Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'grasp' in Japanese, covering physical holding, understanding, and seizing opportunities.
grasp (physically)
grasp an opportunity
To hold something firmly with your hand.
The most common verb for grasping something in your hand, like a handle, a hand, or an object.
He grasped the pen.
Please grasp my hand.
To grab or seize something, often with a sense of catching or taking hold of it. More forceful than 握る.
A phrase meaning 'to hold firmly'. Used when emphasizing a secure grip.
Please grasp the handrail firmly.
To comprehend or mentally grasp a concept, idea, or situation.
The standard verb for 'understand' or 'comprehend'. Suitable for most contexts.
To take advantage of an opportunity quickly and decisively.
The idiomatic verb for seizing opportunities, chances, or luck.
The manner or strength of holding something.
握る (nigiru) implies a steady, enclosing grip, like holding a pen or a hand. 掴む (tsukamu) implies a more active grabbing or seizing motion, often used for catching something or figuratively seizing an opportunity.
While 掴む can be used figuratively for understanding, it is not always natural. For general comprehension, use 理解する or 分かる. 把握する is best for grasping a situation or the big picture.
He grasped my hand firmly.
He grasped the rope.
To grasp an opportunity. (idiomatic)
He grasped the problem immediately.
It's difficult to grasp this concept.
To grasp or get a handle on a situation, often used for understanding the overall picture or details. Common in business contexts.
Please grasp the situation.
He grasps the main points.
Can also mean 'to grasp' in a figurative sense, like grasping the meaning or essence of something. Often used in set phrases.
The most common verb for 'understand'. Less formal than 理解する, but perfectly natural for everyday 'grasp'.
I grasp what you want to say.
Grasp the opportunity!
To grasp good fortune.
Literally 'not let escape', used to mean 'not miss' an opportunity. Often used as 'チャンスを逃さない'.
Don't let this opportunity slip away. (Grasp it!)
Grip strength, often used in physical contexts.
To train one's grasp/grip strength.
Can also mean 'grasp' as a noun in the sense of understanding or control, but more commonly used as a verb (する).
The grasp of the situation was delayed.
I couldn't grasp the meaning of the poem.
She quickly grasped the situation.