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March 24, 2026
把手bǎshou(ba3shou5)
把手 (bǎ shǒu) refers to a handle or grip, often used for physical objects that require holding or maneuvering, such as doors or tools. In a broader context, it can also imply taking control of a situation or managing tasks effectively.
Frequency#9116DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of control and handling is significant in practices such as calligraphy and martial arts, where the grip on a brush or weapon determines the outcome of the art form.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong hand (手) gripping a door handle (把) firmly; the character 把 looks like a hand holding something. Picture this hand confidently opening a door to new opportunities, which reinforces the meaning of 'handle' and the pronunciation 'bǎ'.
Meanings of 把手
bǎshou(ba3shou5)
1handle
2grip
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About 把手
把手Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9116Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 把手
Podcast: 把手
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AI Study Notes for 把手
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong hand (手) gripping a door handle (把) firmly; the character 把 looks like a hand holding something. Picture this hand confidently opening a door to new opportunities, which reinforces the meaning of 'handle' and the pronunciation 'bǎ'.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 把手 with similar words for 'grip' or 'hold', such as 握, which focuses more on the action of holding rather than the object. This term is generally informal and often used in daily conversation to describe physical objects.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 把手 connects with other vocabulary related to control and management, such as 处理 (chǔlǐ, to handle) and 管理 (guǎnlǐ, to manage). Focus on its usage in commands and descriptions of physical objects to reinforce understanding.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of control and handling is significant in practices such as calligraphy and martial arts, where the grip on a brush or weapon determines the outcome of the art form.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 把手 to refer to the action of holding something instead of the object itself. For example, saying '我把手这个' (wǒ bǎ shǒu zhège) is incorrect; it should be '我握着这个' (wǒ wòzhe zhège) for 'I am holding this.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 把手
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Grammar Patterns of 把手
把手 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. It carries 3 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.
zhū dì bǎ shǒu shēn jìn tí bāo， ， ná chū yī zhāng xiǎo de yìn shuā chuán dān gěi。
Judy reached into her handbag and handed me a small printed leaflet.
Cultural Notes for 把手
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of control and handling is significant in practices such as calligraphy and martial arts, where the grip on a brush or weapon determines the outcome of the art form.
Frequently Asked Questions about 把手
Yes, 把手 can refer to various types of handles, but it is most commonly used for door handles, knobs, and similar objects.
把手 is generally informal and used in everyday conversation.
把手 refers to the object (the handle), while 握 focuses on the action of holding something.
