincerity and deep respect.
Related Phrases
牵手
To hold hands (romantically)
招手
To beckon or wave
拍手
To clap hands
分手
To break up (literally 'split hands')
