Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
握手wòshǒu(wo4shou3)
握手 (wò shǒu) means 'to shake hands', a common greeting gesture that signifies agreement or goodwill between people. It is often used in formal situations, business meetings, and when meeting someone for the first time to establish rapport.
Frequency#5189DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, a firm handshake during introductions is seen as a sign of confidence and respect. However, unlike in some Western cultures, the handshake may be gentler and accompanied by a slight bow.
Memory Tip
Imagine two people 'gripping' (握) hands to form a 'hand' (手) connection. Visualize a strong handshake, which helps you remember both the pronunciation 'wò shǒu' and the action it represents.
Meanings of 握手
wòshǒu(wo4shou3)
1to shake hands
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 握手
握手Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5189Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 握手
Podcast: 握手
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 握手
Quick Contrast
握拳 (wò quán) vs 握手 (wò shǒu): choose 握手 for the gesture of shaking hands, while 握拳 refers to making a fist, which conveys a different meaning.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine two people 'gripping' (握) hands to form a 'hand' (手) connection. Visualize a strong handshake, which helps you remember both the pronunciation 'wò shǒu' and the action it represents.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the tone; '握' is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone) and '手' with a rising tone (3rd tone). In informal contexts, people may just nod or wave instead of shaking hands, but in formal settings, a handshake is expected.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, students should focus on its usage in various contexts, such as business or social situations. Connecting it with other greeting-related vocabulary will enhance comprehension and fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, a firm handshake during introductions is seen as a sign of confidence and respect. However, unlike in some Western cultures, the handshake may be gentler and accompanied by a slight bow.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the tones, saying 'wō shǒu' instead of 'wò shǒu'. Another common mistake is not using a handshake at all in formal contexts, which can be seen as disrespectful.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 握手
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 握手 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 握手 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 握手
握手 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. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他们的____似乎是和解的表示。
Their handshake appeared to be a gesture of reconciliation.
Example Sentences for 握手 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他们的握手似乎是和解的表示。
tā mén de wò shǒu sì hū shì hé jiě de biǎo shì。
Their handshake appeared to be a gesture of reconciliation.
Bruce had scarcely shaken our hands when the phone rang.
8
她被告知要回绝掉那些握手软弱无力的申请者。
tā bèi gào zhī yào huí jué diào nà xiē wò shǒu ruǎn ruò wú lì de shēn qǐng zhě。
She was told to reject applicants with limp handshakes.
9
男人们喜欢他拍背握手的热情举动。
nán rén mén xǐ huān tā pāi bèi wò shǒu de rè qíng jǔ dòng。
Men love him for his hearty back-slapping and hand-shaking.
10
我和他握了一握手, 跟着愣了一下才过去吻我母亲.
wǒ hé tā wò le yī wò shǒu, , gēn zháo lèng le yī xià cái guò qù wěn wǒ mǔ.
I gave him my hand. After a moment of suspense, I went and kissed my mother.
Cultural Notes for 握手
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, a firm handshake during introductions is seen as a sign of confidence and respect. However, unlike in some Western cultures, the handshake may be gentler and accompanied by a slight bow.
Frequently Asked Questions about 握手
Use 握手 during formal greetings, especially in business settings or when meeting someone for the first time.
Yes, a firm but not overly strong grip with eye contact is preferred.
It’s less common among close friends, who may prefer hugs or casual greetings instead.
