What does 握 mean in Chinese?

握 (wò) means "to hold; to grasp; to clench (one's fist); to master; classifier: a handful" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 5.

How do you pronounce 握?

握 is pronounced "wò" in Mandarin Chinese. The tone number is 4.

What HSK level is 握?

握 is an HSK 5 word on the new HSK exam syllabus.

What words contain the character 握?

Common words with 握 include 掌握 (to grasp (often fig.)), 握手 (to shake hands), 把握 (to grasp (also fig.)), 在握 ((fig.) to hold in one's hands), 握住 (to grip).

How do you write 握?

You can practice writing 握 using our stroke order tool.

握 (wò), to hold

握

wò

to hold; to grasp; to clench (one's fist); to master

HSK 5 New to HSKverb

Character Breakdown

Radical: 手 (no. 64)

View stroke order →

Definitions

(verb) to hold
to grasp
to clench (one's fist)
to master
classifier: a handful

Example Sentences

他紧紧握住了她的手。

Tā jǐnjǐn wò zhù le tā de shǒu

He held her hand tightly

Words Containing 握

Word	Pinyin	Meaning	HSK
掌握	zhǎng wò	to grasp (often fig.)	HSK 5
握手	wò shǒu	to shake hands	HSK 5
把握	bǎ wò	to grasp (also fig.)	HSK 5
在握	zài wò	(fig.) to hold in one's hands

Related Words

把握(bǎ wò)· to grasp (also fig.)

→

在握(zài wò)· (fig.) to hold in one's hands

→

Grammar Notes

In Order To (以便)HSK 4

Action/Preparation，以便 + Purpose/Result

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 5
HSK 2.0: Not listed
HSK Lord study list: HSK 5 list

握: New to the HSK lists at HSK 5. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 5 exam

Studying for HSK 5? Keep 握 with the rest of your level.

HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each character comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.

Start studying free The words new HSK 5 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.