Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'grasp' in Japanese, covering physical holding, understanding, and seizing opportunities.
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.
彼はペンを握った。
He grasped the pen.
手を握ってください。
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.
手すりをしっかり持ってください。
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.
彼は問題をすぐに理解した。
He grasped the problem immediately.
この概念を理解するのは難しい。
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.
状況を把握してください。
Please grasp the situation.
彼は要点を把握している。
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'.
To take advantage of an opportunity quickly and decisively.
The idiomatic verb for seizing opportunities, chances, or luck.
Literally 'not let escape', used to mean 'not miss' an opportunity. Often used as 'チャンスを逃さない'.
このチャンスを逃さないで。
Don't let this opportunity slip away. (Grasp it!)
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.
彼は私の手をしっかり握った。
He grasped my hand firmly.
その詩の意味を掴めなかった。
I couldn't grasp the meaning of the poem.
彼女はすぐに状況を把握した。
She quickly grasped the situation.
He grasped the rope.
チャンスを掴む。
To grasp an opportunity. (idiomatic)
To grasp the meaning.
コツを掴む。
To grasp the knack/trick.
I grasp what you want to say.
The grasp of the situation was delayed.