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March 24, 2026
握手wòshǒu(wo4shou3)
握手 (wò shǒu) means 'to shake hands', a common greeting gesture that signifies agreement or goodwill between people. It is often used in formal situations, business meetings, and when meeting someone for the first time to establish rapport.
Strokes16Frequency#5189DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, a firm handshake during introductions is seen as a sign of confidence and respect. However, unlike in some Western cultures, the handshake may be gentler and accompanied by a slight bow.
Memory Tip
Imagine two people 'gripping' (握) hands to form a 'hand' (手) connection. Visualize a strong handshake, which helps you remember both the pronunciation 'wò shǒu' and the action it represents.
Meanings of 握手
wòshǒu(wo4shou3)
1to shake hands
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 握手
握手Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5189Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 握手
Podcast: 握手
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AI Study Notes for 握手
Quick Contrast
握拳 (wò quán) vs 握手 (wò shǒu): choose 握手 for the gesture of shaking hands, while 握拳 refers to making a fist, which conveys a different meaning.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the tone; '握' is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone) and '手' with a rising tone (3rd tone). In informal contexts, people may just nod or wave instead of shaking hands, but in formal settings, a handshake is expected.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, students should focus on its usage in various contexts, such as business or social situations. Connecting it with other greeting-related vocabulary will enhance comprehension and fluency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the tones, saying 'wō shǒu' instead of 'wò shǒu'. Another common mistake is not using a handshake at all in formal contexts, which can be seen as disrespectful.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 握手
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握手 (wò shǒu) means 'to shake hands', a common greeting gesture that signifies agreement or goodwill between people. It is often used in formal situations, business meetings, and when meeting someone for the first time to establish rapport.
When to use 握手
Be cautious of the tone; '握' is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone) and '手' with a rising tone (3rd tone). In informal contexts, people may just nod or wave instead of shaking hands, but in formal settings, a handshake is expected.
握手 or something close to it
握拳 (wò quán) vs 握手 (wò shǒu): choose 握手 for the gesture of shaking hands, while 握拳 refers to making a fist, which conveys a different meaning.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse the tones, saying 'wō shǒu' instead of 'wò shǒu'. Another common mistake is not using a handshake at all in formal contexts, which can be seen as disrespectful.
Write 握手
握
手
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Grammar Patterns of 握手
握手 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 4
Complete the Sentence
他们的____似乎是和解的表示。
Their handshake appeared to be a gesture of reconciliation.
Example Sentences for 握手 (10)
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1
他们的握手似乎是和解的表示。
tā mén de wò shǒu sì hū shì hé jiě de biǎo shì。
Their handshake appeared to be a gesture of reconciliation.
