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March 24, 2026
掌握zhǎngwò(zhang3wo4)
掌握 (zhǎngwò) means to grasp or master something, often in a figurative sense. It implies not just understanding a concept or skill but also having control over it and being able to apply it effectively. This term is commonly used in educational contexts, such as mastering a subject or skill.
Frequency#1981DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of mastering skills is highly valued, especially in academic and professional contexts. The phrase '掌握自己的命运' (zhǎngwò zìjǐ de mìngyùn - grasp one's destiny) reflects the belief in self-determination and control over one's future.
Memory Tip
Imagine a hand (掌) firmly holding a clock (握), symbolizing 'grasping time' or mastering your schedule. The hand represents control, and the clock signifies the ability to understand and master time management.
Meanings of 掌握
zhǎngwò(zhang3wo4)
1to grasp (often fig.)
2to control
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About 掌握
掌握Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1981Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 掌握
Podcast: 掌握
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AI Study Notes for 掌握
Quick Contrast
掌握 (zhǎngwò) vs 理解 (lǐjiě) — use 掌握 when emphasizing control and application of knowledge, while 理解 focuses on understanding without implying mastery.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a hand (掌) firmly holding a clock (握), symbolizing 'grasping time' or mastering your schedule. The hand represents control, and the clock signifies the ability to understand and master time management.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 掌握 with other verbs like 理解 (lǐjiě), which means to understand but lacks the connotation of control. This word is more formal and is often used in educational or professional settings. Common collocations include 掌握技能 (zhǎngwò jìnéng - master skills) and 掌握机会 (zhǎngwò jīhuì - seize opportunities).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 掌握 is important for students looking to express mastery over subjects or skills. It connects with other words at this level like 学会 (xuéhuì - learn to master) and 熟练 (shúliàn - proficient), focusing on fluency and control in language use.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of mastering skills is highly valued, especially in academic and professional contexts. The phrase '掌握自己的命运' (zhǎngwò zìjǐ de mìngyùn - grasp one's destiny) reflects the belief in self-determination and control over one's future.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 掌握 with 会 (huì), which simply means 'can' or 'know how to.' For example, saying '我会这门课' (Wǒ huì zhè mén kè - I can this subject) instead of '我掌握这门课' (Wǒ zhǎngwò zhè mén kè - I master this subject) misses the nuance of mastery.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 掌握
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Grammar Patterns of 掌握
掌握 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. It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
I'd seen it before in people who held immense power.
Cultural Notes for 掌握
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of mastering skills is highly valued, especially in academic and professional contexts. The phrase '掌握自己的命运' (zhǎngwò zìjǐ de mìngyùn - grasp one's destiny) reflects the belief in self-determination and control over one's future.
Frequently Asked Questions about 掌握
掌握 can refer to both knowledge and skills, indicating mastery or control over a subject.
While it's more common in formal contexts, you can use 掌握 in informal conversations to emphasize your proficiency in a topic.
掌握 implies a deeper level of mastery and control, while 熟悉 (shúxī) means to be familiar with something without necessarily having full command over it.
