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March 24, 2026
攥zuàn(zuan4)
The character 攥 (zuàn) means to hold or grip something tightly, often with the hands. It implies a firm grasp or control over an object, and is commonly used in contexts where physical strength or determination is involved, such as holding onto something precious or important.
Strokes23Radical扌Frequency#20712DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of holding or gripping can symbolize the importance of safeguarding one's possessions or values, reflecting a cultural emphasis on preservation and care.
Memory Tip
Imagine your hand forming a tight fist around a precious gem (the character looks like a hand gripping something). The sound 'zuàn' can remind you of 'grasping tightly' like a 'squeeze' on a gemstone.
Meanings of 攥
zuàn(zuan4)
1to hold, to grip, to grasp
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 攥
攥Simplified
23Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 攥
Podcast: 攥
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AI Study Notes for 攥
Quick Contrast
握 (wò) - use 攥 when emphasizing a tight or forceful grip, while 握 suggests a more general act of holding.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine your hand forming a tight fist around a precious gem (the character looks like a hand gripping something). The sound 'zuàn' can remind you of 'grasping tightly' like a 'squeeze' on a gemstone.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 攥 with other characters that also mean to hold, like 拿 (ná), which is more general. This word is more informal and commonly used in spoken language. Common collocations include '攥紧' (to grip tightly) and '攥住' (to hold onto).
HSK Study Tips
While 攥 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your ability to express actions involving holding or gripping. Focus on recognizing its usage in conversational contexts and how it relates to other words like 拿 (ná) and 抓 (zhuā) which also deal with holding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of holding or gripping can symbolize the importance of safeguarding one's possessions or values, reflecting a cultural emphasis on preservation and care.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 攥 with similar characters like 拿, using it incorrectly in phrases like '攥书' (to hold a book) instead of '拿书'. Always ensure that the context is appropriate for the connotation of a tight grip.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 攥
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Grammar Patterns of 攥
攥 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
她____紧双手放在腿上,以掩饰其颤抖.
She clenched her hands in her lap to hide their trembling.
In Chinese culture, the act of holding or gripping can symbolize the importance of safeguarding one's possessions or values, reflecting a cultural emphasis on preservation and care.
Word Family of 攥
Words Containing This Character1
攥zuànto hold
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 攥 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 攥
It is pronounced as 'zuàn'.
It is generally more informal and used in everyday conversation rather than formal writing.
Yes, synonyms include 拿 (ná) and 抓 (zhuā), but each has its nuances.
