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道Nihongo Path
握

握·grip, grasp

On-yomi
アク
Kun-yomi
にぎ(る)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

12 strokes, numbered in writing order. Data: KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
握手あくしゅhandshake
握るにぎるto grip, to hold
把握はあくgrasp, understanding
握り飯にぎりめしrice ball

Example sentences

  1. 二人は笑顔で握手した。

    ふたりはえがおであくしゅした。

    The two shook hands with a smile.

  2. 彼は私の手をしっかり握った。

    かれはわたしのてをしっかりにぎった。

    He gripped my hand firmly.

  3. 現状を正確に把握することが先だ。

    げんじょうをせいかくにはあくすることがさきだ。

    Getting an accurate grasp of the situation comes first.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Reading 握手 as にぎしゅ — the compound uses the on reading あくしゅ
  • Mixing up 握る (grip in the hand) with 掴む (to seize, often something moving)

Memory aid

Picture it

A hand (扌) closing over a house (屋) — grabbing the whole thing in your fist.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 握 mean?