Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
一把手 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
一把手yībǎshǒuworking handHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #27248, Very Hard
一把手yībǎshǒumember of a work teamHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #27248, Very Hard
一把手yībǎshǒuparticipantHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #27248, Very Hard
yībǎshǒu(yi1ba3shou3)yi ba shou T1
  1. 1working hand
  2. 2member of a work team
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

一把手yībǎshǒu(yi1ba3shou3)

一把手 (yī bǎ shǒu) refers to a leading figure or primary person in a team or organization, often implying someone who is in charge or holds significant responsibility. It can also denote someone who is hands-on and actively involved in tasks, particularly in a work context.

Strokes12Frequency#27248DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese workplaces, the concept of 一把手 reflects a hierarchical structure where the leader is expected to be actively involved in decision-making and guiding the team, contrasting with more decentralized leadership styles sometimes seen in Western organizations.

Memory tip

Imagine a strong hand (把手) holding a big sword (一), symbolizing a leader who takes charge. The '一' represents the singularity of this leader as the foremost person, while '把手' emphasizes their active role in directing and executing tasks.

Meanings of 一把手

yībǎshǒu(yi1ba3shou3)
1working hand
2member of a work team
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 一把手 means.

About 一把手

一把手Simplified
12Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

Podcast: 一把手

JasonAmy

Podcast: 一把手

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 一把手

Usage Notes

This term is typically used in professional or organizational contexts and can carry a slightly formal tone. Be cautious not to confuse it with other terms for 'leader' which may imply different levels of authority. It often collocates with terms like '团队' (team) or '工作' (work).

HSK Study Tips

Though not an HSK vocabulary word, understanding 一把手 can enhance comprehension of leadership roles discussed in higher-level HSK contexts. Students should focus on the nuances of leadership and active participation in teams when learning this term.

Common Mistakes

Learners might mistakenly use 一把手 to refer to any team member, but it specifically denotes the leader. For instance, saying '她是这个团队的一把手' (She is a member of this team) is incorrect if she's not the leader.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 一把手

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 一把手, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 一把手 to you

Let me explain 一把手 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 一把手 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 一把手?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 一把手 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

一yīone
HSK 11 strokes一
View full entry
把bǎto hold
HSK 37 strokes扌
View full entry
手shǒuhand
HSK 24 strokes手
View full entry

How to say working hand in Chinese

“working hand” in Chinese is一把手yībǎshǒu

一把手 (yī bǎ shǒu) refers to a leading figure or primary person in a team or organization, often implying someone who is in charge or holds significant responsibility. It can also denote someone who is hands-on and actively involved in tasks, particularly in a work context.

When to use 一把手

This term is typically used in professional or organizational contexts and can carry a slightly formal tone. Be cautious not to confuse it with other terms for 'leader' which may imply different levels of authority. It often collocates with terms like '团队' (team) or '工作' (work).

What learners get wrong

Learners might mistakenly use 一把手 to refer to any team member, but it specifically denotes the leader. For instance, saying '她是这个团队的一把手' (She is a member of this team) is incorrect if she's not the leader.

Write 一把手

一
把
手

Practice writing 一把手 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 一把手?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 一把手

Generally, no. 一把手 is more appropriate in formal or professional settings.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 一把手?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab