掌握

zhǎng wò

HSK 2.0 Level 5 HSK 3.0 Level 5 Verb Common

Definitions

1. to grasp (often fig.)
2. to control
3. to seize (initiative, opportunity, destiny)
4. to master
5. to know well
6. to understand sth well and know how to use it
7. fluency

Word relationships

Related words

3 items

• 掌控 zhǎng kòng 掌控 zhǎng kòng to control 掌控 implies controlling or dominating a situation or object, often with more authority than 掌握: to control
• 了解 liǎo jiě 了解 liǎo jiě to understand 了解 means to understand superficially, whereas 掌握 implies deep mastery: to understand
• 精通 jīng tōng 精通 jīng tōng to be proficient in 精通 means to be proficient in a skill or subject, a result of 掌握: to be proficient in

Synonyms

1 item

• 把握 bǎ wò 把握 bǎ wò to grasp (also fig.) 把握机会 / 掌握机会 both mean to seize an opportunity; 把握 also means assurance: to grasp (also fig.)

Usage notes

Collocations

掌握 is often used with abstract nouns like 技术, 知识, 情况, 命运, but not with physical objects.

Common mistakes

Do not use 掌握 for holding a physical object; use 拿 or 抓住 instead.

Example Sentences

3 shown

我已经 掌握 了这门技术。

I have already mastered this skill.

炒菜时 掌握 好火候很重要。

It is important to master the heat control when stir-frying.

学习新技能时，首先要 掌握 基本要领。

When learning a new skill, you must first grasp the basic essentials.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 掌握

• 掌握电脑 掌握电脑 zhǎng wò diàn nǎo: PDA

Child Words of 掌握

• 握 握 wò: to clench (one's fist)
• 掌 掌 zhǎng: palm of the hand