握にぎる

godan verb (-ru), transitive verb

hold the key; have the answer; be in control of

Abstract use: to possess crucial information, a solution, or decisive power over a situation. Often used in expressions like 鍵を握る or 秘密を握る.

• 彼かれが事じ件けんの鍵かぎを握にぎっている。

  He holds the key to the case.

• 社しゃ長ちょうが人じん事じ権けんを握にぎっている。

  The president holds the authority over personnel decisions.

godan verb (-ru), transitive verb

seize (power); take control of; dominate

Used for gaining and holding power, authority, or control over an organization, market, or situation. Common with nouns like 権力, 実権, 主導権.

• 軍ぐんがクーデターで政せい権けんを握にぎった。

  The military seized power in a coup.

• 彼かれは会かい社しゃの実じっ権けんを握にぎっている。

  He holds the real power in the company.

godan verb (-ru), transitive verb

form with hands; mold; make (rice ball, sushi)

Specifically for shaping something by pressing or rolling it in the hands, especially food items like nigirizushi or onigiri.

• 母ははは毎まい朝あさおにぎりを握にぎってくれる。

  My mother makes rice balls for me every morning.

• 寿す司し職しょく人にんがシャリを握にぎる。

  The sushi chef forms the rice.