Translation guide
How to express the action of holding something tightly, fastening something, or the fastener itself in Japanese.
To grip or hold something firmly with your hand or fingers.
The most common verb for gripping something in your hand. Can be used for objects, hands, or abstract things like secrets.
She clasped the steering wheel tightly.
The child was clasping his mother's hand.
To grab or seize something, often with a sense of catching or taking hold. Slightly more forceful than 握る.
He clasped my arm.
To embrace or hug tightly. Used when clasping someone to your chest.
She clasped the child to her chest.
To close or secure something using a buckle, clip, or similar fastener.
A device for holding things together, such as a buckle, clip, or hook.
A metal clasp or fastener, often on bags, jewelry, or clothing.
The clasp on this bag is broken.
Loanword from English, used for specific types of clasps, especially in jewelry or accessories.
Specifically a buckle, like on a belt or bag strap.
To hold your own hands together, often in a gesture of prayer, pleading, or nervousness.
握る (nigiru) implies a steady, firm grip, like holding a steering wheel or a hand. 掴む (tsukamu) is more about grabbing or seizing, often with a sudden motion. For 'clasp' in the sense of holding tightly, 握る is usually more appropriate.
When referring to the action of fastening a clasp, use 留める (tomeru) or 締める (shimeru) depending on the object. Avoid direct translations like クラスプする, which is not natural Japanese.
I clasped the belt.
This necklace has a magnetic clasp.
ベルトのバックルが外れた。
The belt's clasp came undone.
She clasped her hands as if in prayer.